What is Integrative Medicine?
Integrative medicine combines the testing, interview and treatment techniques of both Naturopathic and Western medicine. It encompasses the philosophy of not only treating illness, but exploring and addressing the underlying causes of disease while respecting the uniqueness of each patient. I enjoy learning about the unique lives and experiences of each of my patients, and believe that a great health care is based on a long-term relationship built on mutual respect, trust, and collaboration.
My experience in medicine includes over two decades of working in varying roles in hospitals, long-term care facilities, home care, camps and even sailing ships. I have worked in health education as adjunct clinical faculty in the school of Naturopathic Medicine. I have acted as a bedside nurse, health care coordinator, and department charge nurse. I combine the knowledge and skill I have gained from many years of nursing with the holistic philosophy of Naturopathic Medicine to provide truly comprehensive, integrative care for my patients.
What ShouId I Expect at My Visits?
First office visits last approximately 45-50 minutes and include an extensive, in-depth interview, preliminary lab orders, an initial individualized protocol, and physical exam when needed. Follow up visits are approximately 30 minutes in length and include discussion of lab results and a further refined individualized protocol. Once a protocol has been initiated, periodic follow-up visits are scheduled to allow for re-evaluation of patient needs and to monitor progress. Referrals to collaborating providers or specialists are also made if required.
Acute care visits are available for established patients only. We recommend all patients have a separate primary care provider for annual exams and routine screenings.
All patients are required to use our patient portal to allow for confidential communication and billing. Intake forms are to be completed in the portal prior to first visits so that we can be best ready to address your most important health concerns.
What Conditions Do You Treat?
In our type of medicine, we don't treat conditions, we treat people. We are happy to help with any health challenges and illness that our patients may be experiencing. Common treatments include women's health, adjunct oncology care, stress support, healthy weight management, auto-immune disease support, and treatment of endocrine and metabolic disturbances. Depending upon the needs and preferences of the patient, treatment modalities may include nutritional counseling, nutrient and herbal supplementation, prescription medications, lifestyle interventions, and coordination of care through imaging and referrals.
Acute care visits can be provided for established patients if availability allows, and annual exams are done for established patients only.
Insurance, Billing, & One-Time Administrative Fee
We currently accept Aetna, Cigna, and most Anthem/Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance plans. Please note that after August 22, 2023, we will be considered out-of-network with Anthem/Blue Cross Blue Shield.
For patients with most other health care policies, we will often submit to your insurance for possible out-of-network coverage as a courtesy. Uninsured patients are responsible to pay at the time of the visit. For any questions about co-pays, deductibles, or coverage, please contact your insurance policy directly. We are happy to provide all of our out-of-network patients superbills for their visits, and HSA/FSA cards may be used to pay for visit costs, copays, and deductibles.
We are considered an "ordering and prescribing" provider for both Medicaid and Medicare. While those policies do not cover visit fees, we are able to order labs, testing, and medication for patients with those insurances. Secondary policies for Medicare vary in their coverage for visits. If you have questions about their coverage, please contact your insurance provider directly for more information.
Please note: Effective 1/25/23, there is a $75 one-time administrative fee for all patients scheduling their first visits. Much of the time we spend to provide you quality health care is not covered by insurance costs. This allows us to prepare for your visit and assure you the time and attention you deserve. Billing will be completed through the secure patient portal at the time your appointment is made.
For all patients, without exception, we require that a card of your choice be kept on file to be used for deductibles, copays, and non-covered services. All payments are made through a secure, HIPAA-compliant patient portal. You will be notified of any payments due and the card will be billed automatically after 24 hours.
We encourage all patients to call their health insurance providers PRIOR to their visit to understand what out-of-pocket expenses will be.