Not familiar with Naturopathic Medicine?  Here are some answers to commonly asked questions:


What is a naturopathic doctor?
A naturopathic doctor is a graduate of a 4-year accredited naturopathic medical school, who is trained to focus great care on treating the whole person and on health restoration using a wide variety of natural treatments for acute and chronic diseases.


Are naturopathic doctors licensed?
Upon acquiring the degree of Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) from one of the board accredited schools, naturopathic physicians must pass a national and state level board examination in order to become licensed to practice naturopathic medicine. In addition, naturopathic physicians are subject to a review by a state board of examiners. As of 2008, the following states license NDs: Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon, Utah, Vermont and Washington as well as Washington, D.C.. In addition, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands have licensing laws. In those states not currently licensing NDs, naturopathic doctors may offer services from a consultative standpoint.

Is naturopathic medicine safe?
Naturopathic medicines tend to be non-toxic, natural source medicines and gentle, non-invasive treatments. Side effects are rare and NDs are knowledgeable about contraindications between naturopathic remedies and conventional medicines. In addition, NDs are trained to recognize conditions which are outside their scope of practice and refer to other health practitioners when it is appropriate to do so.

Is naturopathic medicine scientific?
Thousands of modern clinical studies have validated a variety of natural medicines used by NDs. Naturopathic schools encourage and facilitate research. At the National College of Natural Medicine, for example, the Helfgott Institute is dedicated to conducting clinical research on naturopathic modalities and submitting it into the professional literature, with current collaborations with OHSU, Kaiser, and other naturopathic schools. It is important to note that, since most naturopathic medicines are not patentable, manufacturers find little financial incentive to conduct costly scientific studies. Thus, funding from independent sources is a difficult and essential piece needed for scientific validation of naturopathic treatments. If you would like to donate to Helfgott, please visit their direct website at www.helfgott.org.

Does my health insurance plan cover naturopathic care?
It depends entirely on your plan.  While Dr. Smith does not currently contract with any health insurance companies, there are some major medical insurance companies who do cover naturopathic services from out-of-network providers.  For those with Cigna, PacificSource and ODS PPO plans, we are happy to courtesy bill as an out-of-network provider while you pay only the percentage your plan stipulates.  We provide all of our patients with the proper paperwork to submit on their own for direct reimbursement, if they choose.  Flexible spending accounts are also a wonderful way to work naturopathic services and supplements into your health care practice.  Make sure and use your allowance before the end of the year!  Most plans do not roll over.  If your insurance plan doesn't cover naturopathic medical services or services from out-of-network providers, please contact your insurance company and inform them of the need for naturopathic medical service coverage and the freedom to choose your own provider.