Question 1

Can I use my insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Iris Integrative Medicine is currently credentialed with:

Anthem
Cigna
Aetna
MCHO (Maine Community Health Options)
Harvard Pilgrim
United Healthcare **Out-of-Network provider only**

If you do not carry one of listed insurances above, we are happy to provide a Superbill upon request.

Unfortunately, naturopathic doctors cannot bill Medicaid or Medicare at this time due to the restrictions of these insurance companies. Maine Association of Naturopathic Doctors (MAND) is actively working to change this, as we hope to expand the accessibility of naturopathic care.

Question 2

How do I become a new patient?

Accepted Answer

You can schedule yourself online through this site. Go to "Schedule an Appointment" tab and scroll through the service options for "New Patient". You can also call or email the office to schedule. Please feel free to call, email, or schedule a 15 minute complimentary meet-and-greet visit if you have questions before becoming a new patient.

Once you are scheduled as a new patient, our system will prompt you to set up your patient portal. Once that is completed, you will receive your electronic intake forms through your portal and those will be sent to us automatically once you click "submit". There is no need to print them off.

Question 3

What can I expect on my first visit?

Accepted Answer

During your first visit, the emphasis will be on gathering a comprehensive medical history and determining the appropriate next steps. The process involves a thorough examination to understand your unique health background, identifying your specific health goals and concerns, reviewing recent lab work, determining any further investigative work that is needed (i.e. ordering lab work and/or imaging), performing necessary physical exams, and developing a holistic and personalized treatment strategy. Initial visits are typically 60 minutes in length.

Question 4

Do I need to bring anything to my first visit?

Accepted Answer

Please make sure to bring your ID and insurance card with you. In addition, you may also bring any recent lab work or imaging results you have completed within the past two years or any medical records that is pertinent to your medical concerns.

Question 5

Can Dr. A be my PCP (Primary Care Physician)?

Accepted Answer

No, not in the state of Maine. Naturopathic Doctors are technically specialists in the state of Maine so we are unable to serve as a patient's PCP, however, because we are medically trained as primary care physicians we function well as general practitioners (with the specialty of naturopathy) and many patients use us as their go-to providers due to the scope we do have. Because we are specialists we cannot prescribe certain medications and, therefore, would not be able to manage all care. We always recommend having an official PCP as part of your care team . If you are on a medication and want to check if we are able to manage it, please reach out to the office.

Question 6

What kind of role can a ND serve in my care team?

Accepted Answer

Because Naturopathic Doctors are medically trained as primary care physicians, and we function as one in certain states, we work well as general or family practitioners. Here is a great article outlining the differences between different types of physicians:

Depending on the ND's focus of practice, they can provide specific medical management so it is important to reach out to the office and inquire if they would be a good fit for your medical needs before establishing care.

For more information on the focus of practice and services provided by Dr. A , please visit the "Services" and "Meet Dr. A" pages of this site.

Question 7

What is the difference between a licensed Naturopathic Doctor and a traditional naturopath?

Accepted Answer

This is a very important distinction, as these two titles are not interchangeable. A licensed Naturopathic Doctor (ND) is a primary care physician who is medically trained to diagnose and prescribe, where a traditional naturopath is not. This means that naturopaths serve as a health coach and NOT as a physician or doctor. In states where naturopathic medicine is regulated, like in Maine, a traditional naturopath cannot call themselves a Naturopathic Doctor, which helps patients distinguish between the two and this establishes understanding of scope of practice. ND's across the US are actively working to protect the title of Naturopathic Doctor to provide safety for the public. For more details on this topic, please visit the link below:

Question 8

I am a current patient. How can I refill prescriptions or supplements?

Accepted Answer

There is no need to contact the office for any refill requests:

For prescriptions, please call your pharmacy and request a refill. They will submit a request to our office and we can quickly complete that refill online. You can also submit a refill request directly through your patient portal by following these steps:

Click on the 'Request Refill' button against the medicine or supplement name.
A dialogue box displaying the medicine and physician details will pop up next.
Type in your refill request reason, if any.
Click on the 'Request' button.

For supplements, please log into your Fullscript or Wholescript account and search for the desired supplement. You can order any needed refills. Another option is to go to the "Current Patient" tab on this site, use the drop down menu to click on "Supplements", and click on the desired portal.

Please make sure to follow up with your provider to discuss if any changes to your prescriptions or supplements are needed.

Question 9

What should I do during a medical emergency?

Accepted Answer

Please go to the emergency room, urgent care, a walk-in clinic or dial 911 for immediate care. Although we occasionally schedule patients the day of for acute visits, this is completely dependent on any last minute cancellations and, therefore, not a guarantee that you will be seen. Our office does not offer after hours care or an emergency call line.

IRIS INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE

Frequently asked questions