Have you ever seen a Naturopathic Dr.?

Here is what I have learned. ND is NOT a regulated "license" or degree. You want a doctor with advanced training in Integrative Medicine. They are the best bet for your money as they are REAL doctors with MD who then go back to cont on with an advance degree with a speciality.

Yes they are VERY expensive and YES your exam with be very thorough, lasting several hours.

It is one of those things, you get what you pay for and is your health worth the $$$.

Good luck and good health to you.

I have seen a naturopathic physician for years. The best care I've ever had going to a "real" doctor as abrowneyegirl has touted. I lived in Oregon and my Naturopathic physicians were included in my insurance coverage. She was very versed in alternatives to conventional drugs, always gave me the most thorough exams and always referred me to a specialist if I needed something outside of her scope of practice. I am diabetic and with her guidance has helped me to improve my condition and keep me healthy. I now have Medicare and it does not include naturopathic physicians in the coverage. From what I understand the reason has to do with all NPs would have to agree to Medicare coverage/regulations. NPs are working on the issue with Medicare. I will continue to see my NP for yearly renewal of my hormone treatment and, yes, pay for the care myself.

Yes, I went to a MD who is a holistic doctor. This clinic saved my life. They knew what was wrong with me and diagnosed my problem correctly when many other MD's said it was all in my head. My husband took a leave of absence from work to drive me there. My insurance didn't cover the visits or tests, but I am well now and regained my health which is priceless.

http://www.tahomaclinic.com/

This is an interesting conversation. I just looked in Cigna and there is exactly 1 naturapathic medicine doctor in all of Cigna. She is in the Bronx, NY.

I guess this is an out of network situation.

While you can certainly go to an appointment to see if this is a course you'd like to explore, the fact that you are on a fixed income will probably impact your decision to continue.

All of the changes or additions to your current care will probably be cost-prohibitive for you.

The naturopath I saw got on my nerves because she was discussing the fact that she could smell fabric softener on my clothing and launched into a lecture about chemicals used in that and....well it was just unpleasant and I wasn't interested in stopping the use of my anti-perspirant and fabric softener and whatever else she was against, nor was I going to be paranoid about what my clothing smelled like or whether I had come in contact with some other odor before getting to my appointment. Once was enough for me.

Yes. I have been to a naturopathic doctor. I find them good for advice on what vitamins and supplements you should take. In my experience, regular md docs either do not know or do not have the time to review this with you.

Naturopathic docs are also good at recommending alternative therapies when the mainstream ones don't seem.to work.

My mom has celiac, and it was a naturopath who correctly diagnosed her. Her md gave her antidepressants.

Imo, if you have had a md diagnose you and you've had the regular tests and treatments, then a naturopath is definitely a good next step.

But, as with any doc, some are better than others, you will get along with some better than others. You need to do your research.

Have you considered seeing a doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO)? They are fully licensed, can prescribe and treat as MD's do and use a holistic approach to treatment. A couple of my friends have graduated and are practicing as DO's.

http://www.aacom.org/about/osteomed/Pages/default.aspx

On 4/21/2014 pistolino said:

While you can certainly go to an appointment to see if this is a course you'd like to explore, the fact that you are on a fixed income will probably impact your decision to continue.

All of the changes or additions to your current care will probably be cost-prohibitive for you.

The naturopath I saw got on my nerves because she was discussing the fact that she could smell fabric softener on my clothing and launched into a lecture about chemicals used in that and....well it was just unpleasant and I wasn't interested in stopping the use of my anti-perspirant and fabric softener and whatever else she was against, nor was I going to be paranoid about what my clothing smelled like or whether I had come in contact with some other odor before getting to my appointment. Once was enough for me.

That's exactly the kind of doctor I'd love to find.

The MD I see now knows zilch about good nutrition and supplementing it.

He hasn't a clue to the adverse effects of chemicals, but would prescribe painkillers or moodkillers in a heartbeat.