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Frequently Asked Questions

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What can I expect from an appointment with you?- My approach to medicine is in individualized and collaborative care. There is no one-size-fits-all cure. In order to see results, we will need to work together to get to the root cause of health issues. - I accept people of all ages, shapes, colors, gender and sexual identifications and backgrounds. My practice is a safe space, and I will always do my best to make you feel safe. - I practice a trauma-informed and body-positive model of care. - You can expect transparency when working with me. I will always let you know when I don’t have the answer, get back to you when I have done the research or provide you with a reference when cases are outside of my current limitations.
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Why do you do what you do?- I believe healthcare is a human right and that everyone deserves to experience radical health. - I want to shift the current health paradigm toward sustainable wellness. - I believe in the innate healing power that lies within each of our bodies. - I also believe in you and your ability to take charge of your health.
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Are naturopathic treatments effective and when can I expect to see results?- Yes! Naturopathic medicine is effective, gentle and truly healing. - Most of my patients see results and will start feeling better within the first month of treatment. However, full restoration of health will take time. I like to see new patients every 4-6 weeks to start and then less frequently, depending on needs. - We are very conditioned in modern times to want fast results and change. It’s important to remember that health issues often develop over years and most people seek care when they can no longer ignore symptoms that are affecting their daily life. If we truly want to heal, we need to be patient and willing to shed the multiple layers that brought us to where we are today. - It might take trial and error. We are all unique, and we all respond to treatments differently. We may have to try a few approaches before finding what works best for you!
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Do you offer primary care?- Routine primary care visits require a lot of “health maintenance” checkoffs, which are important but not necessarily where my time will be best spent working with you. I shine in preventative medicine and health optimization and prefer to focus our interactions on ways in which you can take charge of your health. - I absolutely encourage all my patients to establish primary care with a rockstar physician for their health maintenance and annual check-ups in addition to working with me. - I am happy to work with your PCP so that your healthcare plan is streamlined. If you do not currently have a PCP, I would be happy to help you find one in your area.
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Do you use pharmaceuticals?While I am licensed in the state of Oregon to use pharmaceuticals and certainly believe there is a time and a place for their use, I prefer to use more gentle therapies with my patients when possible. That being said, I will always refer patients/clients in cases where pharmaceuticals are necessary to ensure that their health is never at risk.
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Do you take insurance?- I do not bill insurance directly. For Portland, OR in-office visits, I am happy to offer a superbill upon request (breakdown of charges with treatment codes). The superbill can be submitted to the claims department of your insurance company. - Patients/clients are also welcome to pay with HSA/FSA cards. - If you are interested in learning more about why “cash pay” makes sense for patients as well as practitioners, please read this article. - I put my heart and soul into helping patients and often spend several hours outside of visits doing research or consulting with other physicians to ensure that my patients are receiving the most up-to-date medical information and care. My value is seen in my work. With that said, I do recognize that my prices may be out of reach for many people. To ensure I am inclusive to all populations and individuals in need of quality healthcare, I practice one day per month on a sliding scale. Please contact me directly if you would like to be considered for this option.
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What is your cancellation policy?It’s very difficult to fill last minute cancellations. Kindly, give 48 hours notice if you wish to cancel your appointment. Cancellations made with less than 48 hours notice will incur a $250 cancellation fee for new client/patient appointments and a $125 cancellation fee for follow-up appointments.
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Are you going to tell me I can’t eat anything I love?- I do NOT believe there is one right diet. We are all unique individuals with different body constitutions, needs and relationships with food. All of which is important to consider when working on someone's diet and nutritional needs. - I believe that food is a source of pleasure and an expression of love, culture, ancestral lineage and should be enjoyed fully. I also know from my extensive medical training in human physiology, biochemistry and nutrition that eating a whole-foods based diet rich in fruits and vegetables is essential to obtain all the vitamins and minerals our body requires to function properly. With that being said, I will always work with you to establish a plan that is realistic and comfortable for you at that current time.
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Why do I need supplements if I am eating a great diet?In a perfect world, we would be able to get all of the nutrients and minerals we need from a good diet. Unfortunately, our environment is becoming increasingly toxic and our soil is very depleted. The food we are eating, even if organic, is no longer dense in the nutrients our bodies require. Some supplements I believe are good to take regularly to maintain a healthy foundation, and some are only needed to address acute conditions.
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Why does supplement brand matter?- A common scenario is a patient coming into the office with a bag full of supplements saying that none are working. There is truth to this! Americans are now spending $17 billion a year on supplements, but the problem is they are not getting their money’s worth. People often look for supplements at big chain discount stores or drug stores, and these tend to be cheaper and consequently poorer in quality or lacking any benefit entirely. The truth is not all supplements are created equal. - If you are going to invest in your health, quality is key. The supplements I recommend are the highest quality, which come from companies with production practices I have vetted and know to be trustworthy. I recognize that the price of high quality supplements can be very hard on the budget, so I will always help prioritize what would be the best value for your budget.
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