Frequently Asked Questions

Can you be my primary care physician?
Yes. I am licensed as a primary care physician in the state of Oregon. I can manage your health and prescribe and refer appropriately. I use herbal, homeopathic, and pharmaceutical medicines in a holistic way that is appropriate for your chronic and acute illnesses. Having a naturopath as an adviser for your overall health can save you time and money in the long run.

Do you work with other doctors?
Yes. I have a network of other doctors, acupuncturists, counselors, and massage therapists that I work with regularly.

Do you offer free consults?
I know that choosing a new doctor can be difficult. I am happy to offer free, 15-minute consults to any new patient.

How long does it take to get an appointment?
You can usually be scheduled within 1 to 2 weeks of making an inquiry.

What are your hours?
I see patients Tuesday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Do you have a cancellation policy?
I require 24-hour notice of the need to change or cancel an appointment. My missed appointment charge is $30.

Do you do long-distance phone consults?
To use all of my skills as a physician, it is important to meet you face-to-face. That said, there is a considerable amount of help that I can give you just over the phone in the form of an interview and a summary of research. I also can work with your local practitioner to get you moving toward optimal health.

Are you covered by my insurance?
Quite possibly. More and more insurance plans now cover office visits for naturopathic medicine. I am a participating provider with almost all of them, including Kaiser, ASH, Health Net, Providence, Aetna, Cigna, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, PacificCare, PacificSource, ODS, Oregon Medicaid (OHP Open Card), and United Healthcare.

Please note that not all of the plans from these companies cover naturopathic medicine. Many reimburse for office visits and some lab tests but not for nutritional supplements. If you call my office with your insurance information, we will take the time to call and verify your eligibility and the amount of your benefit.

Will you bill my insurance?
Yes. If you have a co-pay or are required to meet a deductible, we ask that you pay for those charges at the time of service.

Does Medicare cover your services?
No (although I wish it did). Naturopaths are excluded from Medicare coverage. If you have both Medicare and secondary coverage that includes naturopathic physicians, I am able to use my Medicare denial letter to bill your secondary payer.

Does Medicaid cover your services?
Yes. I am enrolled as a participating physician with Oregon’s Department of Human Services. If you have an “open card” or “OHP Plus,” your office visits will be covered. If you have a primary care physician listed on your card, you will need to get a referral to have my services covered.

What if I have no insurance? Do you have a payment plan?
Yes. All patients without insurance get a 35% Time of Service Discount. I am willing to work out a plan for you to make my services affordable if you have a real need. Read a detailed explanation of my charges for more information.

How much do visits cost?
After my 35% time of service discount for those without insurance, initial visits range from $75 to $200, depending on the complexity and length of the visit; return appointments range from $58 to $165. Because nothing in the medical industry is simple, I am not allowed to charge based only on time spent in the office. For a detailed explanation of how I determine the cost of each visit, please click here.

Do you take credit cards?
Yes. Visa and MasterCard only, please.

Do you take Worker’s Compensation or motor vehicle accident patients?
Yes and yes.

Do you have any programs for veterans?
I am a participating provider with the Returning Veterans Project. I offer free office visits to eligible veterans of the recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and their family members.

What will happen during the initial visit?
First, I want to hear your story and discuss with you how it relates to your health. Then we’ll create a custom step-by-step process for you that includes the right combination of alternative and conventional approaches to enable you to achieve your mental, emotional, and physical goals. The process begins with a comprehensive assessment of the functions of at least 13 different body systems, followed by a targeted treatment that includes periodic re-assessments.

Do you sell vitamins and supplements?
Yes. I carry the Apex line of nutritional supplements in the office. My patients can order most other prescribed supplements via Emerson Ecologics (a professional wholesaler) at a 15% discount. Learn more about my pricing philosophy for supplements sold out of my clinic.

Are naturopaths licensed physicians?
Yes. Oregon law licenses naturopaths as primary care physicians, and we are legally able to order laboratory tests and prescribe pharmaceuticals.

How are naturopathic physicians educated?
To become a licensed naturopathic physician, one must complete undergraduate premedical course work and then complete a four-year naturopathic medical school program. Post-graduation, a candidate for licensure must sit for three days of national board exams and the appropriate exams for the state of residence. A select few naturopathic graduates apply for and complete 1-year to 2-year residency programs. More details about naturopathic medicine can be found throughout this site and by following our links for the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians and other organizations.