Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s answer your most common questions about choosing and working with a naturopathic doctor:
- Why is this practice only telemedicine?
- Why does it matter where you’re located if it’s only telemedicine?
- Are you a real doctor?
- What’s the difference between Naturopathic Medicine and functional medicine / holistic health / energy healing?
- Why does it cost so much? / Is this worth my money?
- Are there ANY insurance plans that cover Naturopathic Doctors?
- I live outside of California and Wisconsin, can you see me?
- I still want to keep my PCP, just in case. Is that okay?
Why is this practice only telemedicine?
Dr. Norris used to work as a primary care doctor in Southern California. While her passion & expertise has always tended toward Women’s Health, she also used to see children in her practice and handled a lot of pediatric care.
Then, Covid-19 hit.
The pandemic not only solidified her long-held desire to create a practice entirely focused on Women’s Health — it also showed her the benefits and possibilities of telehealth. She founded The Norris Health Center for Naturopathic & Integrative Medicine in January 2022, a telehealth-only practice, in preparation for her relocation to Wisconsin. The move enabled her to be closer to her family while continuing to care for her Los Angeles patients.
Turns out, the telemedicine practice has been wildly successful, and we have now expanded to provide care in Wisconsin as well. Dr. Birdsall joined the practice in January 2023. Eventually we plan to open a local clinic in Green Bay, but the telemedicine practice for California residents will continue to be offered indefinitely.
Why does it matter where you’re located if it’s only telemedicine?
It’s because of the way licensure laws work for Naturopathic Doctors. (And, most other licensed health practitioners.). The doctor must hold a license in the state you live, to see you as a patient. Dr. Norris is licensed in California and able to practice in Wisconsin too. Dr. Birdsall holds a naturopathic medical license in California, Alaska, Arizona, and Washington, and she is able to practice in Wisconsin as well. There are 24 states in the United States that do not currently regulate Naturopathic Doctors, if you live in one of these states you may consult with Dr. Norris or Dr. Birdsall as well, but you may not be able to complete labs or get reimbursement for their care through your insurance.
If you live in Tennessee, Dr. Birdsall can provide health coaching, but not naturopathic services, due to limitations in state laws.
You may see Dr. Norris or Dr. Birdsall for healthcare consultation in the following states: Nevada, South Dakota, Nebraska, Wyoming, Texas, Oklahoma, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Kentucky, Wyoming, Michigan, Indiana, West Virginia, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, New York, New Jersey, Delaware. This does not include diagnosis and therefore you will not be eligible to bill your insurance and may not be able to get labs ordered through the doctor.
If your state of residence is not listed here under the states we hold a license or where we can offer consultation then please refer to your state’s naturopathic association for a list of ND’s licensed in that state.
As for these particular two locations we keep mentioning… Dr. Norris is a Wisconsin native, but she lived in California for over 10 years, until June 2022. She’s married to a Long Beach native, and both of her boys were born in California. Even her dog is named Cali! 🙂 While she and her spouse have chosen to be in the Green Bay area for now to raise their kids and be closer to Dr. Norris’ parents, Los Angeles and the Bay Area will always be a second home. We love you LA, Oakland, and our local Wisconsinites!
Are Naturopathic Doctors real doctors?
Yep! Naturopathic Doctors attend federally accredited, 4-year medical school, just like MDs. They receive a naturopathic medical degree, which is recognized as one type of medical degree by the Department of Education in the United States. The training is in the same medical sciences as an MD (pharmaceuticals, imaging, labs, etc.), with additional studies in herbal medicine, nutrition, counseling, homeopathy, and more. Learn more about Naturopathic Medicine.
What about holistic health, functional medicine, and naturopaths?
There are a lot of vaguely similar (and similarly vague!) terms floating around out there, often being used interchangeably by patients and practitioners alike.
Naturopathic Doctors are actual doctors. Here’s a quick glossary of some other modalities:
What is functional medicine?
Functional doctors or practitioners are usually MDs or other medically trained providers who go back to conferences and seminars to learn how to practice like an ND. Functional medicine doctors just denote that someone with a doctorate in medicine (MD or DO) has studied functional medicine. If you are seeing a ND you are getting functional medical care.
What is holistic health?
Holistic health doesn’t describe any specific medical approach; it’s more of an indicator that the whole body is being considered (as opposed to isolating a symptom or symptoms). In that light, naturopathic medicine, chinese medicine, and ayurvedic medicine could all be said to have a holistic approach.
What is energy healing?
The application of modalities (like acupuncture) where needles or massage are used to affect the flow of energy or chi throughout the body. Can also be applied to various other alternative medicine modalities.
What is a naturopath?
A naturopath is a lay term to describe anyone with limited training in naturopathic medicine. A naturopath does not go to medical school, like a Naturopathic Doctor does. Most naturopaths attend limited classes and seminars to learn specific aspects of holistic care. Naturopaths are essentially health coaches who advise about natural medicine, but they are not doctors.
Why does it cost so much? / Is this worth my money?
To answer this question, you need to understand the laws in California & Wisconsin (as they relate to naturopathic medicine). Unfortunately, there isn’t any legislation mandating insurance companies to cover visits with your naturopathic doctor, which means we aren’t in-network with any insurance plans.
As long as naturopathic medicine remains an out-of-pocket expense, it may seem more expensive than conventional medicine. But when you add up the cost of co-pays, high deductibles, and the increasing destabilization of the American healthcare complex—plus the unseen costs that accrue when these treatment options are ineffective (not to mention the lifetime costs associated with pharmaceuticals)—ND’s are kiiiind of a bargain.
If you want to be seen by a doctor who spends more time with you, listens well, and treats you with naturally based medicine and conventional pharmaceuticals (if needed)—well, hi! You’ve found us.
If you have a PPO, you may be able to get reimbursed by your insurance plan. Since Dr. Norris and Dr. Birdsall are both considered a PCPs (primary care provider), your PPO plan will cover labs and imaging, and should reimburse you for some of your visit. We can provide you with any forms you need for this. In Wisconsin, Naturopathic Doctors just passed a bill to obtain licensure in the state in January 2022 which means most insurance companies will not reimburse you for your out of pocket costs yet. We are working hard to make this change in the state of Wisconsin.
You will also not need to see a naturopathic doctor for the rest of your life. Most of our Women’s Health and Integrative Oncology patients are able to resolve their concerns within 3-6 appointments, and then just schedule subsequent appointments as needed.
Are there ANY insurance plans that cover Naturopathic Doctors?
Some plans, including certain health sharing ministries, offer reimbursement for office visits, labs, and even some supplements. Most of the time, you’ll need specific documentation in order to receive reimbursement.
If you have an insurance plan that allows you to see “out of network” providers (typically labeled as a PPO plan) you can often get reimbursed for 70-90% of your cost. We can provide you with the forms you’ll need, called a superbill, we’ve even created a form to help you discuss reimbursement with your insurance provider.
Contact your insurance provider to find out exactly what’s covered when you see an “out of network” doctor.
I live outside of California or Wisconsin, can you see me?
Yes, well, maybe with a big asterisk.
Dr. Birdsall is licensed to see patients in California, Washington, Wisconsin, Arizona, and Alaska. If you live in one of these states, or are a resident in those states, she can see you. Dr. Norris is licensed in Wisconsin and California.
For some other states, Dr. Norris or Dr. Birdsall, can also see you for healthcare consultation.
If you live in Tennessee, Dr. Birdsall can provide health coaching, but not naturopathic services, due to limitations in state laws.
You may see Dr. Norris or Dr. Birdsall for healthcare consultation in the following states: Nevada, South Dakota, Nebraska, Wyoming, Texas, Oklahoma, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Kentucky, Wyoming, Michigan, Indiana, West Virginia, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, New York, New Jersey, Delaware. This does not include diagnosis and therefore you will not be eligible to bill your insurance and may not be able to get labs ordered through the doctor.
If your state of residence is not listed here under the states we hold a license or where we can offer consultation then please refer to your state’s naturopathic association for a list of ND’s licensed in that state.
I still want to keep my PCP, gynecologist, or other conventional provider. Is that okay?
Absolutely, this is really ideal. If you have insurance, we absolutely want you to be able to use your in-network doctor as much as you can to reduce your costs. Ideally, your doctor will be open to a multitude of approaches, knows their limits, and wants you to find the best possible treatment, whether it comes from their office or not.
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Dr. Sara Norris and Dr. Shauna Birdsall are Naturopathic Doctors serving California & Wisconsin residents (see our FAQs page for a list of all states we can see patients in) via telemedicine, specializing in women’s health, hormones, skin, digestive health, and integrative oncology. In-person clinic opening in Green Bay in 2024.
Mailing address 2275 Huntington Dr #238, San Marino, CA 91108
Phone (323) 844-3374
Fax (866) 469-2721
Email hello@norrishealthcenter.com
Mailing address 905 George St Suite 189, De Pere, WI 54115
Phone (920) 307-1209
Fax (866) 469-2721
Email hello@norrishealthcenter.com
