Frequently Asked Questions
Need help? Be sure to visit our support forums for answers to your questions! On this page you can find answers to frequently asked questions. If you do not see the solution to your problem please contact us.
Do you accept my health insurance?
Because the state of Michigan does not license Naturopathic Physicians we are not able to accept insurance. We can accept Health Saving Accounts or Flexible Spending Accounts as forms of payments. Currently the Michigan Association of Naturopathic Physicians have a bill for licensure and are working to get it passed.
I can’t afford your fees, is there still a way I can have access to Holistic Medicine?
Unfortunately at this time we do not have a sliding scale available. We do have seminars and talks regularly in the community. This allows for free or low cost interaction with our doctors to help learn skills to improve your health.
Are you accepting new patients?
Yes, just give our office a call at anytime to schedule a new patient visit. You can also schedule online using my online scheduler.
If I see you, do I need to see my MD or DO?
No, because the state of Michigan does not recognize Naturopathic Physicians as licensed health professionals, I am unable to perform physical exams, order routine lab work, and diagnose disease. Therefore, I will at times refer you back to your family doctor or recommend you sign up for one if you do not have one.
Do you work collaboratively with other healthcare providers?
Yes, my practice is set up to complement conventional medicine so that I’m part of your health care team. I consult with and refer between many different healthcare providers (MDs, DOs, DCs, OTs, MSWs, and etc.).
What type of education and training do naturopathic physicians have?
Naturopathic physicians are trained as primary health care practitioners and receive a doctorate degree from four-year accredited Naturopathic Medical colleges. A four-year bachelor’s degree is required to enter the program. Specific pre-medical courses in the basic sciences are required such as biology, chemistry, physics, and etc. The basic courses taken in the first two years of naturopathic medical school are similar to those taken in conventional medical and chiropractic programs including anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, histology, embryology, psychology, pathology, neuroanatomy, microbiology, immunology, pharmacology, radiology, clinical and physical diagnosis, laboratory diagnosis, and evidence based medicine. There are also courses in cardiology, gynecology, obstetrics, diagnostic imaging, minor surgery, pediatrics, geriatrics, environmental medicine, EENT, endocrinology, dermatology, neurology, proctology, oncology, urology, medical genetics, counseling, and stress management.
What is naturopathic medicine?
Naturopathic training is unique in that it teaches pharmacology and the role of conventional medicine, but the focus is on natural alternatives that can be used to improve health and wellness. There are a plethora of natural therapeutics taught at naturopathic medical schools including nutrition, diet, botanical or herbal medicine, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, massage, naturopathic manipulative therapies, physiotherapy, and doctor patient relations. The clinic training occurs over the last 2 years of medical college under the supervision of a licensed naturopathic doctor, medical doctor, or chiropractic doctor. During this two-year period, clinical rotations are performed in hydrotherapy and massage, naturopathic medicine, laboratory services, and women’s healthcare at the various clinical sites. This provides the students with a vast exposure to variety of conditions and techniques in naturopathic patient care.