What is the difference between a medical doctor (MD) and a naturopathic doctor (ND)?
A Medical doctor (MD) has attended a four-year medical university and completed a residency program. A Naturopathic doctor must also complete four years of post-graduate training at a medical university. Currently, there are five schools in North America that grant the doctorate degree in Naturopathic medicine. Our training is similar to a "regular" doctor for the first two years of medical school. This means we study all the basic sciences and pathology much like conventional medical students. The second two years we focus on natural therapeutics. For a complete list of our curriculum you can visit the web site of my alma mater in Portland, Oregon at www.ncnm.edu. The main difference is that Naturopathic Physicians have extensive training using natural medicines and procedures that are safe and non-toxic. We aim to restore health to the individual, not simply manage symptoms.

What is the difference between a homeopath and a naturopath?
Homeopathic medicine is a specific form of therapy that is safe and non-toxic. Naturopaths are trained in homeopathic medicine but our training is far more extensive than homeopathy alone. When practitioners identify themselves as homeopaths it does not necessarily mean they have a medical background whereas a Naturopathic Physician must complete the doctorate in Naturopathic medicine as described above. Although, many naturopaths, osteopaths and medical doctors study homeopathy and incorporate it into their medical practice.

What types of therapies do I use?
My training in Naturopathic medical school included clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, physical medicine, homeopathy, minor surgery, lab diagnosis and x-ray techniques. In my practice I use nutrition, homeopathy, acupuncture and a specific form of bodywork called craniosacral therapy. Please see the services offered pages for more information about each of these modalities.

What conditions do I treat? Naturopathic Physicians are trained as primary care providers. As such, they may be the first practitioner to see a patient for any given complaint. I provide complete family health care including management of:

General Practice Headaches Allergies Stress/anxiety High cholesterol Depression Weight concerns Pediatric health Arthritis Autoimmune Disease Colds and Flu Digestive Disturbance Hypertension

Women's Health PMS Menopause Vaginitis Irregular Cycles Infertility Osteoporosis

Does insurance cover my services?
In Connecticut I am licensed as a primary care physician. The policies that I currently bill directly through my office are Oxford freedom Plan, ConnectiCare and Anthem Blue Cross/ Blue Shield, with the exception of the Husky Family Plan and Federal Plans. Many Cigna plans are now covering my services as well. You can contact them directly to find out if your plan is eligible.
In the state of Connecticut any private health insurance plan must include a provision for out-of-network providers. Please contact your insurance company to find out their specific policy, usually it is an 80/20% reimbursement, where you pay 20% of my consultation fees and the insurance company pays the remainder.
Please contact the office for further information.

Do I work with other doctors?
Naturopathic Physicians routinely refer to specialists when necessary. In addition, I am more than happy to speak with other physicians and health care practitioners to ensure that you get the best treatment possible.

What can I expect at my first appointment?
Your first appointment will last approximately one and one-half hours. During this time I will discuss your present complaints and part of your medical history. I will also perform any pertinent physical exams and determine whether lab work is necessary to obtain. After gathering all of this information I will work up a treatment plan and discuss my suggestions. At this time we will go over everything together and you will have ample time to ask questions. Occasionally additional lab work will be necessary before working up the first treatment plan. get the best treatment possible.

Are your therapies safe?
Most natural medicines rarely cause side effects. This does not mean they are entirely free from risk. I use therapies that are extremely safe and non-toxic. In addition, I am aware of the interactions that certain herbal medicines have with conventional drugs and will prescribe carefully and accordingly.