FAQ about Naturopathic Medicine in Pennsylvania & VIRtual Health Consulting

Can you be my primary care provider?

In the state of Pennsylvania and unlicensed states you must have a MD or DO as your primary care physician. Naturopathic Doctors are not licensed in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania is in the process of Registering Naturopaths. In licensed states you can seek NDs for your primary care. Dr. George focuses more on chronic conditions and requires ALL of her patients no mater which state to have a primary care provider. Dr. Julie George holds a license in Washington.

how are you different?

First of all, I believe that your environment internally and externally is the cause of your health complaints. LISTENING to you is the most important thing I can do to figure out what is going on. I become a detective to help you optimize your health. You are unique and different and deserve personalized care. I believe you know what is best for your body. I provide you with tools to restore your health, however, it is up to you to carry out the plan.

Do you take insurance?

In the state of Pennsylvania or unlicensed states, Naturopathic Doctors can not accept insurance. NDs are not allowed to assign diagnostic codes for you to submit to your insurance in the states that do not have licensure. Dr. George will not sign off on or give you billing codes for insurance. She does have a Tax ID that you may keep receipts and ask your CPA about.

How do I pay for my visit?

We take credit card payments. You will have to check with your FSA or HSA for coverage with us if outside of WA state. We have packages that allow for a discount if paid in full or monthly payments. If you would like to finance your visit then we are set up with Square Finance. The visit includes the time with Dr. Julie George and her time developing a treatment plan. It does not cover the cost of additional labs, supplements and/or tinctures.

What should I expect?

Prior to meeting with Dr. George you will complete a very detailed Health Questionnaire electronically and sign consent forms. During the first visit, she will ask you more questions in detail and take your case. She will be listening to you about your health concerns and frustrations. At the end of the visit she will send you her health recommendations. It is best to have an initial appointment and then a follow-up is dependent on the person within 4-8 weeks. People that have complex conditions would benefit from monthly visits. People that are healthy benefit from 3-4 visits per year. At this time all visits in Pennsylvania, Texas and other US states are remote. We have an office in Spokane, WA.

Does Pennsylvania license Naturopathic Doctors?

The State of Pennsylvania does not license Naturopathic Doctors at this time. There currently in no regulation on who can use the title “Naturopath,” “Naturopathic Doctor,” “Naturopathic Physician,” or “Naturopathic Medical Doctor”. We recommend that you verify that your naturopathic doctor went to an accredited medical school and holds a medical license in a licensed state. Please visit our national association the AANP for more information or the PAND or TXAND. In an unlicensed state a Naturopathic Doctor can not diagnose, provide physical exams or treatments such as drug prescriptions and injectables.

What is the difference between Naturopathic Medicine, Functional Medicine and Health Coaching?

Naturopathic Medicine realizes that the body has the ability to heal when given the proper therapies. Scientific, traditional and empirical methods are used in practice. Naturopathic medical schools that are federally accredited have very similar curriculums to traditional medical schools. After the “ology” classes are completed naturopathic students tend to focus more on nutrition, botanical medicine, and other alternative therapies. Naturopathic medicine looks for the root cause of the health complaints. Naturopathic medicine sees the body as a whole to address the unique health of the individual.

Naturopathic Doctors have been doing Functional Medicine before it was a thing. There are professional organizations for Functional Medicine training and certifications.

Health Coaching may or may not be a good thing. There are health coaching courses popping up all over. People can claim to be a health coach without any other training. In fact, the term is often used with Network Marketing businesses. I have met some very good health coaches in my years as a Naturopathic Doctor, but I have met some that have crossed the line. Health coaches are not doctors and can not provide you with medical recommendations. They should NOT be having you get medical labs done and interpreting it. They should NOT be telling you what supplements to purchase for what condition and how much to take. If you are wanting to hire a health coach then do your homework. I do believe that Naturopathic Doctors and Functional Medicine Provider act as a Health Coach in a medical way, however, the use of that word has lost its meaning.

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