Frequently Asked Questions

How are naturopathic doctors different from MDs?

Like medical doctors, naturopathic doctors are trained extensively in clinical sciences and diagnostics. The primary difference is that naturopathy focuses on the whole person, and seeks to identify and treat the underlying imbalances, rather than addressing health issues or symptoms in isolation.

Most importantly, naturopathic doctors treat health conditions with safe and effective natural medicines that the body can process easily. Pharmaceutical drugs and surgery are recommended only when needed, and often they can be prevented and/or worked in conjunction with supportive alternative natural remedies to speed your healing.

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Can your doctors prescribe medications?

Yes. Our naturopathic doctors have prescriptive rights in Washington state. We prefer to use botanical medicines whenever possible, but can have a pharmacy fill prescriptions as needed.

Water's Edge clinic has an extensive in-house professional dispensary that carries high quality, doctor-reviewed nutritional supplements, including all types of bio-identical hormones, orthomolecular medicines, thyroid, and botanicals. Learn more...

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What happens during my first visit?

Before your first visit, we ask you to complete a Health History questionnaire to tell us your medical history and health concerns. Then, we conduct a comprehensive review and prepare a personalized Health Rebuilding Workbook for you.

During your first visit, we'll discuss your health issues, provide recommendations for diagnosis and treatment, and the estimated costs for any follow-up visits and lab tests that can help heal your condition. Learn more...

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What should I bring with me?

If you have copies of previous medical records or labwork results, please bring them to your first visit (or when relevant).

If you're coming for cranio-sacral therapy, please either bring or wear loose clothing so you can comfortably access a full range of motion.

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How many visits will I need?

The frequency of your office visits depends on the nature of your condition and how long it has been present. We create an individualized healthcare plan to meet your specific needs.

Initially, you may need to come more frequently so we can adjust and fine-tune your care plan depending on your symptoms.

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Do you sell natural medicines?

Yes. Water's Edge has a complete professional dispensary of high quality natural medicines, such as homeopathic remedies, botanical medicines, bio-identical hormones, vitamins and minerals, and metabolic cleansing formulas. We provide you the best products at the best price, and as they are prescriptions, there is no sales tax.

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I don't like pills; are there other options?

Absolutely. Many herbal supplements, vitamins, and cleansing formulas come in liquid or powder form, if you're more comfortable with that. Nutritional and lifestyle changes may improve your health as well.

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What types of tests do you use?

At Water's Edge clinic, we use a wide range of diagnostic tests to determine deficiencies, dysfunction, and disease. Typically, the tests examine blood, urine, stool, and/or saliva. Some tests are conducted in the office, while others are take-home tests you can do on your own. The home tests are easy to use, and include instructions on what to do. You mail those tests directly to an outside lab, and they send results to Water's Edge so we can review and discuss everything with you.

In your personalized Health Rebuilding Workbook, you'll find helpful descriptions of lab tests and what the results mean. We'll also provide a detailed Report of Findings after physical exams, and carefully explain your results.

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When do I pay for office visits and lab tests?

All office visits and lab testing are payable in full at the time of your office visit. For lab tests, that includes lab specimens collected here at the office or take-home test kits. See also info on our fees and clinic policies.

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Do you accept health insurance?

Water's Edge doctors are "out-of-network", which means they will not directly bill your insurance provider. Office visits are payable in full at the time of your visit, and we provide you with a coded insurance "superbill" that you can submit to your insurance company to seek reimbursal.

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Why are your doctors “out-of-network"?

We do this so we can better serve our patients. The naturopathic approach to healing includes a variety of alternative therapies and personalized attention to help support and educate each patient. For most insurance companies, this extra care is deemed "prevention and well-being services" and outside their usual range of disease treatment coverage.

Additionally, insurance providers have many restrictions on which services and tests can be offered, which would dramatically limit our options for effective functional diagnosis and treatment. Working independently of insurance companies allows us to provide the best and latest solutions available for helping you regain optimal health.

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