Question 1

What is a Naturopathic Physician?  What's so great about it?

Accepted Answer

Naturopathic Physicians/Doctors (ND) are trained in the same anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology and similar subjects as traditional Medical Doctors (MD) and Osteopathic Doctors (DO), the biggest difference is in our approach to treatment and prevention of disease.   An MD or DO's approach is generally that of "symptom management".  The goal of treatment is to suppress the symptoms being experienced with a medication or surgical intervention.   An ND will work hard to help identify what is driving the illness and seek to eliminate those obstacles.  This then allows the body to heal and resolve the symptoms of many diseases without the need for pharmaceuticals or surgery.  An ND will also be able to offer active prevention of disease by counseling the patient on lifestyle, genetic and environmental causes of possible future problems.  This is very different than simply "screening" for disease as is the purpose of pap smears, mammograms, prostate exams, annual physicals and labs.   Those who choose to have a naturopathic physician on their healthcare team generally are looking to maximally optimize their health and function and minimize or even eliminate the need for pharmaceuticals or surgical intevention.  Our patients tend to be more in-tune with their individual health care needs and are open to making dietary and lifestyle changes in order to reach their health goals and take an active approach to avoid possible future disease.

Question 2

Why is PCNM different than other naturopathic offices or functional medicine providers?

Accepted Answer

This has to do with the approach that is being taking and the goal of treatment.  An unfortunate trend we have seen in medicine is where providers still take the approach of "symptom management", but instead use various nutrients and herbal medicines to suppress symptoms rather than identify and remove the causes of those symptoms.  These providers generally prescribe a LOT of supplements, because supplements are not nearly as strong as pharmaceuticals, so it is much more difficult to manage symptoms using natural substances alone compared to drugs.   We are fans of minimalism and focusing on the foundational pieces of health.  Our goal is to use the least amount of intervention and the least amount of supplements and treatment to help you reach your health goals.  This means putting more focus on diet, lifestyle, addressing deficiencies, imbalances and optimizing organ and cellular function so the body can do all the hard work in healing.   You can also read more about this here.

Question 3

Can my PCNM doctor be my PCP (Primary Care Doctor)?

Accepted Answer

Yes!  In many cases we can act as your PCP.    Certain insurance providers, however, may not allow us to act as your PCP and may assign you a PCP or insist that your PCP is a an MD/DO in-network with your plan in order to have optional payment coverage for services.  Some plans also consider us a specialist and you may have a higher copay.

Question 4

Do you offer Virtual Services?

Accepted Answer

We do!  Many of our patients meet with us virtually when an in-person appointment is not necessary.   Initial Comprehensive New Patient appointments can be virtual or in-person.  In-person is preferred so we can complete a comprehensive physical exam and collect any needed labs at the time of the initial visit.  But, we are able to begin with a virtual appointment to get a treatment plan started and have you come into the office at a later date for physical exam and/or labs.   If an in-person visit is not needed, we can send lab orders to Providence, Legacy, Kaiser and Quest locations at your convenience.  We can also send imaging orders to facilities and we can have speciality lab kits and supplements shipped to your door or available for pick up from our office.   All of our providers are licensed to see patients who are physically in Oregon at the time of their visit. For nearby Washington patients, care must be established in-person first before we can begin virtual visits.    For those located in other locations around the world, please contact us to see if we are able to consult with you.

Question 5

Where can I park!?

Accepted Answer

If you have in in-person appointment at our downtown office, we recommend using the Smart Park at SW 10th and Morrison.  The best way to enter the garage is from SW Yamhill.     Please see our Contact page for more information regarding parking and our location.

Question 6

What is Hydrotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Naturopathic hydrotherapy is a relaxing treatment that has been used in the profession for over 100 years to help stimulate circulation to the various organs, increase lymphatic movement and detoxification.     Treatments generally take about an hour and involve alternating hot and cold applications to the chest and the abdomen. This is combined with specific physiotherapy devices to help stimulate organ function according the patient's individual needs.   There is no need to wear a swimsuit!  Patients undress from the waist up and are provided a gown for modesty.  Many times, patients fall asleep during the treatments, read a book or listen to relaxing music.  These treatments are a vital way to help improve cellular function and healing for both acute and chronic disease.

Question 7

How do I pay my bill?

Accepted Answer

You can pay any remaining patient balances by phone, online or by mail if you received a paper bill.  If you have a credit card on file with us, we can simply process your card for the remaining balance.   By phone: 503-894-8977, we are open Mon-Fri 8 am to 5 pm Online: Log in to  your patient portal through Charm.  Select "Billing" to view invoices and make payments. By mail: If you received a paper invoice, you can mail a check to our office at:   511 SW 10th Ave, Ste 1107 Portland, OR  97205

Question 8

Who do I contact for billing questions?

Accepted Answer

If our support staff are unable to answer your billing questions, you can contact Katrina Richardson.  She is our biller and she can be reached via email or phone:   E-mail: billing@pacificnaturalmedicine.com Phone: (253) 655-7115   She works remotely out of Washington State.

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