Practical / Logistics
1. Do you take insurance? While I don’t currently take insurance, I am in the process of credentialing with Premera and Regence in Washington state. I will not be credentialing with any other insurance providers at this time. I am happy to provide a superbill to you after every visit that you can submit to your health insurance. I also take FSA and HSA. I do not take PIP or Workers Compensation claims at this time.
2. What is the cost of a visit? Please see my fees here.
3. Do you see Medicare patients? Naturopathic physicians as a whole are not currently recognized Medicare providers. All Medicare patients will need to pay out of pocket for their care. I’ll provide a superbill for any visits we have, but Medicare does not cover naturopathic services, so reimbursement through Medicare isn’t available.
4. What happens if I need labs or imaging as a Medicare patient? Medicare patients will need to have a primary care provider in order to get labs and imaging covered, as naturopathic physicians cannot order labs or imaging for Medicare patients directly. I’m happy to let you know what labs or imaging I think would be helpful for your care, and you can bring that information to your primary care provider to have them place the actual order.
5. Can you work alongside my other doctors? I am happy to collaborate with your providers to ensure you get the best care possible.
6. Do you see patients as a primary care physician? While naturopathic physicians are licensed to serve as primary care providers in Washington state, I’m not currently taking on any primary care patients, as I only see patients on Saturdays and don’t feel that’s enough availability to properly serve as anyone’s full-time primary care doctor. I am happy to collaborate with your primary care provider.
7. Do you offer telehealth/phone visits? Yes, please note: as I am only licensed in Washington state I am unable to provide care to any patients who are located outside of Washington state, even if they are only on vacation outside of the state.
8. What if I need to cancel or reschedule? Please see my cancellation policy here.
9. Where are you located, and what are your hours? I am an independent provider located at Vitae Health Center, 16521 13th Ave W, Suite 107 Lynnwood, WA 98037.
I work on Saturdays with appointments available between 9am and 5pm.
About Care / Approach
10. What’s the difference between a massage visit and a naturopathic medicine visit — do I need both? Massage visits will focus solely on any massage needs you may have, including pain, injury, structural complaints, relaxation needs, and abdominal massage. A naturopathic medicine visit will focus on other complaints including thyroid issues, gastrointestinal issues, metabolic issues, etc. Many times I will recommend medical massage for naturopathic issues, and many times I will have massage patients do further naturopathic investigation and treatment to help alleviate the root cause of their complaints.
11. What conditions do you specialize in? I specialize in chronic health conditions including: pain, endometriosis and other pelvic conditions, thyroid issues, metabolic issues such as pre-diabetes and insulin resistance, asthma and allergies, eczema, and gastrointestinal complaints.
12. Do you see children? What ages? I see children of all ages. It would be an honor to work as an adjunct to your child’s care, though, for things like massage, asthma, allergies, or gastrointestinal complaints.
13. Do you see men, or do you only treat women’s health issues? I do see men in my practice for conditions such as chronic pain, metabolic conditions, thyroid issues, and allergies.
14. What can I expect at my first visit? Before your first visit I will ask that you fill out your intake form to the best of your ability, as well as upload any recent lab work or imaging you have had done. I will go over all of the paperwork and will use that information to get a better sense of your health journey to this point. In our first visit, which will be 60 minutes either in-person or online, we will talk through the intake form and work together on your case to create a mutually agreed upon treatment plan. In the next few days you can expect to see your official treatment plan, any referrals for lab work or imaging, and your superbill.
15. Do you prescribe medication or only natural remedies? As a licensed naturopathic physician in Washington state I am able to prescribe the vast majority of pharmaceutical drugs (excluding certain medications), and if I deem them medically necessary for your care I will prescribe them if needed. I was taught in school that “naturopathic medicine is whatever it takes” to help the patient in the least harmful/invasive way possible, and sometimes that includes pharmaceutical medications. I also prescribe food, botanical medicine, exercise, and supplements.
Patient Fit
16. I’ve seen a lot of doctors already and haven’t gotten answers — how is this different? Naturopathic physicians are taught to look at the whole patient. With this framework we will look not just at the specific condition bringing you into the office, but also at your overall picture. With this broader picture we can often see places where you are being stressed and what the actual root of your issue may be coming from. I pride myself on listening to my patients and their concerns, and work as a collaborative teammate rather than an authoritarian figure who doesn’t have the time to answer questions or consider other avenues of approach the patient feels will better serve them.
17. Do you require blood work or diagnostic testing before treatment? No, although many times our visit will uncover places where more information such as blood work would be helpful, and I will often refer you to your local lab for blood work.
18. Do you accept tips? As a physician I do not accept tips. I do, however, accept referrals!
19. What should I wear / how much do I need to undress? You will be asked to undress to your comfort level during your massage, and I will step out of the room whenever you are dressing or undressing. If you prefer not to fully disrobe please wear undergarments or close fitting sports-type clothing you don’t mind getting oil on.
20. Will draping be used? Yes. I use precise draping techniques to help provide a sense of privacy/security at all times for massage patients. If you have any specific concerns or questions around draping please bring it up in your intake with me before the massage.
21. Do I need to shower beforehand? Please be freshly showered or bathed before your massage visit.
22. What if a certain area is too sensitive/painful to work on? I work very closely with patients in regards to the pressure I use, especially on sensitive and painful areas, and I make sure to listen not only to the patient’s words, but the patient’s body as well.