Questions And Answers:
Q: Do you take insurance?
A: This question may be better answered through a phone call.
Here are the basics:
- In Bedford at New Hampshire Natural Health Clinic - I am in-network with the following insurance companies: Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Cigna, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Minuteman Health - NH.
- In Exeter, at Source Natural Medicine, PLLC, I am now in-network with Cigna and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield. Call for further information.
- If interested in using insurance for a visit, contact your insurance plan directly to determine if "naturopathic medicine" is a covered service.
- If you wish to be seen in Bedford, feel free to call the front desk at New Hampshire Natural Health Clinic at (603) 623-6800 to get more information about insurance coverage.
- If you wish to be seen in Exeter, contact Dr. Murray at (603) 583-8854 and she can discuss insurance coverage with you in more detail.
Q: How safe is naturopathic medicine?
A: It is extremely safe. One of the principles of naturopathic medicine is “First Do No Harm” and I take this extremely seriously. I will do extensive research with evidenced based studies before any supplement or botanical is recommended to make sure there is little to no chance of interaction with other medications or supplements. It is encouraged to let me know all medications and supplements you are taking, as well as telling your other healthcare providers of any treatments I recommend.
I will also refer my patients to other healthcare providers if I feel the necessary treatment is out of my scope of practice.
Q: Do you base your treatments on scientific studies?
A: Yes. As much as I possibly can. Being medically trained and having experience working in scientific research, I understand the merits of having evidence behind my recommendations. Luckily, research in to complementary and alternative therapies is growing. There is even a department at the National Institute of Health - National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. You are always welcome to inquire to the evidence behind any recommendation I may give.
Q: Do you work with other health care providers?
A: Of course! If you would like me to work with your other practitioners, please bring their contact information to your appointment. I will have you sign a release of information form, and I will gladly contact them to make sure you have a healthcare team that is all on the same page. Naturopathic medicine works very well in conjunction with other types of medicine including conventional medicine, pharmaceutical drugs, acupuncture, and chiropractic care.
Q: Should I buy this supplement at the store?
A: Not necessarily.
I strongly believe that all medicines (pharmaceutical or natural) have their time and place. I also feel that there may be a lot of harm that could potentially happen when people take supplements over-the-counter without consulting with a knowledgeable practitioner. Herbs and supplements can be powerful and you want to make sure they are appropriate for you.
Also, because the FDA does not monitor nutritional supplements, I make sure to only recommend brands that I know have good manufacturing processes and have independent 3rd party testing to ensure that the ingredients listed are proven and validated with no hazardous extraneous ingredients.
Q: Do Medicare and Medicaid cover naturopathic medicine?
A: Unfortunately, at this time Medicare and Medicaid do not cover naturopathic care. However, a recent study shows that many people would like that. It is something that would be discussed at a legislative level.
Q: Is naturopathic medicine cost-effective?
A: Very much so. The goal of the treatment is to find the underlying cause, not just individual symptoms. This may take time, but it is an investment in your overall health that can hopefully prevent any future costly medical interventions and illnesses.
Q: How long will treatment take?
A: Each person is individual and their journey towards health is their own. My goal is to establish a solid relationship with my patients and individually tailor my recommendations to their healing process and help them along the way. The time this may take varies from person to person, and is an open discussion I have with my patients over the course of treatment.
Q: How come you don’t see infants?
A: I love children, however, when I was in my clinical training and residency, that was not an area I chose to specialize in. I believe there are many gifted practitioners out there who hold so much knowledge in the area of pediatrics, that I happily refer to them because with such a precious gift as a child, I want them to be treated with the utmost experienced care possible.
The one exception to this is for homeopathic visits. Homeopathy can be a powerful modality for children’s illnesses and behavioral issues. I’d be happy to discuss if homeopathy would be an appropriate adjunctive therapy for your child.
If there are any further questions, please feel free to contact me.
