What should I expect at my first visit?
During your 1-1 1/2 hour initial consultation, you and Dr. Rios-Young will discuss your individual concerns and identify your specific needs. From information gathered during the comprehensive health history and physical exam, a plan is developed to bring each client to optimal health. This treatment plan may include dietary and lifestyle recommendations, herbs, nutritional supplementation, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, detoxification and other natural therapies. You and Dr. Rios-Young will then work together during ½ hour follow up visits to assess your progress and to ensure you are meeting your healthcare goals.

How many times will I have to see my Naturopathic Physician?
It greatly depends on the nature of the condition (chronic vs. acute) and your health goals. Typically after the first office visit, the patient returns in two weeks to assess his or her progress and determine whether modifications in the treatment plan are needed. The goal is to bring the individual to a greater level of health, so typically patient visits become less necessary and less frequent over time.

What do naturopathic doctors offer that is different from regular doctors?
Naturopathic doctors see health in a different way than conventional doctors do. Health is not just the absence of disease, it is feeling and looking well, having energy and purpose, and being fit in mental and emotional as well as physical areas. Naturopathic doctors are trained to look at the person first and the disease second. They assess whole body functioning and find the root cause to a group of unrelated symptoms. They recommend treatments that not only combat diseases, but support the body to perform optimally.

Do naturopathic physicians interact with other healthcare professionals?
Yes, Dr. Rios-Young is committed to having patients receive the best possible care. This often requires consulting with your primary care physician, chiropractor, acupuncturist, or massage therapist to insure a holistic perspective.

Why aren't visits to naturopathic doctors covered by insurance?
In some states, there is excellent coverage for naturopathic and other complementary medicines. In Virginia, there is no coverage, because there are few naturopathic doctors and licensing for naturopathic medicine is not regulated or offered. Without licensing, it is very difficult to become a provider with an insurance company, and therefore, they will not cover naturopathic services.

If you'd like to see this change, start by asking your insurance provider about naturopathic medicine coverage and contact your state government representatives about licensing of naturopathic physicians. When enough people (patients and supporters) demand that naturopathic medicine be recognized and accessible, the current state of naturopathic medicine will change.

What methods of payment do you accept?
Payment is required at time of service. Cash and checks are accepted.

What training do naturopathic physicians have?
A licensed naturopathic physician (N.D.) attends a four-year, fully accredited, graduate level naturopathic medical school and is educated in the study of the biological sciences and conventional medical diagnosis and treatment. Naturopathic physicians also complete extensive academic and clinical education in the safe and effective use of natural medicines. In addition to the standard medical curriculum, a naturopathic physician is required to complete four years training in clinical nutrition, homeopathic medicine, botanical medicine, psychology, and counseling. Naturopathic physicians take rigorous national board exams in order to be licensed as primary care general practice physicians. Currently, naturopathic physicians are licensed in 14 states, 2 US Territories, and 4 Canadian provinces.

Additional information on naturopathic medical schools can be found at www.aanmc.org. Information on accreditation by the Council of Naturopathic Medical Education can be found at www.cnme.org.