Question 1

WHAT CAN I EXPECT AT MY FIRST VISIT?

Accepted Answer

Your initial consult is  2-3 hours long and we ask that you complete your new client intake forms at least 48 hours before your appointment.
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Before you arrive for your first visit, Dr. Becca will have already reviewed your new client intake forms and will be familiar with your main health concerns. Dr. Becca will take a thorough health history, including family history, past medical history, current symptoms, medications and supplements, diet, lifestyle, exercise habits, sleep habits, and stress and energy levels. She will ask a lot of questions, and you will do most of the talking. It is her priority to create a safe space for you to explore your health. Dr. Becca may recommend certain labs in order to further investigate your health concerns. At the end of the appointment, Dr. Becca will recommend a thorough wellness plan likely including foundational nutrition and lifestyle recommendations, nutritional supplementation, and herbal therapies.

Question 2

HOW MUCH WILL MY VISIT COST?

Accepted Answer

The initial appointment is 2-3 hours long and costs $550.
 
The cost of follow-ups are billed in 15-minute increments based on an hourly rate of $250. If you have financial related time constraints please communicate this when you schedule your follow-up appointment. 
 
The cost of supplements or laboratory tests are not included in the cost of the visit. The cost for each lab test varies and will be discussed before they are ordered. Dr. Becca is mindful about these additional costs and will not recommend any unnecessary tests. That being said, if you have financial constraints, Dr. Becca will help prioritize and limit the amount of testing.

Question 3

DO YOU ACCEPT INSURANCE?

Accepted Answer

Due to the lack of licensure in the state of Indiana we are unable to accept insurance at this time. However, supplement and visit costs may be reimbursed through health savings accounts (HSA) or flexible spending accounts (FSA). It is helpful to call your insurance provider for more specific information.

Question 4

CAN YOU BE MY PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER (PCP)?

Accepted Answer

Dr. Becca maintains an active medical license in the state of Vermont, but cannot act as your PCP in Indiana due to the lack of licensure. It is required that you continue regular care with your PCP (MD, DO, NP, PA) to receive diagnosis and treatment while receiving adjunctive care from Dr. Becca.

Question 5

CAN YOU WORK WITH MY OTHER HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Dr. Becca believes that anyone can benefit from having a health team and encourages communication between providers. Upon request and with your consent, Dr. Becca can share lab results, wellness plans, and chart notes, and discuss your case with your other providers. Dr. Becca will also complete any necessary referrals to specialists when indicated.

Question 6

HOW ARE LICENSED NATUROPATHIC DOCTORS DIFFERENT FROM TRADITIONAL/UNLICENSED NATUROPATHS?

Accepted Answer

Licensed naturopathic doctors have completed a 4-year, in-resident, doctoral level medical program and have completed the rigorous, 3-day NPLEX licensing board exams. They are regulated at the state level to practice naturopathic medicine. State mandated regulatory bodies oversee standards of practice, complaints, and discipline for all licensed jurisdictions.
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In some states with laws regulating naturopathic doctors, the use of the term “naturopath” or “naturopathic physician/doctor” by anyone other than a licensed naturopathic doctor is prohibited. However, not all states regulate naturopathic doctors and not all states that do protect the term “naturopath.”
 
In pre-licensed states, like Indiana, anyone can call themselves a naturopathic doctor, regardless of their education. Therefore, unlicensed naturopaths, or traditional naturopaths, can have varied levels of education and experience, often from a purely online or correspondence format. Such education is not accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and does not qualify students to take the NPLEX examination or apply for licensure in any regulated jurisdiction in North America. To learn more about licensure in Indiana visit inanp.org.

As a client, you should also know that the terms “naturopathic doctor”, “naturopathic physician” and “naturopath” are often used interchangeably by medical practitioners in other disciplines and the public, even though unlicensed naturopaths do not have the same training or privileges.
 
Knowing the difference between licensed naturopathic doctors and unlicensed naturopaths can help you make informed decisions about which type of provider can best help you.
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Dr. Becca maintains a license from the state of Vermont because Indiana does not yet offer licensure. Dr. Becca has completed both an accredited medical school program and NPLEX board exams. 
Adapted from naturopathic.org