Patient Resource 

Frequently asked questions:

Can I use my insurance to pay for my visit? I am a in-network with Premera, Lifewise, ACN, United Health Care, Pacificare and others through the Optum network.   I am out of network with other health plans, and some of them, such as BC/BS pay pretty well out of network.  In Network means you pay only the co-pay (depending on your naturopathic benefits and your deductible).  Out of network means that we can still bill to some companies depending on your plan and they will pay a percentage, or they require you to pay for the visit upfront and then submit to them for reimbursement directly to you.   We do not bill any ASH plans (ASH services several plans for alternative care such as some Providence plans).  I will always work with you to make your health care affordable.  Start by calling the customer service number on the back of your card and ask these questions: 1) Do I have naturopathic benefits? 2) Is Dr. Sheryl Wagner preferred on my plan? 3) What is my co-pay? 4) Do I have a deductible that still applies? 5) What is my yearly limit?  6) Is this limit combined with all alternative care such as chiropractic?    When you get these answers, you should have a better idea whether you will just pay a co-pay or pay out of pocket.

Are naturopaths doctors?  The term "naturopathic" was coined in the early 1900s.  It was only used for M.D.s who went on to further study "nature cure" or natural treatments designed to stimulate the body to heal and work together as a whole.  Naturopathic medical schools and federal licensing discontinued in the early 1950s.  People who wanted to continue using these healing modalities called themselves "naturopaths" rather than "naturopathic physicians", and they are not licensed to diagnose or treat disease.  Since the late 1950's, naturopathic medical schools and licensing of "naturopathic physicians" has resurged state by state.  NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIANS have graduated from a 4 year medical school and are licensed to diagnose and treat disease.  Whether or not they can order lab tests and x-rays is determined state by state.

What is the difference between an M.D. and an N.D.? Like M.D.s, naturopathic doctors are primary care physicians who have graduated from an accredited four year medical school. Studies include anatomy, physiology, immunology, urology, neurology, pediatrics, geriatrics, gynecology, physical medicine, pharmacology, psychology, minor surgery, and dermatology.  Unlike M.D.s, N.D.s also study naturopathic philosophy, lifestyle management, hydrotherapy, nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy, and IV therapy. Students work with patients in clinics as well as shadow doctors out in the field.  Graduates must pass a rigorous board examination before becoming licensed. There are limited residencies and they are not a requirement after licensing.

I DO NOT PRESCRIBE VALIUM, AMBIEN, VICODEN, OR OTHER PHARMACEUTICAL SLEEP AIDS OR PAIN KILLERS

Can my N.D. order lab tests? Yes! I can send you to a lab for a blood test or send you home with a mail-in saliva or stool test, depending on what information we want.  Your insurance may pay for tests such as blood tests and even food allergy testing, even if I am not a preferred provider on your plan.  Insurance will not pay for saliva tests commonly used for hormone testing.  In addition, we have in-house allergy testing.

Will I have to change my diet and eat nothing but tofu and brown rice? Please see my blog by clicking on the "ASK DR. SHERYL" button and read my post from April 2008.  You will not have to go veggie or vegan or anything that has a name.  However, you might have to adjust your diet in order to feel better.  Some people think that changing their diet is too extreme.  I think having a triple bypass surgery or getting parts of your body amputated (due to diabetes) is more extreme than changing your diet.

Is it expensive?  I tell people to do one of two things: either get the best insurance that reimburses naturopathic physicians well (Blue Cross plans are usually good) or get the cheapest insurance and use the money you save for your natural health care.  A typical fee for a first visit (90 minutes) is about $200.  Return visits depend on time and complexity (these rules are standard in the healthcare field) and can run between $65-$115.   Here are a few other services that might help you out financially:

Free 15 minute consult   Make an appointment to chat about your particular health concerns and how I can help.

Sliding Scale
Dr. Wagner offers a sliding scale payment option on Friday visits only.  To get the sliding scale information e-mailed, faxed, or mailed to you, please call the office Monday through Thursdays or leave a message at any time.

Free Ear Checks

Think your child might have an ear infection? Dr. Wagner offers free ear checks for kids in the waiting room Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.  This is helpful when you don't know if your child's earache is bad enough to go to the doctor, but you also don't want to wait until the middle of the night--when you will probably end up in the emergency room! No appointment necessary, but you may want to call to make sure I'm in the office.  360-573-2273   or 503-319-2989.
 

Click on the "Ask Dr. Sheryl" button to go to my blog where you can read about current health topics. E-mail me to ask a question to be answered on the blog! (drwagnernd@yahoo.com)

Related Links:

• www.oanp.org (Oregon Association of Naturopathic Physicians)

Testimonials: 
 

• (Phone call) "Dr. Wagner, I just wanted to let you know that I have  been to many cardiologists for years and have had to take prescription medication for my daily severe heart palpitations.  Since I saw you yesterday and you gave me the homeopathic remedy in your office, I have not had even one.  You hit the nail on the head. I am so glad I found you, and I will definitely be back!"

S.D., 34

• "12 hours after changing my diet and leaving out the foods that came up as allergens on my test, I felt so much better, like night and day.  I went from a 5 to an 8 in sense of optimal wellness (1-10 scale).   I'm so glad I did the food allergy test.  I'm really pleased with the results."

David, 51

• I used to sprain my ankle playing basketball at least twice a year. I had hay fever and asthma for which I had prescription medication. Since seeing Dr. Wagner, I've stopped all medication, I no longer get the chest congestion I used to have every fall for months, and I haven't sprained my ankle in three years. I still play basketball every week with the guys."

• "After getting a tubal ligation 11 years ago, I started getting horrible cramps every month. It got so bad that the cramps lasted 3 weeks each month and I'd miss days of work all the time. Doctors did some tests, but nothing was conclusive. I really didn't want to have surgery, so I started seeing naturopathic doctors. One gave me a bad tasting tincture, and another had me taking a lot of capsules all day. Dr. Wagner did some research about my condition, ordered some lab tests, and gave me drops that weren't hard to take at all. After two months, I don't have those horrible cramps anymore! It's been months now; I haven't had to miss work and I find myself enjoying my hobbies and my family a whole lot more!"

• Parenting with Spirit, by Jane Bartlett--nurturing your child's spiritual side
  Eating Gluten Free, by Shreve Stockton--simple information with just the recipes you want!
• The Kid-Friendly ADHD & Autism Cookbook, by P. J. Compart, M.D. and Dana Laake, R.D.H.
• Nourishing Traditions, by Sally Fallon.  Great back to basics healthy eating cookbook.
  Mother Warriors, by Jenny McCarthy--a mom's story about autism and current treatments.
  The Morrocan Connection, by Hilaire Walden--great cookbook for healthy, yummy eating.
  The Mood Cure, by Julia Ross--connections between diet, lifestyle, addictions, and mood.
• French Women Don't Get Fat: the secret of eating for pleasure, by Mireille Guiliano--how to eat well, look great and never weigh yourself again! (If you're looking for a new diet, read this one first!)