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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I know if I or my friend or loved one should see a Naturopathic Doctor?Naturopathic Doctors are trained as general family health care providers. Our education emphasizes looking at a person’s whole picture, not just their symptoms or disease. We can treat a wide variety of conditions without the use of drugs or surgery. Patients come to us because they want to live the most preventive lifestyle they can and they want to treat problems as they arise in the most natural way with the least side effects. Many have health problems that have not been helped by conventional medicine or other modalities. Often, we find, that is due to the problems being of a more functional, rather than pathological, nature. Standard diagnostic procedures and laboratory tests will often be “in the normal range” until the situation becomes serious. We look to identify underlying causes, correct them and avoid debilitating diseases like cancer, osteoporosis, heart disease and diabetes. Naturopathic Doctors can assess any non-emergency situation and advise you on your next step. If it is in your best interest, a visit or call to your MD may be suggested. You might be referred to a specialist, another type of practitioner (PT, acupuncture) or for some laboratory evaluation. We can also be of great value working with any conventional treatment you may be involved in (from taking blood pressure medication to undergoing chemotherapy). The lifestyle changes we suggest often reduce and sometimes eliminate a person’s need for prescription medications. Nutritional support around surgery can reduce recovery time and complications. Naturopathic treatment does not need to be mutually exclusive from conventional treatment. We are educated about potential interactions and know how to avoid them. What conditions do Naturopathic Doctors commonly treat?
What kinds of patients or illnesses is Naturopathic Medicine particularly good at?From my vantage point, I think Naturopathic Medicine has something to offer anyone of any age in any situation. I see young children, the elderly and everyone in between. Naturopathy is particularly good at assessing and treating risk factors for disease, all chronic health issues, including cancer, people who consider themselves too ‘sensitive’ for conventional treatment, patients who feel underserved by their other health care providers after they’ve been told there’s nothing more to do or it’s all in your head. Women and men with hormonal and fatigue issues and those with immunologic or gastrointestinal issues tend to do very well. Most especially suited are people who are willing to explore how changes in nutrition, lifestyle and attitude can positively affect their lives. Is Naturopathic Medicine Scientific and Safe?Scientific research into nutrition and traditional medicine has been ongoing, and is increasing now that interest and awareness in complementary medicine has created more national funding opportunities through the National Institutes of Health. Naturopathic doctors swear an oath on graduation to “First Do No Harm.” We can help you feel better without causing harm or uncomfortable side effects. Naturopathic doctors have extensive training in the safe use of herbal remedies and supplements. We know how to avoid interactions between natural medicines and pharmaceuticals. We always recommend that the public seek assistance from a qualified practitioner whenever using herbal or vitamin supplementation to ensure health and safety. Are Naturopathic Doctors licensed?We are licensed to practice as primary care physicians in 14 States and the District of Columbia.At this time, after many years of persistence, we are closer to licensure in Massachusetts than ever. Click here for most recent legislative update and to learn how you can help. Dr. Beaty maintains a license in Washington State where she graduated (and where she lived for 15 yrs) in order to be eligible for reciprocity in Massachusetts once licensure is achieved. She is a member of her State and National Associations. Information on licensing can be found at (www.MSND.org / Massachusetts Society of Naturopathic Doctors) and (www.naturopathic.org / American Association of Naturopathic Physicians). What is the education of a Naturopathic Doctor?Naturopathic Doctors eligible for licensing (in Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Idaho, Maine, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon, Utah, Vermont and Washington) have graduated from one of three federally accredited four-year postgraduate schools of Naturopathic medicine. They are the only such graduates of Naturopathic medicine that qualify to sit for and pass a rigorous state administered examination. Programs at these schools provide a strong background in the sciences, western diagnosis, counseling, nutrition, botanical medicine and homeopathy. Dr. Beaty is a graduate of Bastyr University in Kenmore, Washington (outside Seattle). Are visits covered by insurance?No. Many of our patients find establishing a pre-tax Health Savings or a Flexible Spending Account helps their budget. What can I expect at my first visit with Dr. Beaty?You will be asked to fill out an extensive health questionnaire and bring copies of any relevant evaluations, tests and procedures to your visit. We will meet for 90 minutes and review all the details and decide our first course of action. Physical exam will be at this or your next visit. Your initial plan may include nutrition and supplement recommendations or may be focused on fact finding. How often will I need to come back?That depends entirely on you and the nature of your situation. In general, we like to see people at four to six week intervals at least twice after the first appointment. An acute situation might temporarily require more frequent follow up. As working with a Naturopathic Doctor involves the creation of a deep understanding relationship over time, the most successful patients return periodically throughout the year; some once a month, some once a quarter. How is a Naturopathic Doctor different from a Medical Doctor?A Naturopathic Doctor treats the whole person to heal the cause of symptoms using natural remedies. We listen to our patients with undivided attention. We take time with our patients. A Medical Doctor treats a patient’s symptoms with pharmaceutical drugs or surgery. How is Naturopathy different from Homeopathy?Naturopathy is a system of medicine with a fundamental faith in the healing power of nature (vis medicatrix naturae). Naturopathic treatments include nutrition, botanical medicines, homeopathic remedies, physical therapies and spinal manipulation, hydrotherapy (water treatments), counseling and lifestyle changes. Homeopathic remedies are made mostly out of plants as in herbal medicine, except by a different process. They can be dispensed in their own unique way by medical doctors who study homeopathy outside of school, naturopathic doctors whose curriculum includes homeopathy and even lay people. The American interpretation of homeopathy’s discoverer, Samuel Hahneman, is called Constitutional Homeopathy. I practice a more European style of homeopathy; use Bach Flower remedies, aromatherapy and a very effective homeopathic antigen treatment for allergies. Why do you have an Online Store?I maintain a dispensary for my patients in order to ensure product integrity and quality control measures used by our suppliers (more info). Quality and potency vary widely from brand to brand. The carefully selected products are screened for contaminants; are made with low-allergy-potential ingredients; are better absorbed and utilized by the body; and are typically backed by more clinical research than “over-the-counter” brands. I find that people achieve better health results with higher quality products. I may occasionally refer you to a health food store for products I do not carry. |
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Services • Biography • FAQ • Office Info • Directions Request an Appointment • Order at Online Store © Janet K. Beaty, N.D. Naturopathic Doctor Site design & maintenance by metaglyph |
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