Naturopathic Primary Care

Comprehensive, Licensed Primary Care in Oregon

In Oregon, naturopathic physicians are licensed primary care providers. As a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND), I am trained and authorized to provide comprehensive medical care, including the evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.

My medical education includes completion of an accredited naturopathic medical school and extensive supervised clinical training. Within my licensed scope of practice, I provide services consistent with primary care standards, including prescription management, diagnostic evaluation, preventive care, and coordination of care with other medical providers.

Care is delivered according to medical necessity, current standards of practice, and individual clinical presentation.

Scope of Naturopathic Primary Care

Naturopathic primary care services may include, when clinically indicated:

Medical history and physical examination
Diagnosis and management of acute and chronic conditions
Prescription medications, including initiation and monitoring
Laboratory testing and interpretation
Diagnostic imaging orders and review
Preventive care and health maintenance
Minor office procedures (e.g., wound repair, skin biopsies)
Medication review and deprescribing when appropriate
Nutritional, lifestyle, and metabolic assessment
Evidence-informed use of botanical medicines and nutraceuticals
Care coordination with specialists, hospitals, and other providers

All services are provided within licensed scope and documented according to payer and regulatory requirements.

An Integrative, Medically Grounded Approach

Naturopathic primary care integrates conventional medical treatment with selected non-pharmacologic interventions when appropriate. This approach allows for individualized care while maintaining medical rigor, safety, and accountability.

Pharmaceutical therapy is used when indicated based on diagnosis, severity, and clinical guidelines. Natural therapies, including nutritional and botanical interventions, are incorporated judiciously to support overall health and may be used to complement—not replace—standard medical treatment.

The emphasis is on prevention, functional improvement, and long-term health outcomes.

How Naturopathic Primary Care Differs from Conventional Primary Care

Both naturopathic and conventional primary care providers diagnose, prescribe, and manage medical conditions. Key differences include:

Naturopathic Primary Care

Integrates conventional medical treatment with lifestyle and nutritional interventions
Emphasizes prevention and early intervention
Allows additional time for evaluation and education when possible
Focuses on identifying contributing factors to illness
Uses medications thoughtfully and reviews ongoing necessity

Conventional Primary Care

Primarily medication-based management
Often time-limited visits
Focus on symptom control and disease management
Less emphasis on lifestyle or nutritional contributors

Both models operate within medical standards of care; the difference lies in treatment philosophy and integration.

Medicaid / CareOregon-Appropriate Care

Care provided under Medicaid plans, including CareOregon, is delivered in accordance with covered benefits, medical necessity criteria, and documentation standards. Services are selected based on diagnosis, functional impairment, and clinical need.

When required, care is coordinated with primary care teams, specialists, and behavioral health providers to ensure continuity and compliance with payer guidelines.

Who This Care Is For

Naturopathic primary care may be appropriate for individuals seeking:

A licensed primary care provider
Comprehensive evaluation and continuity of care
Management of chronic or complex conditions
Preventive and integrative medical care
Thoughtful use of medications alongside supportive therapies