Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS A DOCTOR OF NATUROPATHY?
A Doctor of Naturopathy (ND) is a practitioner trained to be a primary care general practitioner and expert in natural medicine.
HOW IS A DOCTOR OF NATUROPATHY TRAINED?
Doctors of Naturopathy attend an accredited four-year naturopathic medical school where they are trained in both basic and clinical sciences including: anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, clinical and physical diagnosis, laboratory and x-ray diagnosis and pharmacology. In addition, they are trained in homeopathy, botanical medicine, nutrition, counseling, massage, craniosacral therapy, and spinal manipulation.
WHAT IS NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE?
Naturopathy combines natural, non-toxic therapies with current advances in the study of medicine, covering all aspects of family health.
HOW IS A DOCTOR OF NATUROPATHY DIFFERENT FROM A MEDICAL DOCTOR?
"Her current practice focuses
on education, uncovering causes of illness, and nutrition counseling for optimal health."
Both are graduates of accredited medical schools and are required to pass board exams to be licensed to practice medicine. Jennifer Phillips has passed board exams and has achieved licensure in both Vermont and Washington State. New Jersey currently does not license Doctors of Naturopathy, so Jennifer Phillips does not practice medicine as primary care provider here. Her current practice focuses on education, uncovering causes of illness, and nutrition counseling for optimal health.
NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE INCLUDES:
Emphasis on prevention and self care, personalized health care, and consideration of underlying cause, not just symptoms
NATUROPATHIC LICENSURE
Licensed Doctors of Naturopathy are those who have passed licensing board exams after graduating from a 4-year Naturopathic Medicine Program at one of four accredited universities: Bastyr University (Seattle, WA), National College of Naturopathic Medicine (Portland, OR), Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (Tucson, AZ), and University of Connecticut (Bridgeport, CT). These ND's are eligible for licensure in one of twelve states in the US that recognize and license Doctors of Naturopathy.
FEES AND INSURANCE
"Do you take my insurance?"
I am not a licensed provider in New Jersey, so I cannot bill insurance. Many of my patients have attempted to submit my bill to their insurance company. I applaud this and am happy to help. Some employers offer a flexible spending account. This can and should be used to pay for my services. It is an unfortunate reality that most of us pay large dollars for "health insurance" but have to pay out of pocket for alternative health care. It is important for everyone to consider options that are not covered by insurance because this may save thousands of dollars in future health care costs.
"What is your fee?"
My 1-hour fee is $115. There are those who may feel that my fee is exorbitant. This may help to put things into perspective:
- A 5-minute visit with the average "specialist": $150-$300
- Dentist's fee for ONE filling: $150
- Average trip to the mechanic: $250-$1000
- Average trip to the vet: $105
- Average trip to the grocery store for a family of 4: $150
- A tank of gas: $30
- [The average cost of a lifetime of health due to natural medicine: PRICELESS.]
Jennifer Phillips, ND 41 W Chestnut Ave, Merchantville, NJ 08109 (856) 488-7067
DrJen@naturopathynj.com
