1. How can I know that you are the right doctor for my child?
We are happy to provide a complimentary 15 minute discovery call to prospective families to make sure the practitioner is a good fit for you.
2. What is the difference between an MD and ND?
Licensed Naturopathic Doctors (ND’s) attend one of the four-year medical schools that are nationally accredited by the Council for Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME). The CNME is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, which classifies the ND degree as a Doctorate-Professional degree, on par with MD’s and DO’s.
The curriculum in naturopathic medical school parallels that of conventional medical schools. Naturopathic and Medical doctors are similar in that they both focus on the basic sciences (anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, embryology, and more) in the first two years of professional education. Then the final two years of instruction are dedicated to the clinical sciences --- the diagnosis and naturopathic treatment of patients and training as primary care physicians. Naturopathic Doctors sit for two sets of national exams, the NPLEX I basic science exam and NPLEX II clinical science exams, as well as elective exams in acupuncture, pharmacology, and minor procedures.
Naturopathic Doctors are licensed on a state-by-state basis. In order for an ND to be eligible for licensure they must be a graduate of one of the four-year Naturopathic Medical schools, complete 4,100 hours of clinical training, and pass both licensing exams.
In addition to learning the standard of care in medicine, Naturopathic Doctors take coursework in holistic approaches to healthcare. Naturopathic Doctors are the experts in the natural treatment of conditions, and have extensive training in clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, physical medicine, homeopathy, psychology and counseling, as well as conventional methods like pharmaceuticals.
3. Are you a primary care physician (PCP)?
While Naturopathic Doctors are trained as PCP’s, our practitioners act as an adjunctive care practitioner. Client’s are required to have a PCP in their area to conduct physical exams, manage medications, receive vaccinations, etc.
4. Do you take insurance?
We are not contracted with any insurance providers and do not bill insurance directly, which allows us to give your family and child the best care possible. Some labs and services can be independently submitted to insurance for reimbursement. Please contact your insurance provider to understand your benefits. However, we DO take HSA and FSA cards!
5. Do you offer lab testing?
Yes, we ONLY order labs when it will give us answers that will change a treatment plan.
Both practitioners orders both conventional and specialty lab tests. Conventional bloodwork that may be ordered include screening labs like cholesterol panel, complete blood count, a comprehensive metabolic panel, and a full thyroid workup.
We also offer specialty lab tests with Genova Diagnostics, U.S. Biotek, Great Plains Labs, Doctor’s Data, and more. We food allergy and sensitivity testing for patients with allergic diseases, digestive concerns, eczema, and headaches. We offer comprehensive stool analysis tests for patients with unexplained failure to thrive, abdominal pain, gas and indigestion, chronic constipation or diarrhea, and more. These stool tests give extensive information on the microbiome, how the body digests fats and proteins, inflammation markers, a screen for inflammatory bowel disease, and test for parasites. Organic acid testing may be order for patients with ADHD, autism, and other neuropsychiatric conditions and extensive testing can be ordered for patients to get to the root cause. We also regularly orders the Dutch test for menstruating patients with irregular cycles, mood disturbances, severe cramping, or other symptoms that correlate with their cycle. These are just a few of the specialty tests that we may order for your child. All labwork is selected based on the patient’s symptoms and the full picture of their health.
Many patients come to see us because their conventional provider has not been able to find out why their child feels the way they do. And many conventional providers may have questions about these tests – and we understand. No test is perfect, but when interpreted correctly, they can give us extremely useful information that may be the pieces to your child’s health puzzle that we need to get them feeling better!
Most labs ordered by us are paid for out-of-pocket and are not covered by insurance. However, some may be requested by your PCP and/or submitted to your insurance for reimbursement.
6. What if I have a question or medical concern for the doctor?
Once you / your child becomes a patient, you will have access to our patient portal. This is an excellent way to get quick questions answered regarding treatment plans or appointments.
7. Do you offer same day appointments?
Yes! We are committed to offering our patients excellent and timely healthcare. Acute concerns like sore throat, cough, rash, etc, are given first priority for same-day appointments when called in prior to 12:00pm pst. If you are looking to make a same-day appointment, please call or text Young Medicine at (619) 736-8559 and leave a voicemail.
8. How do I contact you after hours?
There will inevitably be times when you have questions about your child when our office is closed. We give all established patients an emergency number in the case of urgent problems that cannot wait until morning. Patients are instructed to only contact our providers after hours for urgent issues that cannot wait until the next business day after 5:00 pm and before 8:00 am on Monday – Friday, over the weekend and for holiday’s.
There is a fee of $45 that will be billed to you for each call you make after-hours. We strongly encourages her patients to use the numbers below, but also realizes her patients trust her opinion for their children.
Poison control: If you have concerns that your child ate or drank something poisonous, please call the poison control center directly at 800-222-1222 for immediate assistance.
Urgent Cares and Emergency Departments: the following are links to local Urgent Cares and Emergency Departments. We recommend verifying your insurance coverage for these with your carrier beforehand.
Urgent Cares: Rady Children’s Hospital Urgent Care Clinic: Walk-In or call 877-855-1246 for an appointment. Located in the Rady Children’s Medical Office Building, 3rd floor, at 3030 Children’s Way, San Diego, 92123.
*Please be aware that the only Rady’s Urgent Cares with X-ray capabilities are the Oceanside and Mid-City locations. For possible broken bones after hours, you will want to visit an emergency department, the Rady’s Orthopedic Urgent Clinic (M-F 1:30-9pm) or the Oceanside or Mid-City Urgent Cares.
Emergency Departments:
Rady Children’s Hospital: 858-966-8800
Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla: 858-626-4123
Scripps Encinitas: 760-633-5601
Additionally, most insurance carriers provide 24/7 nurse triage services. If you would like to utilize this service, please contact the appropriate number below:
Aetna: 800-556-1555
Anthem Blue Cross: 800-224-0336
Blue Shield of California: 877-304-0504
Cigna: 800-564-9286
Healthnet: 800-893-5597
9. Does Dr. Michelle work with other health care providers?
Yes! Dr. Michelle works with all other health providers including referring to medical doctors, lactation consultants, chiropractors, acupuncturists, massage therapists, and other practitioners when indicated. We believe that each health care branch provides valuable care and by working together, we can deliver the highest quality care possible.
10. What is your cancellation policy?
Last minute appointment cancellations are difficult to fill and does not allow us enough time to reach out to those on our cancellation list. Missed appointments or cancellations with less than 48 hours notice will be charged for the appointment in full.
11. What payment methods do you accept?
We accept all major credit cards. We also take HSA and FSA cards!