What procedures and activities are involved with a first appointment?

The first visit with any of the Naturopathic Doctors at Emerald City Clinic includes a one hour or longer comprehensive health history, including physical, emotional, and spiritual health. A therapeutic plan is developed from information gathered during the health history to bring each client to optimal health.

Why does the first appointment need to be an hour to 90 minutes long, even if I am coming in for a very specific or straightforward health concern?

Naturopathic medicine focuses on the causes of illness, not just on relieving symptoms. It is important for the doctor to understand you as a person and to get a clear sense of how all aspects of your life come together to create your health in order to correctly address your current specific health concern. By getting a well-rounded picture, we treat your current symptom, and also put you on the path toward lifelong optimal health.

I have never paid out of pocket for my medical expenses. Will my insurance reimburse me?

Emerald City Clinic will provide all documentation for you to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. It is up to you to discuss potential reimbursement with your insurance company before you come in for your first office call.

What do I do if I am a current patient and need to ask one of the doctors a quick question about my health care? What if my question pertains to the health care of a family member or friend who is not a client at Emerald City Clinic?

All current patients at Emerald City Clinic have been provided with a Charm Electronic Medical Records account for communicating privately with their doctor and staff. Current patients also have the emergency phone number for the clinic. Please call the front desk at 206-781-2206 for this contact information, if you are a current patient and can't find this information in your notes.

Health care advice is not given for people who are not current patients at Emerald City Clinic. We do not know enough of their history to make ethical, safe, and effective health care recommendations. You may suggest that your friend or family member begin care at Emerald City Clinic with an hour to 90 minute-long first office call.