FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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DO YOU TAKE INSURANCE?

No.​

Naturopathic medicine visits are cash pay. Payment is due at the time of our visit. Many patients pay for visits using funds from a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flex Spending Account (FSA). 

Side note: Insurance companies in the State of Minnesota do not currently recognize naturopathic doctors as billable providers. In order to advocate for change around this, please contact your local legislators and insurance commissioner.  Additionally, please consider joining the Minnesota Association of Naturopathic Physicians and becoming a Supporting Member, to stay informed about opportunities to get more engaged. 

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WHAT WILL MY FIRST NATUROPATHIC APPOINTMENT BE LIKE?

Prior to our first visit, we will send you an intake and consent form, which needs to be completed prior to our scheduled appointment. For those unable to complete the forms online, paper copies canbe obtained by contacting hello@mplsimc.com.

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The first visit usually lasts about 90 minutes. During this time we will review your intake, and gather more information about your health concerns, as well as other parts of your life and history that are relevant to your health.  At the end of our visit, we will provide a plan that outlines the following:

• Recommended tests

• Diet/Nutritional guidance

• Recommended supplementation

• Other recommended support/referrals

Follow-ups generally take place 4-6 weeks after our first visit (for chronic health complaints), and biannually for those wanting preventative care without any health complaints. 

Follow-ups can be done in person, by phone or video, and last between 30-60 minutes, depending on complexity.

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DO YOU ORDER LAB TESTS?

I use various diagnotic tools, including: physical exam findings, conventional and functional diagnostic lab tests and imaging, and Chinese Medicine diagnostic tools (pulse, tongue, odor, sight, sound). At our first visit, we will discuss which tests may be appropriate for you. Prospective patients have asked if we can give them a list of tests to run before our first visit - I cannot do this without seeing you in person and discussing your history first. 

 

Examples of tests we may consider when consulting with a patient include the following:

• Blood work (including inflammatory, endocrine and cardiometabolic markers)

• Serum testing for dietary triggers of inflammation (IgG4-mediated)

• Comprehensive Stool Analysis to evaluate microbiome/pathogens

• Organic Acid Testing

• Urinary Pyrroles Testing

• Genomic variants/SNPs

• Methylation testing

• Serum, Salivary and/or Urine Hormone Testing

• Salivary Cortisol/HPA/Adrenal Testing

• Urinary Mycotoxins

• Blood & Urinary heavy metals testing

• Environmental Toxin Testing

• Ultrasound, X-ray, MRI and CT Scan

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WHAT THERAPIES DO YOU USE?

We take the time to listen to you and your body's unique needs, in order to understand what therapies are best for healing. We aim to be open-minded about what each person needs, whether that is a therapy we offer or something requiring a referral to another provider. We believe the body is always evolving, and thus therapies need to evolve with the body's needs. Below is a list of therapies wee consider when working with individuals.​

• Diet & Nutrition

• Focused nutrient supplementation

• Western Herbal Medicine 

• Acupuncture

• Chinese Herbal Medicine 

• Homeopathy

• Flower Essences

• Exercise & Movement

• Hydrotherapy

• Biotherapeutic Drainage

• LENS Neurofeedback**

• Holistic Pelvic Care

• Mayan Abdominal Massage**

• IV Therapy

**These are therapies we do not provide - referrals to providers who offer these are provided as a part of a treatment plan.

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CAN YOU PRESCRIBE PHARMACEUTICALS?

I cannot currently prescribe pharmaceuticals in the State of Minnesota. I'm happy to collaborate with prescribing providers to meet your healthcare needs, whether it's to ensure you are:

• Not taking supplements or herbal formulas that interfere with the efficacy of your medications

• Supplementing deficiencies that result from taking medications

• Increasing the benefit you receive from your medications.