Naturopathic doctors (NDs) take a holistic approach to health care, focusing on identifying and addressing the root causes of illness, rather than just treating symptoms. They offer personalized treatment plans, blending natural therapies with modern medicine, and emphasize disease prevention and overall wellness. NDs also spend more time with patients during consultations, allowing for a deeper understanding of health issues and lifestyle factors.

Naturopathic doctors treat a wide variety of health conditions, including:

• Chronic conditions like autoimmune diseases, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease

• Hormonal imbalances, such as thyroid issues or menopause

• Digestive problems, including IBS and food intolerances

• Mental health concerns like anxiety and depression

• Skin conditions such as eczema or acne

• General wellness, including stress management, weight loss, and prevention of chronic diseases

Yes, licensed naturopathic doctors in Montana are qualified to perform physical exams and order both standard and specialty lab tests. These may include blood work, hormone panels, allergy testing, and stool analysis. At Meadowlark Natural Medicine, we also offer basic lab screenings and work with local phlebotomists and labs for easy test ordering and collection.

In Montana, licensed naturopathic doctors have prescriptive authority and can prescribe certain medications when necessary. However, they prioritize natural treatments, lifestyle changes, and preventive care, using pharmaceuticals as a last resort or in conjunction with other therapies.

Meadowlark Natural Medicine is in-network with the following health insurance companies:

• Mountain Health Co-Op

• BlueCross BlueShield

• Allegiance

• Cigna

• Pacific Source

• First Choice Health

• Aetna

Although the clinic is in-network with these insurers, this does not guarantee that your specific plan covers services provided by naturopathic doctors. If you plan to utilize health insurance, we highly recommend contacting your insurance company to verify the details of your coverage and policy.

For all other insurance providers, the clinic is considered out-of-network but can provide a superbill for submission. A time-of-service discount is also offered.

Note: Medicare, Tri-Care, and Montana state Medicaid currently do not cover naturopathic care.

However, some Medicare supplemental insurances may provide coverage, so it's recommended to contact your insurance company to verify. Efforts are underway to expand coverage for naturopathic care.

All fees are listed for payment at the time of service:

New Patient (45 - 60 Minutes) $300 to $350

Follow up Patient (20 - 30 minutes) $160 to $210

Prolonged Services (each additional 15 minutes) $50

• Initial office visits typically last 45-60 minutes, providing ample time for patients with standard, moderately complex complaints to discuss their concerns and receive a comprehensive evaluation. Follow-up visits are generally around 30 minutes, allowing for effective review and management of ongoing treatment or any necessary adjustments to the care plan. This structure helps ensure patients receive thorough and attentive care tailored to their needs.

• Prolonged service refers to extended appointment time provided for patients who have multiple, complex medical complaints or require more time to thoroughly address their health needs. This service is essential for patients who need detailed question-answering, comprehensive review of medical records, or coordination with other medical providers. For cases involving complex medical issues, the provider may need to conduct in-depth research or analysis. This ensures patients receive personalized, thorough care that addresses all aspects of their health.

Naturopathic doctors differ from allopathic providers such as MDs, DOs, NPs, and PAs in their approach to health care. While allopathic medicine often focuses on treating symptoms and acute conditions with medications or surgery, naturopathic medicine emphasizes natural, non-invasive treatments and prevention. However, NDs can integrate conventional medicine into their practice and collaborate with allopathic providers to provide comprehensive care, ensuring patients receive the best of both approaches when necessary.