Frequently Asked Questions

Any questions? We're here to help!

What is Naturopathic Medicine?

The ultimate goal of naturopathic care is to support the body’s innate capacity to heal by treating the whole person with an individualized plan and teaching the patient how to prevent further illness using tools such as foundational nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy and lifestyle recommendations. This approach is guided by the Therapeutic Order, which delineates the natural sequence and prioritization of care, ensuring treatments that offer maximum benefits while minimizing potential side effects.

Infograph of naturopathic therapeutic order

The Six Principles of Naturopathic Medicine

First, Do No Harm

Naturopathic medicine is gentle and effective. NDs choose the least invasive and least toxic treatment options necessary for each patient.

Below are educational resources we highly recommend to learn more about Naturopathic Medicine:

Institute for Natural Medicine

Naturopathic Medicine 101- Includes topics such as:

ND Training + Licensure

Downloadable resources from AANP:

General Questions about Naturopathic Medicine

Downloadable resources from AANP:

Sources:

Looking for a Naturopathic Doctor for a friend or family in another state?

Check out this directory from American Association of Naturopathic Physicians.

What is Cranial Osteopathy?

Cranial osteopathy is a gentle, hands-on therapy that focuses on the subtle movement of the bones in your skull and spine, particularly around the CSF (cerebral spinal fluid) that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. Think of it like a light, soothing massage for your head and neck, but with a specific focus. It focuses on helping the flow of your body's natural fluids, like cerebrospinal fluid, which cushions and nourishes your brain and spinal cord.

The idea behind cranial osteopathy is that if the bones in your skull and spine are slightly misaligned or restricted, it can affect the flow of CSF. This might contribute to things like headaches, stress, or even other health issues. By using gentle techniques, a trained practitioner can help restore balance and improve the movement of this fluid, which in turn can promote healing and relieve tension in the body.

Many people find it helpful for conditions like migraines, neck pain, chronic stress, concussion, trigeminal neuralgia or even recovery after an injury, because it’s so gentle and non-invasive. It’s a holistic approach that helps your body’s own healing systems work more effectively, bringing you relief in a calm and restorative way.

What is Neuro Emotional Technique (NET)?

Neuro Emotional Technique (NET) is a therapy that helps release emotional stress that may be stored in your body. It’s based on the idea that your body can hold onto past emotional experiences, which might affect your physical health and well-being. These emotions can sometimes become trapped in your nervous system, making it harder for your body to heal.

In an NET session, a practitioner uses muscle testing to identify areas in your body that might be linked to past emotions. They then apply gentle techniques to help release these emotional blockages, allowing your body to heal more naturally. It’s a non-invasive approach that aims to bring balance to both your mind and body.

Many people use NET to address stress, anxiety, trauma, or even chronic pain. By clearing these emotional blocks, it can help improve your overall health and emotional state.

Do you offer support for cancer?

Dr. Harmon does provide synergistic oncology and survivorship support.
Do I have to be local to Fort Wayne, IN to be a patient?

No! Our doctors do provide virtual appointments.
Do you take insurance?

No, our practice does not participate with any IN network insurance plans. Some HSA and FSA accounts cover the visit and any supplements purchased. We are happy to provide a Superbill you can submit to insurance for possible reimbursement. It is best to contact your insurance provider for more detailed information. The insurance model has been designed in a way that forces doctors to have really brief visits with their patients, typically around 15 or so minutes. And usually that’s not a lot of time to really feel heard by the doctor or to share your needs and voice your concerns with them. However with naturopathic medicine, you’re allotted much more time with the doctor, for example, that first initial intake you’ll spend 90 minutes with the doctor. This allows them to provide you with thorough medical care, to truly get you well.
What if I have to cancel my appointment?

We do have a 24 hour cancelation policy. Late cancellations will be billed at the following rates: $100 for a new patient visit and $50 for a follow-up visit. Missed appointments without any notification will be billed in full. We understand, life happens, and are willing to make exceptions for true emergencies.
What can I expect during my first appointment?

During your first, your licensed naturopathic doctor will review your medical history, ask questions about your diet, stress levels, lifestyle habits and exercise, use of tobacco and alcohol, prescription drugs and supplements you are taking (we recommend bringing in all supplements you are taking to your first appointment, bottles or a list), and discuss reasons you sought out naturopathic care. Based on their findings, further diagnostic testing may be ordered. You will leave your first appointment with a customized treatment, and any lab orders that may be needed. Be prepared for your naturopathic doctor to focus on understanding the root causes of health symptoms you might be experiencing as well as your overall health and wellness goals. This takes time. As a result, your first visit will last 90 minutes.
What payment methods do you accept?

We do not accept insurance, however we can accept payment via HSA or FSA cards, as well as traditional payment methods- cash, check, credit/debit cards. We do require a card on file to secure your appointment but will not charge your card until the day of your appointment (you are welcome to use a different payment method at time of check out).
Can you write prescriptions?

Currently the state of Indiana does not allow Naturopathic Physicians to write, or update your prescriptions. Dr. Harmon can recommend supplements, herbs and homeopathic remedies. For more licensing information and to help get naturopathic doctors licensed in Indiana, please visit inanp.org. Dr. Anna Lambertson, MD, MPH, is able to help support patients with med management via referral only.
Can you order labs?

Yes, there are labs for blood, urine, saliva, and stool tests that Thrive providers can order. We most often refer patients to Labcorp since they work really well with our office. We always recommend checking with your insurance provider prior to getting labs drawn to plan for what will be covered and what may not be. You may request a cash lab be written (which is sometimes cheaper).
Do my labs require fasting?

The following labs require fasting (12 hours): - Lipid Panel - CRP-hs - Homocysteine - HbA1c
Appointment Cancellation Policy

We have a 24 hour cancellation policy. Late cancellations will be billed at the following rates: $100 for a new patient visit and $50 for a follow-up visit. Missed appointments without any notification will be billed in full. We understand that emergencies occur and are willing to make exceptions for true emergencies. Please make sure you have received a call or text from our office confirming the cancellation.
Going Over Scheduled Appointment Time

It is the patient's responsibility to be mindful of scheduled appointment time slot. If appointment goes over scheduled appointment time, extra charges may be incurred. We want to be respectful of your time and your Doctor’s time. It is important to keep them on their set schedule and not run too far behind so they can get home to their families too.
Financial Policy

We do not accept insurance. Health insurance plans do not cover naturopathic care in Indiana. We are happy to provide superbills for you to submit to insurance for possible reimbursement. Payment is due in full at time of service. It is the patient's responsibility to provide current card information. If patient has multiple cards on file, we kindly ask that the patient notify the office prior to appointment which card should be charged for that appointment. Most HSA and FSA cards are accepted.
Appointment Responsibility

Your appointments are available to you at any time through Charm, our online patient portal. You are responsible for remembering the date and time of your appointment. We recommend that you add appointments to a calendar immediately after booking. Email reminders are sent out 48 hours prior to your scheduled appointment.