Comprehensive, individualized, and empowering natural healthcare.

General FAQs

What is the process for becoming a new patient?

Dr. Vander Ploeg offers a complimentary 15-minute consultation to discuss your health needs and goals. This allows both parties to get a sense of each other and gain insight into Dr. Vander Ploeg’s approach to healthcare. If all goes well, you can choose to schedule an appointment.

After scheduling your appointment, you may request a paper copy of the patient intake information or download an electronic version, which you should fill out at your leisure and submit prior to or the day of your visit. Please submit paperwork a full two business days (48 hours) prior to your visit.

What can I expect from my first visit?

Typically, the first visit runs 60 minutes and includes a thorough history, appropriate physical exams, review of recent labs you may have, and ordering any labs that may be needed. Some lab testing and procedures are not covered by insurance, but cash pay rates are offered whenever available.

At the end of the visit, Dr. Vander Ploeg will work with you to create a customized treatment plan to move forward. Treatment plans commonly consist of lifestyle modifications, botanical medicine, supplements, hormone therapy, IV nutrient therapy, manual therapies, and neuromuscular re-education techniques.

Do you accept insurance?

Dr. Vander Ploeg accepts most major insurance carriers as an out-of-network provider. You are encouraged to review your own policy benefits before the visit. Office staff will verify your policy benefit coverage and submit any necessary prior authorizations required. Note that some services are not covered by insurance companies.

Do you offer sliding scale options, discounts, or payment plans?

For many services, a time-of-service cash discount may be applied if you are under/uninsured or meeting a deductible.

How does naturopathic medicine compare with conventional medicine?

Educated in all of the same basic sciences as a traditional medical doctor (MD), a naturopathic doctor (ND) uses western medical sciences as a foundation for diagnosis and treatment. Just like MDs, naturopathic physicians must pass rigorous professional board exams before they can be licensed by a state or jurisdiction. For at least the final two years of the medical program, naturopathic medical students intern in clinical settings under the close supervision of licensed naturopathic physicians.

NDs, however, also study holistic approaches to therapy with a strong emphasis on disease prevention and promoting wellness. In addition to a standard medical curriculum, NDs are trained in clinical nutrition, homeopathic medicine, botanical medicine, psychology, physical medicine, and counseling. Another distinguishing feature is the treatment philosophy: naturopathic doctors see the physician as someone who facilitates healing by identifying and removing barriers to health. By supporting your body and its systems, you can promote balance and restore health.

Telemedicine FAQs

Are you my doctor?

If you establish care with Dr Vander Ploeg in-person, then yes she may manage your care via telemedicine follow up sessions and act in the capacity of a physician.

If you are unable to establish care in person with Dr Vander Ploeg, then she may only act as a consultant, not as your doctor- making you her client. You will need to establish care with a physician local to you to manage your healthcare. By law, she is unable to diagnose or treat your condition without seeing you in person first.

What if I need lab work done?

If we have not established in person care, I can suggest some labs that your provider may be willing to run. As a consultant I CANNOT order them for you.