Frequently Asked Questions

Functional & Naturopathic Medicine at Wellness Minneapolis

General Information

Is treatment affordable?

Our care is designed to address root causes and support long-term health rather than managing symptoms indefinitely. Services are paid out of pocket, and many patients find that investing in comprehensive evaluation and prevention reduces long-term healthcare expenses.

We are committed to transparent pricing so patients can make informed decisions about their care. Pricing is available in scheduling site.

We require 48 hours’ notice for any appointment cancellations or rescheduling.

Appointments cancelled or changed with less than 48 business hours’ notice may be charged up to the full cost of the visit. To cancel or reschedule, please follow the instructions in your appointment confirmation or call (612) 598-8627.

Insurance & Payment

Do you accept health insurance?

In Minnesota, health insurance plans are not currently required to cover naturopathic medical care. As a result, we are not in-network with insurance providers.

Our services are paid out of pocket. This allows us to provide extended visits, individualized treatment plans, and care that is not restricted by insurance billing requirements.

We actively support improved insurance coverage for holistic, integrative, and complementary healthcare.

In Minnesota, efforts are underway to expand coverage for licensed healthcare providers. To learn more or support this work, follow MN Fair Care and the Minnesota Association of Naturopathic Physicians.

Many Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) allow reimbursement for:

  • Naturopathic doctor visits
  • Lab work
  • Supplements recommended by your provider

Coverage varies by plan. It is the patient’s responsibility to confirm eligibility with their account administrator.

Naturopathic & Functional Medicine

What is a naturopathic doctor?

A naturopathic doctor (ND) completes a four-year, graduate-level medical program focused on systems-based evaluation, prevention, and natural therapeutics. NDs at Wellness Minneapolis are registered with the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice and licensed in Wisconsin.

Training includes biomedical sciences, clinical diagnosis, nutrition, botanical medicine, lifestyle medicine, and integrative approaches to chronic disease.

Naturopathic and conventional doctors receive similar foundational medical education. The key difference lies in treatment philosophy.

Naturopathic medicine:

  • Treats the whole person, not isolated symptoms
  • Views symptoms as clues to underlying imbalance
  • Emphasizes prevention and long-term health
  • Integrates nutrition, lifestyle, mind-body, and community health

Conventional medicine excels at acute care such as infections, injuries, and emergencies. Both systems have value and often work best together.

Functional medicine is a systems-based clinical framework that evaluates how genetics, environment, lifestyle, and physiology interact to influence health. It is not a separate license, but an approach integrated within naturopathic medical practice.

Appointments & What to Expect

What can I expect from my first visit?

Your first appointment is a comprehensive evaluation that explores:

  • Current health concerns
  • Medical and family history
  • Diet and nutrition
  • Lifestyle, stress, and sleep

Before your visit, you’ll complete detailed intake forms so your provider can familiarize themselves with your case. Together, you’ll identify health goals and begin creating a personalized care plan aligned with your values, lifestyle, and budget.

Be ready to actively engage in your health. Many patients leave with recommendations related to diet, lifestyle, or daily habits.

Being open to change and consistent follow-through helps you get the most out of functional and naturopathic care.

Established Patients

How do I communicate with my provider between visits?

Established patients may send non-urgent questions through the secure patient portal. Providers typically respond within 4 business days.

New concerns or complex issues require a scheduled visit or phone consultation.

Medical records, treatment plans, and recommendations are available through the secure patient portal.

When supplements are recommended, patients receive access to Fullscript, our trusted online dispensary. This ensures pharmaceutical-grade products and quality assurance.

Be cautious with over-the-counter and online marketplaces, as counterfeit and contaminated supplements are common.

Requests can be submitted through the patient portal. If your insurance requires a specific form, please attach it. Letters are typically completed within 10 business days.

For legal and ethical reasons, medical advice can only be provided to established patients. We’re happy to care for your friends or family, just have them schedule an appointment.

Definitions & Terminology

What does “holistic” mean?

Holistic care views a person as a whole: body, mind, and spirit. Health is influenced by nutrition, stress, relationships, environment, genetics, and more. A holistic approach considers all of these factors.

Integrative medicine bridges multiple healthcare modalities and encourages collaboration between providers. The goal is comprehensive, coordinated care without gaps.

Conventional (allopathic) medicine often emphasizes pharmaceutical, surgical, and acute interventions. It excels in emergency and acute care. Naturopathic and conventional approaches can complement one another when thoughtfully integrated.

A systems-based approach looks at how different body systems interact rather than treating each system in isolation. Specialists are still used when needed, but care remains coordinated and whole-person focused.

Mind-body medicine recognizes the two-way relationship between mental/emotional health and physical health. Examples include stress affecting digestion or chronic pain affecting mood.