HomeAbout Makai Naturopathic CenterFrequently Asked Questions

Do you accept insurance?

Most insurance companies in the state of New Hampshire do not cover office visits with Naturopathic Doctors. We encourage you to call your insurance company and ask if they cover the services of licensed Naturopathic Doctors. Some insurance companies do cover acupuncture; again it is best to call ahead of time. In all cases we ask that payment be made at the time of visit, but if you would like to submit your billing statement for reimbursement, a proper medically coded bill will be provided for you.

Naturopathic office visits can be paid for through health savings accounts and flex spending accounts. Ask your insurance carrier if this is an option for you.

Do I have to stop all of my medications and supplements before my visit?

Definitely not. No prescription medications should ever be stopped abruptly. We ask that you bring all prescriptions and supplements with you to your first visit. This allows the doctors to accurately evaluate what you are taking. Naturopathic Doctors are well trained to evaluate potential drug/herb and drug/nutrient interaction; your safety is our first priority. At Makai Naturopathic Center we understand the value of combining the best of both conventional and alternative medicine.

Are Naturopathic Doctors licensed doctors?

Yes, in the state of New Hampshire, Naturopathic Doctors must have and maintain a medical license. This license signifies the same rights and responsibilities for Naturopaths as for any doctor. We are licensed to diagnose conditions utilizing physical exams and laboratory assessment and to develop a treatment plan that is based on Naturopathic principles. In addition, we have a small formulary that allows us to prescribe some antibiotics, antifungal and hormone based treatments.

Do Naturopathic doctors go to medical school?

Yes, a licensed naturopathic doctor has to go to a four year accredited medical school and must pass a national licensing exam in order to practice. There are currently five accredited schools in North America: NCNM, Bastyr, Southwest College, Bridgeport, and Canadian College. A word of caution; there are several mail order degree programs. These types of practitioners have different training than a licensed Naturopathic Doctors and are not eligible to carry a medical license.

How long will my first appointment be?

The initial visit will last between 1.0 to 1.5 hours. Make sure you have that amount of time set aside so that you do not feel rushed. Follow-up visits generally last between 30-45 minutes.

What should I expect?

At the initial visit, the doctor will spend the majority of time talking with you, listening in detail, and asking a lot of questions with regard to your personal health history. If necessary a physical exam will be performed. If labs need to be ordered, this will be discussed as well.

Is there anything I should bring to my visit?

If you have had any labs done within the past year, it is helpful to have a copy of them with you. Also, be sure to write down any questions or concerns you may have ahead of time so that you do not forget to ask during your visit. Lastly, bring with you all prescriptions and supplements that you take on a regular basis. Simply put them in a grocery bag and bring them along.

How often do I come back?

Because you are given nutrition and lifestyle goals, you need time to work on these at home. Unless you are acutely sick, your second appointment will usually be four to six weeks later.

Will I have to take supplements?

The ultimate goal is to reach a point of optimal health that is maintained through diet and lifestyle. Vitamins and minerals, homeopathy, and botanical medicine are tools we use to help you get to this point. Once we have achieved our goals using supplementation we prefer to reduce supplementation until we reach a balance point. However, serious chronic diseases often do require long-term interventions.

At Makai Naturopathic Center we emphasize the value of integrating the best of both conventional and alternative medicines. We feel that natural medicines are often safer and more gentle than drugs when prescribed correctly, but do understand that pharmaceutical prescriptions can be necessary tools as well. We prefer to use natural medicines that address disease without interfering with the road to wellness.

Do you have a cancellation policy?

We ask that you give us 24 hours notice if you need to cancel. We reserve the right to bill you if 24-hour notice is not provided.

Do you have evening or weekend appointments available?

We will schedule patients in the evening when necessary, otherwise the office closes at 5 PM. Generally the doctors see patients in the evenings three nights a week. Saturdays are by appointment only.