FAQs
What, exactly, is a healthcare cooperative?
Like many other cooperatives, Portland Natural Health was founded on the principles of democratic member control (i.e. members make decisions about the operation and the direction of the cooperative), concern for the well-being of the community, and the belief that, in most instances, alternative methods can be equally as effective as conventional means when it comes to treating the body and soul. In a physical sense, a healthcare cooperative such as Portland Natural Health is the gathering place for numerous healthcare professionals who work side by side in an environment that’s supportive, friendly, and based on mutual respect. While patients often come to Portland Natural Health to benefit from the services of an individual practitioner, intra-office referrals are common in this setting and demonstrate the high degree of trust shared by all practitioners. There is no hierarchy in the cooperative arrangement; members are responsible for sharing the workload required to keep the clinic moving forward.
How do I book an appointment with a specific practitioner?
To book an appointment with a specific practitioner, you can either contact that practitioner directly via their own personal website (found in the practitioners section of this website), or, perhaps more conveniently, you can contact our office manager at the following number: 505.445.7767. While booking your appointment, our office manager will inform you about the practitioner’s availability, the approximate length of the impending visit, and how you can access intake paperwork.
How much will my appointment cost?
This depends on several factors, including the complexity of your case, which modality (e.g. acupuncture, massage, etc.) you’re seeking, and the number of services used during your treatment. Appointment fees also depend on whether you’re a new or established patient and whether you have insurance benefits that you can apply to help cover the cost of your visit. If requested by you, our office manager can provide you with an estimate, with the understanding that fees may vary from the estimate based on the aforementioned criteria.
Do you accept insurance?
This largely depends on the modality being pursued and the individual practitioner’s reimbursement policy. Some practitioners at Portland Natural Health accept insurance reimbursement, others do not. Others accept insurance, but are not “in-network” with insurance providers. The easiest way to find out which providers accept insurance is to contact our office manager and ask her directly. She’ll be able to answer all of your insurance-related questions.
What modalities (i.e. services) are available at Portland Natural Health?
Acupuncture, chiropractic, counseling, energy healing, hypnotherapy, massage therapy, naturopathy, physical therapy, and rolfing. For more information about these services, please visit the practitioner page of this website.
What types of conditions do you see in the clinic?
First of all, as practitioners, it’s our belief that individuals should be treated, not conditions. That being said, most people come to us for a specific reason, whether it be nagging low back pain, allergies, or the need to overcome an obstacle from the past. Because of the great diversity of practitioners plying their trade at Portland Natural Health, the conditions seen are accordingly varied. As a patient, you should feel confident that, no matter what symptoms you’re experiencing, a solution to (and resolution of) your problem awaits you at Portland Natural Health.
When should I seek the services of a doctor?
It’s a good idea to set-up regular appointments with your naturopathic and chiropractic physicians. These practitioners are trained to assess your current condition and can recommend the services of other healthcare professionals, should such a referral be warranted. Even if you’re not currently experiencing any symptoms, regular wellness check-ups and treatments are a good idea. Your doctor has a wealth of health knowledge from which to draw and can make helpful suggestions about diet, lifestyle, and other aspects of health so that you can lead a long, healthy, and productive life.
Who can benefit from natural healthcare?
At Portland Natural Health, we believe that everybody can benefit from natural healthcare. Whether it’s a certain procedure or a specific piece of advice, our practitioners are trained find the strategy that works best for you. We encourage you to explore the scope of our services and share what you’ve learned with family members and friends. A non-invasive and collaborative approach to healing is the hallmark of our trades; it’s an approach that has your best interests at heart and one that’s geared toward improving your quality of life, no matter who you are or what symptoms you might be experiencing.
Do you have a medicinary? Do you have the supplies that I might need?
Yes to both. At Portland Natural Health, we have an abundance of medicinary items and supplies available for purchase by the public. If you need a refill on a supplement or you simply want to peruse our shelves, feel free to stop by the clinic and we’ll help you find what you’re looking for.
What if I call to book an appointment but the clinic is closed?
If you call outside of regular reception hours (9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday), please leave a message on our answering machine. We’ll get back to you as soon as possible (which typically means the morning of the next business day). If you’re experiencing a medical emergency, please dial 911.
