What to Expect During Your Naturopathic Medicine Visit

During our first appointment together, we will spend about an hour and a half reviewing your entire health history. I will attempt to get to know you as an individual in addition to understanding your health concerns. This way I can take into account your current lifestyle in order to ensure a successful outcome. It makes no sense to send you home with a to-do list you won't be able to accomplish! 

After listening to your symptoms and medical history, I may perform a brief examination and take your vital signs. I will then educate you on your health condition and together we will discuss possible courses of action. I find my patients to be more compliant when they understand what is going on and the reasons behind my recommendations. Your input is extremely valuable-- you are the one that is going to have to make the changes!

Most of the time I am able to recommend diet and lifestyle modifications in addition to any natural therapies on the first visit, but sometimes further testing is required. In this case, we may wait for any test results to make a plan that is custom-tailored. 

If you have recently (within the past year) had any blood tests or imaging done at a different doctor's office, please bring copies of the reports or ask the doctor's office to fax them directly to me. Also bring a list of all your current medications and supplements with dosages.

Fees are based on the time spent with the patient, at a rate of $150/hour. A typical adult initial visit is $225; a typical pediatric visit is $150; and a typical follow up visit is $75. Laboratory testing and supplements are additional.

Cold laser treatment is also billed at a rate of $150/hour. 

What to Expect During Your Acupuncture Visit

During our first acupuncture visit, we will review your entire health history. If you have already established naturopathic care with me, we don't have to repeat this part. I will check in with how you are feeling on that particular day and review any symptoms you may be experiencing. A brief examination of your pulse and tongue will then help me determine what the best Chinese medicine treatment is for you for that day.

I will then ask you to lie down on a massage table, either face up or face down. I then insert sterile acupuncture needles in acupuncture points I have selected. These points may be located in your arms, legs, abdomen, back, head, or face. The needles are left in place for approximately 15-20 minutes. During this time I will provide a soothing atmosphere with soft music, dim lights, an eye pillow, and a heat lamp-- whatever it takes for you to feel relaxed. When the treatment is over, I will remove the needles and send you home to continue relaxing.

The initial visit takes about 1.5 hours and follow up visits are generally one hour long.

Fees: $80 for the initial visit; $65 for follow-up visit. An initial visit fee is waived if you are a current Naturopathic patient. A pre-paid, 6 visit package may be purchased for $300.

Insurance

There are very few insurance plans in the state of Texas that will cover naturopathic medicine. Some health insurance companies offer discount programs that may cover part of the cost of a naturopathic consultation. In addition, most Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) such as Payflex or Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) will cover fees for both naturopathic consultations and acupuncture. Check with your account to see if nutritional supplements are also covered.

Some health insurance plans will cover acupuncture treatments. It is your responsibility to check with your plan to see if acupuncture is covered, and if so, for what conditions, and if there is a limit to the number of visits. Austin Natural Family Medicine will provide you a superbill that you can then submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. This way, you pay only for your treatment and not for any of the overhead expenses involved in insurance billing.