Appointments

Naturopathic Doctor Phoenix AZ

Please use our short below to ask a question or request an appointment.

FAQs

What is Naturopathic Medicine?

Naturopathic doctors (NDs/NMDs) are trained in natural healing modalities that facilitate self-healing. The philosophy of naturopathic medicine stems from Hippocratic teaching more than 2,000 years ago: Vis medicatrix naturae — nature is the healer of all. The training of a naturopath combines evidence-based medicine with time tested alternative medicine. This integrative approach is perfect for the patient who wants guidance in reversing their chronic disease, which is currently being managed by medications.

Naturopaths experience the same four years of basic bio-medical science training as that of allopathic practice; however, in addition, they learn to treat patients using natural modalities such as Regenerative medicine, clinical nutrition, herbal medicine, acupuncture, and Hormone Replacement Therapy. They choose a treatment based on the individual patient, not based on the diagnosis.

What is the difference between an NMD and an MD

NMD’s in the state of Arizona are licensed as primary care doctors and have full prescription rights. Therefore, we can easily work with your regular physician in managing your health care. We are contracted with labs such as Sonora Quest to do your blood work which can be covered by your insurance. In addition, we use specialty labs that help us investigate into the cause of your condition, such as functional genetic testing, 24 hour urine tests for hormones and organic acids, and neurotransmitter testing. These allow us to uncover previously unknown culprits behind your symptoms and disease process. Often times, our patients have had some blood work and a diagnoses established by their MD, but are unsatisfied with the extent of treatment, which is management of symptoms only. By finding the cause and treating that, the body will be able to reach a new state of health once the offenses have been eliminated.

What is the difference between a naturopathic doctor and a Nutritionist?

The training to be a nutritionist is varied and can be done in a weekend as an online course or in a few years. In addition, they are not trained or licensed to diagnose and treat disease. Naturopathic doctors attend 4 year graduate medical schools and receive medical training in diagnosis, conventional and alternative treatments. Therefore, naturopaths are more qualified to provide nutritional guidance for your particular diagnosis or symptoms. Naturopathic nutrition is very different than what is offered through nutritionists and mainstream media.

I’d like to learn more before I make an appointment. What is the best way to do this?

If you have never seen a naturopathic doctor before, and are a little unsure of what to expect you can fill out the appointment request form appointment request form and a response will be sent to you within the next business day.

What is the first office visit like?

The goal of the first visit is to start uncovering the underlying cause of your illness, to understand you as an individual, and to see which kind of testing you may need. An initial visit lasts up to 75 minutes.

How often will I need to come back for follow-up visits?

Following your progress after your initial visit is an essential part of your treatment plan. As your body heals, often modifications and adjustments need to be made to your naturopathic plan. The only way to effectively do this is through regular follow-up appointments. On average follow-up visits are once a month for 30 minutes.

Can I still see my MD?

Yes. Licensed naturopathic physicians serve as a bridge between conventional and alternative treatments because we are trained to understand drug-herb interactions and when conventional testing is needed.

Does Insurance cover naturopathic medicine?

Most insurance companies do not cover naturopathic medicine. We are out of network with United Health. We also accept HSA and FSA. Patients find they end up spending less money over time due to decreased use of copays and medications. Management of symptoms becomes expensive, as does being diagnosed with a chronic degenerative disease such as cancer. The goal of naturopathic medicine is to prevent degeneration and to reverse the disease so that the symptoms no longer need to be managed by medications and hospital visits.

Appointment Types

Initial Visit: The initial visit lasts 75 minutes and is needed to fully understand your medical history in order to know which testing needs to be done to explore the cause of your symptoms.

Acute Visit: Acute office visits are also available for established patients to address illnesses such as a cold, flu, an ear infection, diarrhea, etc. Come in for a short focused visit for personalized natural health recommendations.

Follow-up Visits: Following your progress after your initial visit is an essential part of your treatment plan. As your body heals, often modifications and adjustments need to be made to your naturopathic plan. The only way to effectively do this is through regular follow-up appointments. On average follow-up visits are once a month for 30 minutes.

Telephone Consultations: For patients who do not want to come in or live far away, telephone appointments are available. Telephone appointments may not be possible in all situations.

Cancellation Policy & refunds: There will be a $75 charge for appointments that are not cancelled 24 hours in advance. No refunds are given for office visits already taken by a patient.