Frequently Asked Questions

Do you prescribe medications?

Yes. As a medical doctor, I know and appreciate the value of medications. Pharmacology remains very helpful to many patients and, at times necessary, to support patients to make the changes leading to wellness. Often patients are discouraged because they have been trying hard to get better but feel stuck. Pharmacology could be the key.

Many patients are concerned by the side effects of medications. Working together, we will review alternatives and complementary treatment techniques with the goal of reducing or eliminating medications. I always spend the necessary time with each patient to listen to their point of view. I empower them to make the decision after reviewing all options. Treatments are completely customized to each individual.

How often do I need to see you?

There is no rule and specific recipe. It all depends on what is happening and what you want. Generally, after completing the first evaluation, we will see each other 2 weeks later to evaluate the progress of the treatment plan. As you get better, the time between sessions is increased. I am flexible and, at times, have seen a patient daily to avoid hospitalization. We may find that it is best to meet only 2-3 times a year.

Do you accept any insurance?

No. You are responsible for the payment of fees at the time of the visit. Our office accepts cash, checks, visa or mastercard. You will receive a statement, called an HCFA form, detailing your treatment for each visit; the form contains all the information needed by your insurance carrier. You may choose to send the form to your insurer for reimbursement. They will send you a check for any portion of my fee directly to you if they cover the visit. Most private insurance covers 30-80% of the cost. I am not a Medicare provider and do not participate with Medicaid. Medicare/Medicaid patients may obtain treatment by signing a "private contract for medical treatment". This means they will pay for treatments. They will not be able to submit to medicare for reimbursement.

What are the costs of treatment?

Initial evaluation $295 (90 min)

Follow-up Session $195 (50 min)

Follow-up Session $100 (25 min)

Generally, the cost of treatment is partially covered by insurance that offers out-of-network benefits. Please consult with your insurance company for details on payment.

How long does it take to get better?

The most important step is to recognize your need for help and ask for it. Many patients feel better when they leave the office, being committed to wellness and having a solution to their problems. Treatment will provide some benefits within a week or two. The length of the journey to wellness depends on many different factors. These include your condition, your general state of health, the medication you currently take, your genetics, etc. To achieve and maintain wellness it takes a transformation and hard work. The journey is fascinating and a true process.

What are your hours?

Although there are occasional exceptions to the rule, I see patients Monday to Thursday 8:30 to 5 and one Saturday morning a month.

What is complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)?

As defined by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine,

"CAM is a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine. Conventional medicine is medicine as practiced by holders of M.D. (medical doctor) or D.O. (doctor of osteopathy) degrees and by their allied health professionals, such as physical therapists, psychologists, and registered nurses."

Complementary Medicine is used together with traditional medicine. Alternative medicine is used in place of traditional medicine. Integrative medicine combines treatments from conventional medicine and CAM. For more information, visit the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

What is Holistic Medicine?

Holistic Medicine is the art and science of healing that addresses care of the whole person – mind, body and spirit. It is an integrative approach that incorporates conventional and CAM therapies. Furthermore, Holistic Medicine is a system of health care which fosters a cooperative relationship among all those involved, leading towards optimal attainment of the physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and social aspects of health.

In practice this means that each person is seen as a unique individual, rather than an example of a particular disease. Holistic Medicine emphasizes the need to look at the whole person, including analysis of physical, nutritional, environmental, emotional, social, spiritual and lifestyle factors. Disease is understood to be the result of an imbalance of these factors. Healing therefore takes place naturally when these aspects of life are brought into proper balance. The role of the practitioner is as guide, mentor and role model. The patient performs the healing work - changing lifestyle, beliefs and old habits in order to facilitate wellness. It encompasses all stated modalities of diagnosis and treatment including drugs and surgery if no safe alternative exists. Holistic Medicine focuses on education and responsibility for personal efforts to achieve balance and well-being.