Naturopathic FAQ

  • A licensed Naturopathic Doctor (ND) is a healthcare professional who is trained to diagnose, treat, and manage patients with acute and chronic conditions, emphasizing prevention and self-healing processes. NDs focus on holistic and individualized care, employing a blend of conventional medical knowledge and natural therapies, such as botanical medicine, nutrition, and lifestyle counseling. The goal of a Naturopathic Doctor is to treat the whole person by addressing the underlying causes of illness rather than just alleviating symptoms.

  • Licensed Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) undergo rigorous training at accredited naturopathic medical schools. The education includes comprehensive coursework in biomedical sciences, clinical sciences, and naturopathic therapeutics. This is followed by hands-on clinical training where NDs learn to diagnose and treat patients using a holistic approach. Additionally, NDs must pass demanding board exams to earn their licenses and ongoing education to stay current with medical advancements. I attended Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, AZ which is now known as Sonoran University of Health Sciences.

  • Your first appointment is an opportunity for us to take a closer look at your health. We'll review your medical history, current symptoms, previous lab results, lifestyle, and any factors that may be contributing to your concerns. I take the time to listen, answer your questions, and discuss possible next steps, including additional testing or treatment recommendations. My goal is to develop an individualized plan that addresses your health concerns while considering your goals and budget.

  • We do not accept insurance. For in-person visits or if you reside in Washington state, we will provide a superbill with diagnostic codes that you can submit for reimbursement. Please verify with your insurance provider regarding out-of-network reimbursement options.

    We accept Health Savings Plans (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for visits.

    Labs and supplements may also be covered by HSA and FSA benefits.

    Please note: If you reside outside of Washington State, you may need to review the specific rules regarding HSA and FSA documentation for your location. We do not provide documentation for patients outside of Washington State.

  • Initial consult: $475

    Follow-up visits: $235.

    Appointment packages: varies

    Courses: varies

    Some lab tests may be covered by insurance if you reside in WA or do in-person visits in WA; advanced labs require payment. May use HSA and FSA.

    Supplements ordered through Fullscript come with a discount. May use HSA and FSA

    Please note: If you reside outside of Washington State, you may need to review the specific rules regarding HSA and FSA documentation for your location. We can only provide medical codes for patients seeing us in Washington State or residents of WA.

    We aim to work within your budget for lab tests and treatment protocols.

  • The time it takes to see improvements with Naturopathic Medicine can vary depending on individual circumstances and the nature of the health condition. Generally, it may take:

    Acute Conditions: A few days to a few weeks for noticeable improvements.

    Chronic Diseases: Several months or more, as these conditions often take years to develop and, consequently, require more time for healing. Conditions like autoimmune diseases, chronic fatigue syndrome, and long-term digestive issues may take longer to improve.

    Naturopathic Medicine focuses on addressing the root causes of illness, which can result in more sustainable health benefits, but patience and adherence to treatment plans are essential.

  • If you reside in Washington State or visit our Spokane Valley office, I may prescribe medications. However, I do not prescribe controlled substances. I use natural, noninvasive methods such as nutritional therapy, herbs, supplements, stress management techniques, and lifestyle changes to address the underlying causes of disease and promote optimal function and health. If you are not a Washington resident or do not travel to our office, I will only recommend natural treatments.

  • Yes! Dr. George offers educational naturopathic consulting services to individuals throughout the United States. These consultations allow us to review your health history, discuss previous laboratory findings, explore possible contributing factors, and provide individualized wellness education and recommendations.

    Because Dr. George is licensed to practice medicine in Washington State, consultations outside Washington are educational and do not include medical diagnosis, prescribing medications, or medical treatment. You will need to maintain a relationship with a licensed healthcare provider in your state for those services.

    For patients physically located in Washington State, Dr. George offers naturopathic medical care through telemedicine, as well as limited in-person appointments in Spokane Valley.