What conditions can Naturopathic Doctors treat?

Simply put, NDs can treat most medical conditions. Naturopathic Doctors are medically trained and graduate from accredited four-year naturopathic medical schools with in-residence, hands on clinical experience. Eligible ND candidates must first have graduated from an accredited four-year Bachelors (pre-medical) degree and have over 1,000 hours of qualified training in a previous medical field. During their additional training in naturopathic medical school, NDs spend a minimum of 4,100 classroom and clinical hours learning to diagnose and treat illnesses; prescribe medications; perform diagnostic tests and order lab work much like MDs and DOs. In addition, NDs are trained in nutritional counseling, botanical and herbal medicines, traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, physical medicine, lifestyle counseling, minor surgery and pharmaceuticals. In the state of New York, NDs are not licensed to diagnose or treat patients despite our qualifications. NDs in New York offer naturopathic consulting services until the bill to license naturopathic doctors passes. 

Why does insurance not cover payment in NY?

Insurance companies have for too long dictated what conventional doctors can and can not do. Most MD’s made a decision to become a doctor because they wanted to help people. Many, many MDs I have spoken to quickly admit that they’d practice differently if they were not dependent on insurance coverage for their patients. This means that sometimes medicine is practiced without the best interest of patients in mind. With that said, Naturopathic doctors that do not rely on insurance companies have greater freedoms to spend 3-4x the amount of time with clients as an average MD or DO. This is an out-of-pocket investment in your future health. Currently, in unlicensed states, insurance payments are not even an option. However, Dr. Sonia can accept select insurances in Vermont.

What is included in the cost?

The cost of an appointment includes expertise strategies to optimize your health. Oftentimes, an ND spends hours reviewing records and doing research prior to a client even having an appointment. Then, there is the actual appointment time itself with the additional time to communicate the plan via email and client handouts. For oncology clients, new evidence is continually being released and is labor intensive to stay up to date on the newest findings. Additionally, communication with oncologists via phone calls and emails is also covered. Many hours are devoted into the cost of a single visit.

How is the cost of visits determined?

NDs spend dollar for dollar the same amount as MDs for their training. The amount of student loan debt is staggering as costs for medical schools easily approach over $200,000. Add the cost for HIPPA compliant medical records, insurance policies, and all the normal overhead expenses involved in running a corporation, just to name a few, determines how the cost of a visit is calculated. We believe so strongly in the necessity of providing access to Naturopathic Doctors that it is imperative for each ND to offer sustainable services or otherwise they face having to close their doors.

Do you see clients in-person or virtual?

If 2020 taught us anything, it was how we need to do business differently. Many, many NDs turned to virtual consulting to continue to provide care for their clients. Since we are offering naturopathic consulting services only, virtual sessions are a huge convenience as having an in-person appointment is not necessary. This saves time and money for the client since there are no expenses involved with traveling. Also, with virtual appointments, the ability for other unlicensed states to have access to naturopathic care increases. The only requirement is a working laptop and internet service right from the comfort of your own home! In the event a computer or laptop are not available, phone visits are also possible. Call 802-884-8293 to book a virtual or in-person visit today.

Are you licensed to practice medicine in New York?

No, I am not a licensed in NY and cannot practice naturopathic medicine in New York or any other unlicensed state by law nor do I have pharmaceutical prescribing rights in New York. I am licensed to practice medicine in Vermont. Any reference to Naturopathic medicine on this website does not apply to any unlicensed states. I offer naturopathic or integrative consulting services only outside of the state of Vermont. Naturopathic Doctors will only be allowed to be licensed to practice medicine in New York State once a bill passes to recognize ND’s. Please contact your New York State representatives to support efforts to license NDs in New York State by visiting the New York Association of Naturopathic Physician’s website http://www.nyanp.org/find-a-naturopathic-medicine-new-york/licensure-efforts/write-your-legislators/