DR. STONE

How are naturopathic doctors trained?

Licensed naturopathic physicians (NDs/NMDs) attend a four-year, graduate-level naturopathic medical school after receiving their undergraduate degree and completing any pre-requisites. Their education includes the same basic sciences as a medical doctor (MD) in addition to training in clinical nutrition, acupuncture, homeopathic medicine, botanical medicine, physical medicine, hydrotherapy, psychology, and counseling. Two of the four years are dedicated to clinical education and can take place in the school clinic, drug-rehab centers, shelters for abused women and children, low-income clinics, and a number of general practice clinics. The naturopathic medical board requires naturopathic physicians to take professional board exams in order to be licensed as a primary care general practice physician. Currently, 22 states, the District of Columbia, and the US territories of Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands all have licensing laws regulating naturopathic doctors. In the great state of Arizona, ND’s are licensed as primary care practitioners and can therefore write prescriptions, order labs, and even perform minor surgery. Check out this PDF map of regulated states and states seeking licensure.  

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What are your practice fees?

Great question!  We believe patients deserve to have expectations up front for medical costs, especially in a cash practice.  This is why we offer a free discovery call - it gives Dr. Stone an opportunity to determine what type of visit is most appropriate to you and will inform you of expected costs at that time. 

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Does insurance cover our services?

Not directly, but patients can often get some reimbursement from their insurance company for our services (view other questions for more details).  There is no law requiring insurance companies to cover naturopathic care in the State of Arizona. Most insurance companies in Arizona do not voluntarily cover naturopathic care.

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How can you use your insurance plan at our office?

Upon your request, we will provide you with an itemized bill, a document that lists every service provided and the cost for each. This will need to be submitted alongside your insurance claim form. You will need to contact your insurance company to obtain a health insurance claim form. We suggest making copies of all documents submitted to your insurance in case your claim is lost and you need to re-file. Payment is due at the time of service; if your insurance company accepts the claim, they will send you a check to reimburse you for a portion of the visit. Insurance also often covers blood work, but this depends on your plan and whether or not you have met your deductible.  We make testing recommendations based on your symptoms and history and this does not always line up with what insurance covers.  We are happy to provide you with a list of recommended labs if you would like to check with insurance first.  

 

How often do I need to come in?

This varies from person to person; however, patients can expect to be seen more often in the beginning.  As you improve, the frequency of your visits will decrease.  After your initial intake, your follow ups will likely be every 2-8 weeks depending on the complexity of your case. Once we have your symptoms under better control, we often move to visits every 3-6 months.  

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Do you work with other doctors?

Absolutely!  No one doctor has all the answers and we are happy to work with your current physicians and will refer when necessary to make sure you are getting the most appropriate care for your condition.  Health is always a team effort!