Naturopathy FAQ
General Practice Information
What is Naturopathic Medicine?
Naturopathic medicine is a primary healthcare profession that emphasizes prevention, treatment, and optimal health through the use of therapeutic methods and substances that encourage individuals’ inherent self-healing process. At LaVie Naturopathy, we focus on treating the whole person and identifying the root cause of your symptoms.
Is LaVie Naturopathy a virtual-only practice?
Yes. We are a fully telehealth-based practice. This allows you to receive high-quality primary care from the comfort of your home, saving you travel time and making it easier to integrate wellness into your busy schedule.
What happens if I need physical exams or urgent care?
For physical exams that cannot be done virtually (like heart or lung auscultation) or for acute emergencies, we will refer you to an in-person urgent care facility or to your primary care physician. We act as your wellness partner to ensure all gaps in care are filled.
What if I have an emergency?
Because we are a virtual practice, we do not provide 24/7 emergency services. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, you should call 911 or visit your nearest emergency room. For non-urgent questions, you can message me through the secure patient portal, and I will respond within 48hours.
Appointments & Virtual Care
How do virtual appointments work?
Once you book an appointment, you will receive a secure link via email. At the time of your visit, simply click the link to join our private, HIPAA-compliant video session. No special software is required, just a stable internet connection and a device with a camera.If you choose to create a portal account, you can log in at any time and click the "Join" button next to your appointment.
What if I’m not "tech-savvy"?
No problem! Our platform is designed to be user-friendly. You will receive a simple link via email, you just click it and your video window opens. If you can check your email, you can use our service. We are also happy to do a quick "tech check" with you before your first official visit.
Can you prescribe medications?
My focus is on natural therapies, but I can work alongside your conventional MD if pharmaceutical intervention is required.
What is your cancellation policy?
We value your time and ask that you value ours. We require 24 hours' notice for any cancellations or rescheduling. This allows us to offer that time slot to another patient who may be waiting for care. Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice may be subject to a cancellation fee.
Security & Privacy
Is my health information secure?
Yes, completely. At LaVie Naturopathy, we use CharmHealth, a leading Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system specifically designed for secure healthcare.
- HIPAA Compliant: All your data—from intake forms to treatment plans—is stored on a platform that meets strict federal HIPAA standards for privacy and security.
- Secure Telehealth: Our video consultations take place directly within the CharmHealth platform using encrypted, high-security technology. No third-party apps or unsecure links are needed.
- Data Protection: Your records are protected by 256-bit encryption (the same level used by major banks) and are hosted in world-class, secure data centers.
What is the Patient Portal and how do I use it?
Once you become a patient, you will get access to your own private CharmHealth Patient Portal. This is your "home base" for our work together where you can:
- Securely message me with non-urgent questions.
- View and download your personalized treatment protocols.
- Access lab results and upload previous medical records.
- Manage your appointments and join our video calls with one click.
Pricing & Insurance
Do you accept insurance?
No, LaVie Naturopathy is a cash-based practice. Because naturopathic medicine is not yet consistently covered by insurance providers across all states, we have chosen a self-pay model. This allows us to maintain a consistent standard of care for all our patients, regardless of their location or their specific insurance plan's limitations.
What are your fees?
- Initial Consultation (60 min): $199
- Follow-up Appointments (30 min): $89
- Child visit (30 min): $89
- Discovery Call (10 min): Free
How are payments processed?
You will be asked to enter your payment information when you book your appointment. Your data is fully protected and PCI compliant to ensure the highest level of security. Payments are processed directly through CharmHealth at the end of your visit.
Expectations & Results
How soon will I feel an improvement?
Because we focus on root-cause healing rather than just masking symptoms, "feeling better" happens in stages:
- The Short Term (Days to Weeks): Many patients notice improvements shortly after starting their foundational protocol.
- The Long Term (3 to 6 Months): For chronic conditions or hormonal balancing, it takes time for the body’s tissues to repair and for systems to recalibrate.
Healing is a journey, not a quick fix, but we will set specific milestones during our sessions so you can track your progress clearly.
What is my role in the healing process?
Naturopathy is a partnership. While we provide the roadmap, the "medicine" often lies in your daily habits, what you eat, how you move, how you manage stress. Patients who are active participants in their care plan typically see the most profound and lasting results.
Will I have to take supplements forever?
Not necessarily. In naturopathy, supplements are often used as "therapeutic bridges"—they help support your body while we work on the foundations of diet, lifestyle, and environment. Our goal is to get your body to a state where it can maintain its own health with as few interventions as possible.