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Frequently Asked Questions

Is your name really Dr. Doctor?

Yes! I was born Deanna Doctor and I am part of many generations of the Doctor family name. I have heard Dr. Doctor jokes my whole life and now I really get to make people's days when I tell them I actually am Dr. Doctor :)  I hope it has made your day too.

What should I expect at my office visits?

Your first visit will be longer than your follow-ups. During this visit we will discuss your whole health picture including your medical history and details about your current symptoms or diagnoses. I will also perform any indicated physical exams that may be helpful in diagnosis or guiding a treatment plan. We will then create a treatment plan that works for you. Your follow up visits will address any changes you are experiencing or any new problems that arise since the last visit. We may also choose to address different complaints at different visits so that each concern gets adequate time and attention. 

I often like to include bodywork (ie. massage therapy, visceral manipulation, auriculotherapy) in almost every visit, with the permission of the patient and as long as time permits. Bodywork-only (ie. 1 hr massage) visits can also be booked, but a full-length Initial Visit is recommended first.

Homeopathy-only visits involve very detailed intakes and may run as long as 2 hours, depending on how complicated the case is.  You may book a homeopathy-only visit without an Initial Visit before it. Follow up homeopathy visits are typically much shorter. 

Do you take insurance?

I do not accept insurance at this time. Often times insurance restrictions lead to physicians spending less time with their patients and sticking to treatments that they know insurance will cover or reimburse rather than the therapies that are truly needed for proper healing. Without working through insurance, there is more freedom to take the time and use the therapies that truly, deeply, and genuinely heal.  I also spend ample time outside of your office visit working on your case and performing any further research necessary in order to provide you the best care at your follow ups. This type of detail would not be covered by insurance companies. I believe you deserve the best care that we both (doctor and patient) decide is right for you, not what the insurance company decides.

 

Additionally, taking the leap into the natural healing process is not just a decision, it is also a commitment.  Paying out of pocket is an extremely powerful factor in holding yourself accountable to your commitments to a healthier, happier, and freer life!

 

That being said, a superbill may be printed for patients to submit to their insurance companies for any possible reimbursements. Reimbursements are not guaranteed.

Are you a Primary Care Physician?

Although I have been trained to fulfill the primary care role, I do not practice as a primary care physician. I will gladly work adjunctively to your primary care provider and offer highly specialized naturopathic care and lifestyle counseling.

don't live in your area. Do you do telemedicine or FaceTime appointments?

I am currently working on setting up a HIPAA compliant telemedicine system for video-call appointments for those out of state! Please keep in mind that if I have not had an in-office appointment with you at my Oregon location, I cannot diagnose or treat you. I may only consult with you, help you understand your lab results and diagnoses [made by your doctor], and discuss healthy lifestyle considerations as well as therapies that are often shown to work in similar cases. If you live in a state that is licensed for naturopathic medicine, I may not be able to consult with you. Please email me to inquire.

What is the difference between a naturopathic doctor (ND) and a conventional medical doctor (MD)?

Both doctorates are received upon completion of a 4 year medical program (and previous 4 year undergraduate program and prerequisites). In addition to the standard medical curriculum, naturopathic doctors are also educated in botanical medicine, nutrition, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, bodywork, and counseling. The naturopathic curriculum includes 2 years of clinical training. Final licensing requires the passing of 2 sets of national board exams. Naturopathic doctors are able to diagnose, treat, prescribe, and refer to specialists just as conventional medical doctors.

What is the difference between a licensed naturopathic doctor and a naturopath?

Licensed naturopathic doctors have completed a full 4 year medical program at an AANMC accredited school, passed 2 sets of national board exams, and have been recognized by their licensing state as a primary care physician. Commonly in unlicensed naturopathic states, such as NJ, people can get away with calling themselves "naturopaths" and give health advice even though they have only completed a short online training. These consultants are not doctors, do not have medical education, and are not recognized by the AANP. That being said, it is often that licensed naturopathic doctors will consult with clients in unlicensed states in order to bring true health and wellness to those with less access.  Additionally, naturopathic doctors may also call themselves naturopaths (and rightfully so!).  If you are unsure if you are consulting with a licensed naturopathic doctor or an unlicensed naturopath, always seek their credentials and be sure their degree is from an accredited school for naturopathic medicine. 

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