Frequently Asked Questions

Naturopathic medicine is a distinct system of health care that combines modern scientific knowledge with traditional and natural forms of medicine. It emphasizes prevention, treatment, and optimal health through the use of therapeutic methods that support the body's inherent ability to heal itself. As a licensed naturopathic doctor, I can order labs, diagnose conditions, and prescribe both natural and pharmaceutical treatments when appropriate.

While I'm trained in conventional diagnosis and can prescribe pharmaceuticals, my approach focuses on using natural therapies alongside conventional treatments if and when safe to do so. I focus on identifying and treating root causes rather than just managing symptoms. I spend more time with patients (60-minute initial visits vs. typical 15-minute appointments), use advanced functional testing, and create personalized treatment plans that may include nutrition, lifestyle changes, supplements, and medications when needed. The goal is to support your body's natural healing processes while addressing underlying imbalances.

No, absolutely not. I encourage collaborative care and often work alongside your primary care physician and specialists. Many of my patients see me for complementary support while maintaining their conventional medical care. I'm happy to communicate with your other providers to ensure coordinated, comprehensive care.

Your initial 60-minute consultation is comprehensive. We'll review your complete health history, current symptoms, medications, supplements, diet, lifestyle, stress levels, and health goals. I may request your health records, and recommend specific lab tests or imaging. By the end, you'll have a clear understanding of my assessment and initial recommendations, with a detailed treatment plan to follow.

Complete all intake forms at least 48 hours before your visit—they're comprehensive but essential for making the most of our time together. Gather any recent lab work (within the last year), list all current medications and supplements with dosages, and prepare a timeline of your health concerns. Come with your top 3-5 health priorities and any specific questions you want addressed.

I offer virtual appointments for patients throughout California, making integrative care accessible regardless of your location. Video consultations allow us to have thorough discussions, review labs, and create treatment plans just as effectively as in-person visits. Some specialized testing may require visiting a local lab or having kits sent to your home.

I use both conventional and functional lab testing to get a complete picture of your health. This may include standard blood work (CBC, metabolic panel, thyroid), as well as specialized tests like comprehensive stool analysis, food sensitivity panels, advanced cardiovascular markers, hormone testing (saliva, urine, or blood), organic acids, micronutrient analysis, and environmental toxin screening. Testing is always personalized based on your specific concerns and goals.

Yes, as a licensed naturopathic doctor in California, I can prescribe certain medications when clinically appropriate. However, my approach prioritizes the least invasive interventions first. We'll explore nutrition, lifestyle modifications, and evidence-based natural therapies before considering pharmaceuticals. When medications are necessary, I often recommend them alongside supportive natural treatments to enhance effectiveness and minimize side effects.

Timeline varies depending on your condition and how long you've been experiencing symptoms. Many patients notice initial improvements in energy and well-being within 2-4 weeks. More significant changes in chronic conditions typically occur within 8-12 weeks. Hormonal imbalances may take 3-6 months to fully optimize. I'll set realistic expectations based on your specific situation and monitor progress regularly.

I operate as an out-of-network provider, which means I don't bill insurance directly. However, I provide detailed superbills that you can submit to your insurance for potential reimbursement. We are working to obtain approval for HSA or FSA fund utilization for visits. Some insurance plans may cover naturopathic care—I recommend checking with your provider about out-of-network benefits for naturopathic medicine.

Operating outside insurance networks allows me to spend quality time with patients (60-minute initial visits, 30-45 minute follow-ups) and provide personalized medicine rather than the rushed 10-15 minute appointments insurance typically covers. It also means I can order the most appropriate tests and treatments for your needs without insurance or other restrictions. This model ensures you receive comprehensive, individualized care focused on outcomes rather than insurance requirements.

Investment varies based on your health needs and goals. Beyond consultation fees, consider potential costs for specialized testing ($100-500+ depending on tests requested or needed) and supplements ($25-100+/month on average, depending on needs and goals). I always discuss costs upfront and work with you to prioritize interventions based on your budget. Many patients find they save money long-term by addressing root causes and preventing disease, rather than managing symptoms indefinitely.

I specialize in hormonal imbalances (thyroid, adrenal, sex hormones), digestive disorders (GERD, food sensitivities, microbiome issues, leaky gut), cardiometabolic conditions (cardiovascular disease prevention and management, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes/prediabetes, metabolic syndrome), fatigue and energy issues, and sleep issues. I also work with patients on preventive care, longevity optimization, and sports performance. If your condition falls outside my scope, I'll do what I can to help you find the right provider.

Yes, but my approach goes beyond simple calorie restriction. I investigate underlying factors that may be preventing weight loss: hormone imbalances, insulin resistance, inflammation, gut health issues, thyroid dysfunction, or stress/cortisol patterns. By addressing these root causes and creating a personalized nutrition and lifestyle plan, patients often achieve sustainable weight loss as a natural result of improved overall health.

My practice focuses on adult patients (18+). However, I work with many parents on optimizing their own health, which often positively impacts the entire family. For pediatric naturopathic care, I'm happy to provide referrals to colleagues who specialize in children's health.

Follow-up frequency depends on your condition and treatment plan. Initially, I typically see patients every 4-6 weeks to monitor progress and adjust protocols. As you improve, we may extend to every 2-3 months. Some patients in the optimization phase check in quarterly or biannually. Complex cases may need more frequent visits initially. We'll create a follow-up schedule that supports your healing while respecting your time and budget.

I encourage patients to implement their treatment plan fully before making adjustments. For true urgent concerns, you can reach out in our secure health portal via our EHR messaging system in Healthie. Quick clarifications about treatment protocols are generally addressed within 1-2 business days. For complex questions requiring detailed review, I may recommend scheduling a brief follow-up. My concierge patients have enhanced access including priority messaging.

Currently, I focus on individualized care to ensure each patient receives personalized attention. However, I regularly share educational content through my blog and newsletter to support your health journey. I'm also developing group programs for specific conditions—sign up at info@drboomgaarden.com to be notified when these launch.