What can I expect from my NYC Naturopathic Doctor?
We listen to you and explore the deeper cause of your symptoms. We go beyond treating only the presenting symptoms, and look to resolve the root cause of your illness.
Is Naturopathic Telemedicine Effective?
Yes! Even before the pandemic Dr Ivy has offered virtual appointments to patients for various reasons including international and out-of-state patients, patients with small children, patients with mobility or transportation issues and patients preferring the convenience of having their appointments from their home or office. These patients have been able to achieve the same results as Dr Ivy’s in-office patients as Dr Ivy uses:
• A HIPAA compliant electronic medical records system called CHARM
◦ Patients can upload past diagnostic and blood work as well as recommend additional testing including the DUTCH test for review.
◦ Uses a private and secure version of Zoom
• An online Dispensary for patients to easily order physician grade herbs and nutrients that are quickly delivered to the patient.
Is naturopathic medicine cost-effective?
Absolutely! Because we focus on treating the cause of your symptoms. While working to identify the root cause of your condition, each treatment is aimed at improving overall health - and in doing so we prevent illness. This will save you money in the long run.
What types of patients can naturopathic medicine treat?
Everyone can benefit. Naturopathic medicine can benefit women, men, children of all ages in NYC and beyond - from people who would just like to feel better to the terminally ill.
What does the first naturopathic visit typically look like?
Depending on your needs, the initial visit either at our NYC office or virtually may take up to 60 minutes and includes addressing your primary concerns. We want to understand the strength and challenges that lie ahead in your journey to health and how we can serve you as a unique individual.
I don't live in New York or New Jersey, can naturopath Dr Ivy still help me?
Yes. If you're not in NYC, Naturopath Dr Branin offers both phone and video appointments allowing her to help patients from all over the United States and over seas. Although some of her patients do travel over 2 hours for their appointments.
If I am taking prescription medications, can I use naturopathic medicine?
Yes, but it depends upon your circumstances. Dr. Ivy has been trained extensively in interactions of pharmaceutical medications and herbal medicine. This includes any potential adverse effects that could arise from improperly combined drug-nutrient and drug-herbal interactions. It is extremely important that you bring a list of ALL current medications and supplements to each visit and keep us informed of any changes, including dosage.
Does Insurance cover services provided by naturopaths?
Naturopaths in New York and New Jersey are not currently covered by insurance. We do accept payment via cash, credit card, health savings accounts and check.
While I am not a network provider with any insurance plans, you may be able to receive reimbursement directly from your insurance company for your visit. Please check with your insurance company in order to determine if your plan includes out-of-network benefits. If so, you can submit a statement from your consultation and the insurance company may reimburse you directly.
UPDATE for NY State Patients
Your flex spending account funds may be applied to naturopathic visits, some dietary supplements and certain programs for weight loss and smoking cessation. See NY state guidelines to apply for reimbursement.
Will naturopath Dr Ivy interact with other health care practitioners?
Yes. Naturopaths will work in consultation with any health care provider. We believe that each profession provides something valuable in creating the best possible care for your needs. If you have an additional health care practitioner, please bring their contact information and any recent lab work.
In what ways are naturopathic and conventional doctors alike?
Naturopathic doctors' training consists of a four year, graduate level, accredited naturopathic medical school after the completion of a four year undergraduate degree. The first two years of schooling are like those of a conventional physician (MD, DO), the majority of time spent on basic sciences (anatomy, physiology, pathology, etc.). The additional two years also consist of specialized academic courses (cardiology, gynecology, gastroenterology, urology, neurology, etc.). It is in these last two years, that naturopathic students train along side other naturopaths seeing patients at school supported clinics.
Both study modern physical, clinical and laboratory diagnosis and are trained to diagnose and treat disease. And finally, both are required to pass a similar board examination to become licensed.
How is naturopathic medicine different from conventional medicine?
Naturopathic medicine approaches each condition in a different manner. We focus less on the disease and more on the person. We look to explore why symptoms are present rather than matching a treatment to a symptom in order to suppress that symptom. Each person is unique and has a different reason why they have a condition. Therefore, Naturopathic physicians respect that each person needs treatment that is unique to them. We work with our patients to support their own self healing mechanisms to restore balance.
In support of this approach to healing, Naturopathic physicians receive additional training in herbal medicine, homeopathy, body work, spinal manipulation, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, clinical nutrition, counseling, and intravenous therapies.
How long will it take for me to see results?
Since you are unique, as will be your journey towards health. Thus healing takes a different amount of time for each person. At Simplicity Health Associates, we believe in establishing a dynamic relationship with each of our patients. We will tailor a naturopathic plan to you individually, and help you chart your progress at each visit
What should I expect from a naturopathic visit with Simplicity Health Associates?
• Thorough history
• Space for you to voice your concerns
• Working together to achieve your health goals
• A high level of patient responsibility
• Caring, compassionate practitioners, open to listen to your health concerns
• Respect for YOUR health care choices.
What role will a Naturopathic Doctor have in my life or health care?
• Partner in looking beyond the symptoms
• Therapist, caregiver, health coach, cheerleader
• Your trusted advisor to restore balance and add health to your life
How will my life be different in a year after using naturopathic medicine?
• Improved sleep, energy, mood
• Fewer chronic symptoms
• A deeper understanding of symptoms
• Understanding of the BEST lifestyle for you
• Increased vitality
What is optimal health?
• Minimal symptoms
• Quick adaptation to stressful situations
• Excellent sleep, energy, positive mental outlook and balanced appetite
• An understanding of the impact of your food and lifestyle choices
• Acute illness that occurs once or twice a year (Immune system tune up)
• Absence of chronic disease and pain
• High level of fulfillment and sense of well-being
Why do I need to see a Naturopathic Doctor if my symptoms are managed with medication?
Find out why you developed your illness
Determine how to prevent progression of your current diagnosis
Achieve true cure, without daily medications or supplements
Regain a sense of power over your health and a knowing through experience that YOU can impact your illness.
