FAQ

We do not bill insurance, Medicare or Medicaid and cannot accept any insurance as a form of payment.

Many new and prospective patients have asked why we do not bill insurance directly when other health care providers do. We fully understand the financial challenge this presents to some patients. Unfortunately, at this time, it is not feasible for us to participate in the insurance networks (and many Colorado insurance companies do not allow naturopathic doctors to participate).

Insurance companies determine which services doctors are able to provide and how much they can charge for those services. In general, insurance companies are not focused on preventive or wellness services. They are heavily invested in the conventional model of health care that relies on drugs, procedures and surgeries – and that's what they're willing to pay for. As doctors who practice natural medicine, we are firmly committed to prevention, wellness and non-invasive solutions to health problems. Our goal is to address the underlying causes of your symptoms with specific nutritional and lifestyle recommendations — interventions that are generally not reimbursed by insurance companies.

Furthermore, the staff, time and equipment required for processing and tracking insurance claims substantially adds to a clinic's overhead costs. Most doctors and clinics cope with these requirements by keeping their office visits very brief, so that they can see as many patients as possible within a given time frame. Simply stated, we cannot participate in the insurance networks while still providing the time-intensive and personalized care that we do.

Although we do not bill insurance directly, most patients with Health Savings Accounts (HSA) or Flex Spending Accounts (FSA) can use their respective cards to pay for services, lab tests and supplements through our office.

Recovery depends on many factors such as your diagnosis, how long you've been sick and the complexity of your case. Some people have a genetic predisposition that makes healing more difficult. Nutrient deficiencies, environmental toxicities or a history of infections are other obstacles that can prolong a person's sickness. Another important factor is your ability to commit to your treatment plan and make the necessary lifestyle changes. Many people notice better digestion, more energy and better sleep within weeks. Other symptoms can take longer to go away. It is important to remember that your illness did not develop overnight and that real healing takes time. We will discuss your follow-up plan with you and set realistic expectations for a treatment timeline.

In the State of Colorado, we cannot prescribe or discontinue prescription medications for our patients. As your health improves, you may require a smaller dose of your medications or be able to discontinue them altogether under the guidance of your prescribing physician. Some people may need to remain on their medications depending on their condition. With your permission, we will collaborate with your physician to manage your care.

Yes. Even though there are many interactions between medications, herbs, nutrients and lifestyle changes, we are thoroughly trained to understand these interactions. We carefully review your medical history and all of the medications you are taking before selecting treatments for you.

Naturopathy is a system of medicine that prioritizes natural, non-invasive therapies to treat the root causes of disease. Homeopathy is a separate, distinct system of medicine that uses highly-diluted substances called remedies to stimulate the body's natural ability to heal. Naturopathic doctors are trained in the use of homeopathy as a natural therapy.

NDs attend a 4-year, accredited naturopathic medical school. They receive training in the basic sciences such as anatomy, physiology, histology, genomics, biochemistry, pathology, immunology and microbiology.

Naturopathic doctors are trained in clinical sciences such as pharmacology, gastroenterology, cardiology, neurology, orthopedics, pediatrics, gynecology, psychiatry, dermatology and minor surgery, plus all aspects of diagnosis using labs, imaging (x-ray, CT, MRI, ultrasound) and physical examination.

A naturopathic doctor completes an internship with over 1,100 hours of patient care and takes rigorous two-part board exams to become licensed or registered by a state or Canadian province. Some naturopathic doctors obtain board certification in the areas of oncology or pediatrics.

NDs speak and understand the language of conventional medicine, but they have a broader set of tools and insights to offer their patients. Naturopathic medical education places a greater emphasis on healthy lifestyles, natural therapies and disease prevention, and less emphasis on pharmaceutical therapy. NDs also learn therapies such as Chinese medicine, physical medicine, counseling and homeopathy. Conventional medical school curriculum is based heavily on drug or surgery treatments, with few or no courses offered in nutrition or botanical medicine.

Where NDs differ greatly from MDs is in their philosophy and treatment approach. Naturopathic doctors correct the underlying disturbances that are contributing to a person's illness rather than only suppressing symptoms. NDs prioritize gentle, non-invasive therapies first and use drug treatments or surgery referrals only when necessary. Prevention is paramount to naturopathic practice; instead of waiting for disease to surface, NDs work to intervene before it happens. Naturopathic doctors are known for spending a considerable amount of time with their patients, which is in contrast to the short appointments that are common in the conventional setting.

With all of their similarities and differences, both conventional and naturopathic medicine play important roles in our health care system, and both have strengths and limitations.

In the State of Colorado, naturopathic doctors are not considered licensed primary care physicians. Rather, they are registered as complementary care providers. Therefore we recommend that you maintain a relationship with your personal physician or other licensed primary care provider for your basic health care needs.

We treat adults and children ages 2 and older. We require that you maintain a relationship with a licensed physician or pediatric health care provider to oversee your child's primary health care needs.

We recognize that many people who seek our help do not live near Broomfield, and we want to help as many people as possible. Depending on your health concerns, we are happy to offer online or phone consultations.