Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We have attempted to answer some of the more common questions we receive.

Of course, this overview cannot replace a conversation, which we are happy to have with you during a consultation or by contacting our office.

1. What is Naturopathic Medicine?
   
   
2. What is Naturopathic medical philosophy?
   
   
3. What type of training does a Naturopathic Doctor receive?
   
   
4. Are Naturopaths licensed to practice medicine?
   
   
5. Is Naturopathic Medicine covered by my health insurance or discount health plan?
   
   
6. What is the fee schedule?
   
   
7. What type of conditions does Dr. Martin treat?
   
   
8. Is Naturopathy the same as “alternative medicine”?
   
   
9. Do Naturopaths ever use the techniques or medicines associated with conventional medicine?
   
   
10. Do Naturopaths ever work with MDs?
    
    
11. What is Homeopathy?

	What is Naturopathic Medicine?
	Naturopathic Medicine is a model of health care in which treatment is focused on disease prevention and supporting the body’s natural abilities to heal. The least invasive and most holistic modalities are the first choice. The ultimate goal and focus of treatment is to successfully identify and treat the cause of the disease rather than suppressing the body’s symptoms, which are signs of a disharmony, and not the disease itself. The naturopathic approach often requires the physician to educate patients about their life style choices as well as their physiology. Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) are trained to diagnose and treat all chronic and acute health conditions. Naturopathic Doctors are trained in conventional diagnostic techniques such as physical exams, laboratory testing, differential diagnosis, x-ray and ultrasound imaging, and psychological assessment. In addition, NDs use specialized laboratory tests that assess physiological function, as well as other observational and physical techniques. NDs endeavor to identify disease states in the context of the individual’s overall health.
	What is Naturopathic medical philosophy?
	The fundamental perspective of disease and health is what differentiates a Naturopathic Doctor. Our choice of methods of treatment is made by considering how treatment affects the health of the whole being not just the symptom or diagnosis.
	What type of training does a Naturopathic Doctor receive?
	Licensed Naturopathic Doctors have graduated from a four-year graduate residential accredited program consisting of 4,590 hours of academic training and 1,536 hours of clinic patient care. In the state of Oregon, where Dr. Martin is currently licensed, the law requires that each naturopathic physician complete 18 extensive postdoctoral board examinations to obtain licensure.
	The curriculum of the first 2 years totaling 1,968 hours emphasizes the basic sciences with additional training specific to our holistic philosophy: Anatomy, Botanical Medicine, Classical Chinese Medicine, Clinical Education, Histology, Holistic Model and Mind/Body/Spirit Medicine, Hydrotherapy, Introduction to Clinic, Lab Diagnosis, Microbiology, Medical Ethics, Naturopathic Medical History /Philosophy and Therapeutics, Orthopedics, Palpation, Pathology, Pharmacology, Physiology, and Research & Statistics. The curriculum of the last two years totaling 2,622 hours emphasize the clinical training: Clinical & Physical Diagnosis, Dermatology, Cardiology, Ears, Eyes, Nose, Throat (EENT), Endocrinology, Environmental Education, First Aid & Emergency Medicine, Gastroenterology, Genetics, Geriatrics, Gynecology, Homeopathy, Lab Diagnosis, Mind Body Medicine, Minor Surgery, Neurology, Nutrition, Obstetrics & Natural Childbirth, Oncology, Pediatrics, Pharmacology, Physiotherapy, Proctology, Radiology and Urology.
	Are Naturopaths licensed to practice medicine?
	NaturopathicDoctors are currently licensed in Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, Washington, and the United States Territories of Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands. Naturopathic Physicians are registered in Minnesota.  In Canada ND's are licensed in British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, and Saskatchewan. Several additional states have naturopathic licensing bills before their legislature including Illinois, Missouri, New York, North Carolina & Pennsylvania.
	Is naturopathic medicine covered by my health insurance or discount health plan?
	At this time Maryland law does not permit Naturopathic doctors to participate in insurance plans or submit workmans compensation claims. If you have set up a health Savings Plan our office will be happy to supply you with the necessary paper work to submit a claim to your Health Savings Plan for a reimbursement.
	What is the fee schedule?
	Initial visit (approx. 2 hours)------------------------------- $260.00 Follow ups (approx. 45 minutes - 1 hour)--------------$180.00 Visit charges do not include recommended supplements or laboratory assessments.
	What type of conditions does Dr. Martin treat?
	As a Naturopathic medical provider Dr. Martin’s primary focus of treatment is not on conditions alone but on the patient as a whole. However, a patient’s overall condition and symptoms are used to guide treatment. Dr. Martin has received advanced levels of training in diagnosing and managing chronic diseases involving the immune and endocrine systems. Examples of conditions that fall under these categories include diabetes, Hashimoto disease, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), adrenal insufficiency, hypoglycemia, depression, musculoskeletal complaints, migraines, fibroids, and many others.
	Is naturopathy the same as “alternative medicine”?
	Alternative medicine is a broad general term for all complementary healthcare. Alternative in this context signifies anything other than the western conventional (allopathic) approach. Naturopathy is not synonymous but is a type of alternative healthcare along with Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Osteopathy, Massage, Craniosacral, etc.
	Do naturopaths ever use the techniques or medicines associated with conventional medicine?
	Naturopaths are trained in conventional laboratory and physical assessment techniques. In the state of Maryland a naturopath can not diagnose or perscribe any pharmaceutical drug.  In licensed states, similar to that of the medical doctor, the naturopathic physician's scope of practice includes a formulary of pharmaceutically prepared substances. including antibiotics, vaccines and many other naturally derived substances designed to treat specific conditions. In addition to this formulary, naturopathic physicians have many other tools and modalities to effectively and gently aid the body in regaining its natural function of health.
	Do Naturopaths ever work with MD's?
	It is not uncommon for our patients to already have established care with MDs. In such situations we prefer to have open communication with your other providers to best serve your individual health needs.
	What is homeopathy?
	Please link to description of homeopathy for a description of this modailty