FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW DO I BECOME A PATIENT?
The first step to becoming a patient is to schedule a Complimentary Introductory Conversation (phone call).
Dr. Hamilton can work with patients in-state and some out-of-state depending on where you are located. She is licensed in MN and OR. All naturopathic care may be conducted via her face-to-face telemedicine platform. In-person acupuncture/bodywork appointments are available on a seasonal basis to existing patients, patients receiving naturopathic care, and by special arrangement.
TELL ME ABOUT
DR. HAMILTON’S TRAINING
Dr. Hamilton is a licensed naturopathic doctor and East Asian medicine practitioner. She completed two four-year graduate-level medical degrees within a six-year integrative medicine program at the National University of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon.
Dr. Hamilton’s training has been rigorous and thoroughly rooted in integrative approaches from the very beginning.
WHAT IS NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE?
The educational training to become a naturopathic doctor is comparable to conventional medical school in that the first two years of post-graduate coursework emphasizes rigorous biomedical sciences—such as anatomy, biochemistry, pathology, pharmacology, and clinical diagnostics coursework—and the second two years emphasize clinical skills.
Naturopathic medical education incorporates the latest advances in science and natural approaches to illness prevention and behavioral and lifestyle health. Programs involve a minimum of 4,100 hours of academic and clinical training, including over 1,200 hours of hands-on, supervised, clinical training.
The biggest difference comes in the treatments. Naturopathic doctors treat the whole person and work on all aspects of a patient’s health. We treat each patient as an individual and work to find the underlying cause of each patient’s conditions. In general, we are trained to use the least invasive methods possible including nutrition, lifestyle, herbal medicine, supplements, physical medicine treatments, and more before recommending more invasive interventions such as medications or surgery. Naturopathic doctors are trained as primary care providers and can order lab work, imaging, and perform physical exams.
Below is a simplified chart comparing a visit with a medical doctor to a visit with a naturopathic doctor.
As a patient, you should know that the terms “naturopathic doctor” or “naturopathic physician” refers to some one who has graduated from a 4-year accredited, in-residence, integrative medical school , has successfully completed clinical training, post-graduate board exams, and is regulated at the state level. Dr. Hamilton is a naturopathic doctor.
A lay “naturopath” or “traditional naturopath” refers to an unlicensed practitioner who does not have the same training or scope. Unlicensed “naturopaths” can claim this title by completing various levels of training, including by completing short online courses or certificate courses.
We are currently working on clearing up this confusing distinction in titles on a state by state basis so that the public can navigate their care with more clarity.
In the meantime, please know that there are many wonderful practitioners in the integrative healthcare landscape, but it can be a confusing and vast place. Knowing the difference between licensed naturopathic doctors and unlicensed naturopaths can help you make informed decisions about which type of provider you are working with. Please click here if you would like to learn more.
ARE ALL NATUROPATHS CREATED EQUAL?
WHAT IS EAST ASIAN MEDICINE?
Most people are more familiar with acupuncture, but in actuality, practicing acupuncture is just one therapeutic tool within a comprehensive discipline of Chinese medicine.
Many acupuncturists refer to their practice as Chinese medicine, but in actuality, my lineage draws from various cultures and traditions in the East Asian diaspora including Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and pre-Han Dynasty China.
My practice includes acupuncture as well as bodywork/massage therapies, dietetics, botanical medicine, and guidance that aligns your constitution (or personal inner nature) with specific healthy behaviors and lifestyle choices.
Pairing modern approaches to your health with traditional medicines that have sustained humanity for civilizations has an abundance of benefits including providing a grounding and deeply orienting effect on your overall treatment plan.
For more information about the cost of consultations, please schedule a Complimentary Introductory Conversation.
My practice does not bill insurance, but I can provide you with a superbill that you can submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement. Your reimbursement rates will depend on your insurance benefits and plan. Please ask your insurance company directly about the potential for reimbursement.
Most major forms of payment accepted at the time of service including HSA/FSA payments which can cover the cost of your visit, supplements, and labs. Please check with your individual insurance plan if you have coverage questions.
HOW MUCH DO VISITS COST AND DOES INSURANCE COVER THEM?
Prior to your first visit you will have the opportunity to share detailed information about your health. You will also have the opportunity to share recent past records, labs, and imaging so that I am up to date on your case.
On your first visit, we will meet for 75 minutes via telemedicine. The time will encompass a comprehensive evaluation that explores:
• Current health concerns
• Medical history
• Dietary and lifestyle factors affecting your health and symptoms
This allows us to gain a better understanding of your present condition and the root cause of your symptoms. By the end of your first visit, you will receive a personalized set of therapeutic recommendations including detailed information on:
• Lab Work
• Foundations of Health (diet/nourishment, lifestyle, movement/exercise, sleep/rest, and stress management)
• Nutrients, Supplements, and Botanicals
WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM MY FIRST NATUROPATHIC VISIT?
Please refer to this handout for detailed information on acupuncture/bodywork visits.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM MY FIRST ACUPUNCTURE / BODYWORK VISIT?
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR ACUPUNCTURE TO WORK?
Occasionally, for acute and even for some chronic cases, issues can be resolved in one to two visits. In other cases in which the symptoms have been in place for a very long time, it may take ongoing visits to create lasting change. I often tell patients that they are welcome to schedule their care based on the timing and frequency that best supports them and their lives. Some of my patients like to come in for care every week, while others prefer to come in once a month or only when they need it. This really varies from person to person. I will do my best to give you my best estimate of what I think about your particular case.
ARE ALL SUPPLEMENTS CREATED EQUAL?
In short, no. And you should be discerning and wary of different sources of supplements.
Supplements are not a replacement for healthy lifestyle and diet but they can be an integral part of a good health regimen. My practice recommends the use of the Fullscript online apothecary because of their third-party verification process that ensures safety, quality, and purity.
WHAT ABOUT LABWORK?
You will have the opportunity to upload and share recent past lab work as part of your initial visit.
Additional lab tests are not included in the cost of your visit fee.
You may prefer to have your existing conventional primary care provider run routine screening bloodwork for labs to be run through your insurance. We can discuss this during your visit.
If you prefer, your naturopathic doctor can order your conventional lab work for you, but any labs ordered by a naturopathic doctor will not likely be covered in-network by any insurance. Out-of-pocket costs for labs vary, but are offered at extremely discounted prices compared to other hospitals/clinics because they are not submitted to health insurance companies. (You may be able to use an HSA card to purchase screening labs ordered by a naturopathic doctor).
CONVENTIONAL LAB WORK
SPECIALTY LAB WORK
Naturopathic doctors have access to a wide variety of functional and specialty labs. The decision to order a lab test that is typically not available via conventional providers will be discussed in depth during your visit. In certain circumstances, specialty lab tests are important and can provide additional detail that can help us better understand ongoing symptoms.