How is naturopathic medicine different from conventional medicine?
How are naturopathic and conventional physicians alike?
Do we accept insurance?
Do we accept credit cards?
What is the difference between a private shift and a student shift?
What is the cost to be seen by one of your physicians?
Can ND’s supervise or assist me with my current medications or help me to make decisions on other possible prescriptions?
How are naturopathic physicians educated?
How do naturopathic physicians interact with other health professionals?
How are ND’s regulated?

How is naturopathic medicine different from conventional medicine?
The primary differences between naturopathic and conventional medicine are the philosophical approach and the therapies used. Naturopathic physicians (NDs) treat patients as individuals by addressing the environmental, lifestyle, attitudinal, and emotional aspects of health. This allows naturopathic physicians to find and treat the cause of the disease using natural, non-invasive therapies. In contrast, conventional physicians generally address and treat the symptoms of disease, rather than the source of the illness, and use pharmaceutical therapies or surgery.

How are naturopathic and conventional physicians alike?
Naturopathic and allopathic (conventional) physicians are both required to study the biomedical sciences at a four-year accredited graduate medical school. Included in this rigorous curriculum are biomedical sciences such as anatomy, physiology, neurology, biochemistry, microbiology, pharmacology, cardiology, minor surgery, and others. Both kinds of physicians can diagnose a disease, predict its course, and prescribe treatment.

Do we accept insurance?
At this time, we only accept Cigna insurance; however, only certain plans cover alternative medicine. The best way to find out if your plan includes alternative medicine, is to contact the number on the back of your insurance card and ask member services if your plan does include alternative medicine. Also, you will need to ask if you are able to just pay a co-pay or if you need a referral from your primary care physician.

Many insurance carriers cover naturopathic medicine in the U.S. and Canada. However, there are still many limitations as to what therapies are covered. Since naturopathic physicians use alternatives to costly techniques and drug therapies, more insurance companies are beginning to investigate expanding coverage of this cost-effective healing method.

Do we accept credit cards?
We currently accept American Express, Discover Card, MasterCard and Visa credit cards to pay for appointments, laboratory services and medical services provided at Southwest Naturopathic Medical Center. These same credit cards can also be used to pay for prescriptions, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and over-the-counter herbal/homeopathic medicines at The Natural Medicinary, located next to Southwest Naturopathic Medical Center. The Natural Medicinary serves both in-house and off-site physicians, patients and customers, and is the largest natural Medicinary in the state of Arizona.

What is the difference between a private shift and a student shift?
A majority of our physicians see patients both privately and while supervising a student shift. When a patient is seen on a private shift, it is a one-on-one encounter versus a student shift, where our student clinicians see the patient, while the physician supervises the patient visit. The cost is proportionally less expensive when being seen on a student shift and tends to average $25.00 less than a private shift.

What is the cost to be seen by one of your physicians?
We provide a wide variety of services and modalities and each patient is treated according to their needs and their specialized treatment plan. The cost varies according to the treatment and the visit; therefore, it is best that you contact us for more detailed pricing based on your needs.

Can ND’s supervise or assist me with my current medications or help me to make decisions on other possible prescriptions?
Arizona has the widest scope of prescribing rights for naturopathic physicians in the nation. Our physicians are trained extensively in pharmacology, botanical medicine, homeopathy, Chinese medicine and their interactions and side effects. Naturopathic physicians have the same prescribing rights as allopathic physicians, except for narcotics. Therefore, NDs are able to provide patients continuing prescriptions for current health conditions or illnesses.

How are naturopathic physicians educated?
After completing a standard premedical undergraduate curriculum, aspiring naturopathic physicians enter into a four-year medical program. The first two years of naturopathic medical school consist of education in the basic biomedical sciences similar to that of conventional medical school. The second two years emphasize clinical education in natural therapeutics. Upon successful completion of the four-year program, graduates receive the degree of Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine.

How do naturopathic physicians interact with other health professionals?
NDs have an understanding of their limitations, and refer patients to other health care providers such as MDs, MD specialists, DOs, psychotherapists, acupuncturists, and chiropractors when it is necessary. Most naturopathic practices have extensive cross-referrals with other practitioners. As part of the SCNM ND program, students have extensive exposure and experience with local hospitals, MDs, and other healthcare practitioners.

How are ND’s regulated?
In states that license naturopathic physicians, including Arizona, the profession is regulated. In these states, naturopathic physicians must pass either national or state board examinations and must have received an education from an accredited four-year, graduate level, naturopathic medical school. Their actions are subject to review by a state board of examiners to ensure protection of the patients.

Southwest Naturopathic Medical Center is governed by the State of Arizona Naturopathic Physicians Board of Medical Examiners www.npbomex.az.gov. The primary duty of the Board is to protect the public through the regulation of the practice of naturopathic medicine. The Board Accomplishes Its Mission by administering and enforcing laws and rules relating to naturopathic physicians, receiving and responding to complaints, certifying physicians as specialists, certifying physicians who dispense, approves and certifies medical assistants, approves educational and training programs for physicians and interns.