Q: When should I see a naturopathic doctor?
A: You can see a naturopathic doctor with any health concerns that you would address with your family care physician. Naturopathic physicians are trained to diagnose, manage and treat health conditions utilizing natural or conventional therapies.
Q: Can a naturopathic doctor order blood tests, diagnostic imaging, etc?
A: Yes, naturopaths routinely order appropriate testing which includes standard blood work, radiographic imaging, mammograms, ultrasound, etc. These are usually covered by health insurance. Additionally, we utilize functional testing such as food allergies, environmental pollutant level, intestinal flora evaluation, heavy metal testing. These are usually not covered by your health insurance
Q: Can I schedule an annual physical exam, a gynecological exam, a pap smear?
A: Yes, all regular screening exams, annual physical exams can be performed by your naturopathic physician in office.
Q: Can a naturopath refer to a specialist?
A: Yes, we work with specialists who can help further address and provide treatment recommendations for complicated conditions.
Q: Will I have to stop taking my medications if I am seeing a naturopathic physician?
A: You do not to need to change your medications. If you are currently taking prescription medications your naturopathic physician will carefully assess the therapeutic and possible deleterious effects of the pharmaceuticals, and if necessary, will recommend effective and natural alternatives. Generally, when the body is given proper support, which is what we do best in naturopathic medicine, in can return to its normal physiological function and many if not all pharmaceutical drugs become unnecessary.
If appropriate, however, a naturopath will continue prescribing a pharmaceutical drug.
Q: When can I expect changes in my health condition?
A: It depends on how long you had a given health condition and on how advanced it has become. We always strive to help you achieve the highest benefit for your efforts, and it is both your commitment and your doctor’s support that are the basis of your success. So, with introducing the right dietary and lifestyle changes and natural medicines we always see improvement in health, and the more consistent are changes the more lasting are the health benefits.
Q: How long are the visits?
A: Your first visit may last from 45 minutes to 1.5 hrs depending on complexity, and the subsequent visits are 30-60 minutes.
Q: How do I prepare for my first visit?
A: You can download the Patient Forms from the website, fill it out completely and mail to the office ahead of time or bring it to visit with you. If you take medications, prescription or over-the-counter, supplements, etc., you can bring a list of those to the visit as well. You can also bring copies of recent blood work, imaging, etc. if they are recent and pertinent to your health concern.
Q: What types of insurance do you take?
A: Dr. Walsh is credentialed with the following health insurance plans:
- Regence
- Premera
- Aetna
- Cigna
- First Choice
- HealthWays
Please contact your insurance plan for information regarding your health benefits and coverage.