Establishing a therapeutic relationship with a naturopathic doctor either via virtual platform or in-person visits offers patients insights and wisdom they can implement immediately while also integrating with other members of their healthcare team. Let’s explore how this type of care works and what you can expect.
Practice Scope in Minnesota
Minnesotans continue to seek experts in holistic healthcare as part of their overall wellness plans, however access to naturopathic medicine is still growing in this state. In some states, visits with naturopathic doctors are covered as part of regular insurance plan policies and naturopathic doctors are allowed to have prescribing rights commensurate with their training in integrative primary care. However, in the state of Minnesota is lagging behind in caring for this valuable profession.
While we are working to change these policies at the state level for all Minnesotas, in the meantime, naturopathic doctors are not able to directly accept insurance. Many patients are able to submit a superbill to their insurance company and receive partial reimbursement for their work with their naturopathic doctor. This depends on the insurance plan and varies from person to person. Many patients are able to use Health Savings Accounts (HSA) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for costs associated with visits, out-of-pocket labwork, or suppplement costs.
Instead of prescribing and managing prescriptions as we’ve been trained to do, we may focus on other aspects of medication management that is still valuable and insightful. This might include: educating patients about the medications that they may be offered, working on reducing drug-herb interactions, educating on medication side effects and how to mitigate them, and counseling regarding alternative options where available.
As a profession, we continue to work towards having our full scope recognized in this state as it is in many others.
Access and Convenience in Minnesota
As far as the convenience factor. naturopathic doctors have emerged as a convenient solution for residents of both urban and rural areas. Regardless of where you are in the state, as long as you have an internet connection, you can connect with a naturopathic doctor from the comfort of your own home.
Virtual consultations eliminate the need for travel and waiting rooms. You can schedule appointments at a time that suits you, making it easier to integrate natural medicine into your busy life. This accessibility is especially valuable for those with mobility issues or those living in remote areas with limited healthcare resources.
Personalized Care
Naturopathic doctors practicing in Minnesota may offer their care in-person or via virtual platforms, but either appointment type emphasizes a personal doctor-patient relationship. Naturopathic doctors take the time to listen to each patient’s health concerns, history, and goals. Their visits are much longer than primary care or conventional visits. This individualized, patient-centered approach is fundamental to naturopathic medicine.
Naturopathic doctors create customized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs and aligned with their lifestyle, goals, and preferences. Treatment recommendations may include guidance on nutrition, exercise/movement, lifestyle changes, and other nutrient, botanical, and supplement supports that can make effective changes in a condition or set of symptoms.
Comprehensive Foundational Healthcare
Naturopathic doctors in Minnesota are trained to address a wide range of health issues, from chronic conditions to acute ailments. They focus on treating the root causes of health problems rather than just managing or suppressing symptoms. They help patients concerns such as chronic ongoing digestive disorders, immune issues such as autoimmunity and/or allergies, skin conditions, hormonal imbalances, musculoskeletal pain patterns, cardiovascular issues, mental emotional concerns, and stress-related conditions.
Furthermore, naturopathic doctors often collaborate with other healthcare providers to ensure you receive the most comprehensive care possible. If necessary, they can refer you to specialists for additional tests or treatments.
Empowerment and Education
One of the cornerstones of naturopathic medicine is patient education. Virtual naturopathic doctors in Minnesota are passionate about empowering their patients to take an active role in their health. Through virtual consultations, they can provide in-depth explanations about the principles of naturopathic medicine, the evidence behind certain recommendations, and how lifestyle choices impact health.
Patients of naturopathic doctors on the whole gain better understandings of their body and how to maintain balance and vitality naturally. This knowledge equips patients with the tools to make informed decisions about your health and well-being.
Lifelong Significant Benefits
Recent studies exploring the potential impact of preventative naturopathic holistic care have shown that those who access this form of medicine reduce their overall healthcare costs over time. While evidence on whole systems healthcare like naturopathic medicine is not as extensive compared to conventional medicine, some studies suggested positive outcomes in terms of cost-effectiveness and long-term savings. It's essential to note that the scientific landscape is continually evolving, and new studies continue to emerge.
Here are a few key points from some recent studies:
Chronic Disease Management: Naturopathic care emphasizing prevention and lifestyle interventions can lead to better management of chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular conditions. Improved management of these conditions could potentially reduce the need for more expensive medical interventions and hospitalizations.
Health Promotion and Disease Prevention: Preventative naturopathic care often emphasizes healthy lifestyle practices, such as proper nutrition, exercise, stress management, and smoking cessation. These practices can contribute to preventing chronic diseases and, in turn, reduce the overall burden on the healthcare system.
Reduced Hospital Admissions: A few studies indicated that patients who received naturopathic care had lower rates of hospital admissions and emergency room visits compared to those solely under conventional care.
Cost-Effectiveness of Naturopathic Care: Some research has suggested that naturopathic care can be cost-effective for specific conditions. For example, a study published in 2016 in PLOS ONE found that patients with type 2 diabetes who received naturopathic care experienced cost savings compared to those receiving conventional care.
Integration with Conventional Care: Studies have shown that the integration of naturopathic care with conventional care can lead to improved health outcomes and better cost management, especially for patients with chronic conditions.
As with any healthcare decision, patients should approach the topic with an open mind and consider the available evidence, consulting with their healthcare team to make informed decisions about integrating naturopathic care into the overall healthcare system.
A Holistic Approach to Your Health
Perhaps one of the most significant advantages of working with a virtual naturopathic doctor is the way they perceive the body and healing. Naturopathic doctors consider the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of health and are dedicated not only to the absence of symptoms but also optimal wellness and vitality.
As technology continues to reshape the healthcare landscape, virtual naturopathy stands out as a valuable and effective option for those seeking natural and holistic solutions to their health concerns. Whether you're located in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area or you reside in a more remote corner of the state, accessing the therapeutic relationship of a virtual naturopathic doctor is just a click away.