Welcome to a new kind of doctor-patient relationship.

What to expect at a new patient visit.

During your first office visit (55 minutes), we will build a complete, comprehensive medical history. We may also order some additional labs and imaging.

Please email any previous lab work (the last 5 years should do) and fill in on the intake form a list of all current medications and supplements. 

What to expect from a naturopathic doctor.

Dr. Norris & Dr. Birdsall practice using the least intervention for the greatest benefit. Our protocols are designed to address your symptoms as quickly as possible while you work together to create a plan to find and address the cause of your illness.

At the conclusion of your initial visit, you’ll receive a preliminary treatment plan and specific recommendations based on your individual needs and preferences.

Your recommendations may include supplements, herbs, pharmaceuticals, dietary changes, stress reduction techniques, and/or exercise recommendations. We may also order additional labs through your local lab, mail you labs to complete at home, or  send you to your local radiologists for follow-up imaging. 

Follow-up visits will be scheduled as needed (see below). You’ll also have email access to her in between appointments.

Insurance

In states like Vermont, Oregon, Washington, and Arizona, Naturopathic Doctors are able to admit patients directly into the hospital, and bill all insurance plans (including Medicaid!) directly. They are treated as vital members of the medical community, by MDs and specialists alike.

Dr. Norris is currently advocating to make that happen in other states, too—but for the time being, the laws haven’t quite caught up with the desires and needs of the people who live here. As such, this is a cash-based practice. If you have a PPO plan that offers out-of-network benefits, or another plan that allows for reimbursement, we will provide you with a “superbill” to submit to your insurance company. Our office has all the necessary forms (see below).

If you have a HSA (health savings account) and/or FSA (flex spending account) you can use this to pay for your visit and supplements.

Office Policies

Cancellation policy: We require a 24 working hour notice for cancellations (by previous Thursday if your appointment is Monday). For appointments canceled less than 24 hours prior to your appointment there is a 25% charge;  a no show for an appointment is billed at 50% of the appointment cost.

On-time policy: Appointment length will not be extended due to late arrival. Please make sure your intake and consent forms are completed prior to your appointment. If any of your forms are not completed these will be filled out with the doctor during your appointment, but the appointment length will not be extended.

Financial policy: Payments are expected upon receipt of professional services. Due to the need to collect money virtually, we charge your credit card when you book your appointment online. For your safety credit cards are not stored on the website – they are encrypted and stored on separate secure billing software

Policies are subject to the good graces of Norris Health Center and staff. We reserve the right to bend, break, or ignore them as we see fit. We intend to treat you with human kindness and flexibility if something out of your control comes up.

Check out this page from the California Association of Naturopathic Doctors to learn more about what’s covered (or not) by most insurance plans.