What is naturopathic medicine?
Naturopathic medicine is based on the belief that the human body has an innate healing ability. Naturopathic doctors (NDs) teach their patients to use diet, exercise, lifestyle changes and cutting edge natural therapies to enhance their bodies’ ability to ward off and combat disease. NDs view the patient as a complex, interrelated system (a whole person), not as a clogged artery or a tumor. Naturopathic physicians craft comprehensive treatment plans that blend the best of modern medical science and traditional natural medical approaches to not only treat disease, but to also restore health.
What will my first visit be like?
Your first office visit typically includes an extensive history and a focused physical exam.  It is also common to review lab work that has been done in the past and order new labs as required.  Depending upon the complexity of your case, the first visit may conclude with a treatment plan and follow-up instructions, or it might be the first of a series of visits necessary for gathering all the relevant information that allows for a comprehensive treatment program.
Is naturopathic medicine covered by my health insurance?
You will need to determine if your insurance covers naturopathic medical care. Dr Carter provides a coded service summary that is ready for remittance to insurance providers. If your provider does not cover our services, ask them why.
Montana has a law that requires insurance companies to reimburse for naturopathic care, but there are some reasons your insurer will not pay, especially if your employer is privately insured.
Can you prescribe the medications I am currently taking?
Yes and no.
Naturopathic physicians in the state of Montana have a list of pharmaceutical drugs we can prescribe. Many of the drugs we can prescribe are those with a natural origin, such as antibiotics and hormones. If you have prescriptions that you need to continue that I cannot write for, then you must work with your other doctors to keep them informed of your health care plan to assist them with their decision making.
Our goal is to improve your health so that you can eliminate some of your prescription medications when it is appropriate and safe to do so.
How much do you charge for office visits and treatments?
Please contact us to discuss charges.