Frequently Asked Questions:
Do you accept health insurance?
Pathways to Health and Wellness, LLC does not bill any insurance companies. Upon request, we can provide you with a copy of the superbill which you can submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement for out-of-network care. The superbill is a detailed medical receipt that contains procedure codes, diagnosis codes, and the fees charged for your office visit. We cannot guarantee what reimbursement, if any, you may receive. We do not submit claims or call insurance companies directly. This is the responsibility of the patient.
We do not participate with Medicare, nor do we bill Medicare for any services rendered.
Why don't you accept health insurance for functional/naturopathic medicine?
Unfortunately, when doctors participate with insurance carriers, they enter into a contract that allows the insurance companies to dictate what services will be supplied, limiting the quality of care that we believe you deserve. As the costs of keeping a clinic running has continued to rise, reimbursement has fallen, forcing most doctors to see more and more patients a day, keeping office visits very brief. We believe this approach of seeing patients for shortened visit times does not allow us to create the personalized plan of care that is necessary in a functional or integrative approach.
What kind of payments do you accept?
Cash, Check, Visa, Mastercard, HSA/FSA Debit and Discover are accepted.
What can I expect during my Foundational Assessment?
Your first appointment is 90 minutes. You will have completed a profile and obtained laboratory blood work prior to your visit. Your appointment will consist of a thorough history, physical exam and review of laboratory results. You will leave with a comprehensive 8 part health plan with some lifestyle, dietary and supplement recommendations. You will also have a follow-up appointment with our health coach and a meet and greet session with our therapist.
Who is a typical patient at Pathways to Health & Wellness?
Anybody who wants to take control of their own health! Patients vary in complexity and health goals. We help people with complex chronic disease such as autoimmune disease, diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, heart disease, arthritis, ulcerative colitis, thyroid disease, depression and anxiety (to name a few) to approach their disease with the goal of healing from the inside out. Many patients are able to tailor back their medications in this instance. We collaborate with the patient’s primary care physician and specialists before discontinuing medications.
We also assist patients who are otherwise healthy, but just “don’t feel right”. These patients may have seen multiple doctors, and their labs are all normal, however they are still plagued with fatigue, insomnia, mood disorders, brain fog etc. We use our advanced diagnostic testing to get to the underlying cause of these issues.
What is the education of a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND)?
NDs must first complete at least a bachelor’s degree before enrolling into a naturopathic medical school. In the first two years of their medical school they learn the basic sciences such as anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and pathology. The curriculum in this first half is very similar to that of a conventional medical school in which medical doctors (MDs) and osteopathic doctors (DOs) attend. In the last two years ND students learn conventional and natural therapies. Training focuses on the use of nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, physical medicine, pharmacology, and minor surgery among other therapies. Students intern at the end of their education to be able to practice what they have learned on patients under the supervision of experienced clinicians. Residencies may be pursued after graduation but are not required to be able to practice.
Is Naturopathic Medicine licensed in the state of Illinois?
No. Naturopathic medicine is licensed in 20 states plus the District of Columbia, as well as the territories of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The naturopathic treatments offered at this clinic are provided by licensed chiropractic physicians who also carry the degree of Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine.