DEFINITION
A naturopathic doctor is a practitioner trained in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of human health conditions, injury, and disease by the use of natural means. While NDs do not act as primary care physicians in the state of Maryland, they can play an important role in the natural treatment of disease as well as in enhancing health and wellness. Naturopathic doctors may provide a full range of counseling services, including lifestyle modification and health coaching; promotion of wellness through support of exercise, good sleep, detoxification, stress reduction and other lifestyle modifications; advise about diet, nutritional issues, nutritional supplementation including herbal and botanical substances; offer homeopathic remedies, highly dilute naturally occurring plant, animal, and mineral substances to gently stimulate healing responses; massage and body work therapies; and use other natural remedies, such as, hydrotherapy, the use of water applications to the body, electromagnetic therapy, phototherapy or light therapy and corrective and orthopedic gymnastics.
NATURE OF SERVICES
A naturopathic doctor is not a medical doctor and naturopathy is not a medical specialty but a separate and distinct health care tradition. Dr. Bohlmann graduated from an accredited four year residential graduate program and is licensed in Maryland as a naturopathic doctor. He is trained to perform high velocity chiropractic adjustments, to understand the function of and to prescribe pharmaceuticals and to do minor surgery along with modalities specific to naturopathy; however, the scope of practice is limited to specific practices set forth in Health Occupations Article, Section 14-5F-14. This scope includes complete physical examination, laboratory and physiologic testing and the ordering of diagnostic imaging but does not include prescribing, administering or injecting drugs, surgery or high-velocity osteopathic/chiropractic adjustments. In the event of a life threatening condition, a potential referral to an appropriate medical physician will be reviewed with the patient. A potential referral to a medical physician, physical therapist or other appropriate health care professional will also be reviewed when a patient’s condition requires on-going rehabilitation. Patients are encouraged to inform their medical physicians about their care and to request copies of records to share, or other communication or consults as needed, to ensure that care is coordinated. Naturopathic medicine is not intended to substitute for diagnosis or treatment by medical physicians or used as an alternative to necessary medical care, and a patient should not avoid any diagnostic work-up suggested by your medical physician as a result of naturopathic diagnosis or treatment. If a patient wishes to discontinue or avoid any medical treatment in favor of naturopathic care, this should be discussed with both Dr. Bohlmann and the treating physician. Patients are encouraged to have a primary care physician in place familiar with their medical history.
After the initial intake and on an ongoing basis, Dr. Bohlmann will explain his assessment and describe the nature of his recommendations, expected health progress, and the anticipated costs, risks, benefits and experience of following various options. The focus of naturopathic care is to alleviate the underlying conditions that bring about illness rather than the treatment of symptoms. While clients may experience some immediate improvement from the use of supplements, herbs, homeopathic remedies or other botanical and naturopathic methods, the most effective results occur when clients make a long-term commitment to rebuild their health.
EMERGENCY NOTICE
Dr. Bohlmann does not offer after hour services or provide any hospital-based services. If a difficulty occurs with any of remedies or other aspects of naturopathic work, patients should contact him during business hours to discuss any concerns. In the event of an emergency, patients should contact 911 or their primary care physician as needed.
POTENTIAL RISKS
As with any method of care, naturopathic medicine can involve some risk. Patients may experience an aggravation of pre-existing symptoms, or have aches, pains, or even new symptoms as the body responds to treatment. Such an experience can signal the body making an effort to regain balance especially after beginning treatment for a chronic health condition. While herbs and botanical products are generally available over-the-counter and are considered safe based upon their long history of use, many of them have not been widely tested. Negative reactions to natural remedies are rare but may include: allergic reactions, including headaches, itching, hives, difficulty breathing, and very rarely, even shock or death. All potential interactions between herbs and drugs a physician might prescribe are not yet well known, and while unlikely, clients can have an adverse reaction or experience a reduction or increase in the effect of other medications. Negative reactions to homeopathy are extremely rare given the doses used; an effective dose may result in a temporary increase in symptoms or healing crisis. Massage therapy, and other bodywork such as spinal mobilization may exacerbate muscle and joint pain, which is generally but not always temporary and part of the healing process.
GOOD COMMUNICATION
Even the gentlest methods may cause complications, particularly in certain physiological conditions such as pregnancy, lactation, or in very young children, very elderly patients, those on multiple medications, or those with specific diseases such as diabetes or of the heart, liver, or kidney. It is important that patients inform, and continue to fully inform their doctor and physicians of any medical history, family history, medications and/or supplements being taken currently (prescription and over-the-counter). Supplements and remedies or significant lifestyle changes could have serious consequences for some medications, such as for the control of high blood pressure or blood sugar. It is particularly important to let your medical physician know about herbs and supplements prior to surgery or other procedures.
NOTICE TO PREGNANT WOMEN
All female clients must alert Dr. Bohlmann if they know or suspect that they are pregnant, could become pregnant, or are nursing to ensure that remedies are not used that could present a risk to the mother or offspring.
NO GUARANTEES
Consultations, as in any matter regarding health, are an art as well as science, and no guarantees can be made as to any positive outcomes or the absence of side effects. Dr. Bohlmann will attempt to educate clients about the risks, benefits and alternatives to proposed therapies but cannot anticipate and explain all possible risks and complications.
INSURANCE NOTICE AND FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Naturopathic medicine is not a covered service or recognized by Medicare, private insurance, or other third-party payers. Reimbursement is not usually available for these services. Fees can be paid from the patient’s FSA or HSA medical savings accounts in most cases. Patients are financially responsible for payment at the time of service. In the event of a balance on my account that exceeds 30 days, I agree to pay interest at an annual rate of 10% and pay reasonable attorney’s fees and costs for collection.
SUPPLEMENT SALES
Dietary supplements and remedies are made available for sale, both for patient convenience and to make high-quality products available to patients. Dr. Bohlmann makes a usual and customary mark-up on these products, and patients are free to purchase similar products from the source of their choosing.
PRIVACY POLICY
My privacy is important and my records will be held confidential unless I request in writing that they be released to myself or to other caregivers. The HIPAA privacy regulations I have seen in other offices do not apply to Dr. Bohlmann, as he does not submit claims to insurers, which must be done electronically before HIPAA regulations apply.
CANCELLATION POLICY
All Initial Naturopathic consult visits are secured with a valid credit card. Initial Adult Naturopathic visits cancelled with less than 48 hours notice will be charged $100 and— except in the case of family or medical emergency or inclement weather. Patients who cancel their hydrotherapy or follow-up naturopathic visit with less than 24 hours notice will be billed for half of the visit fee except in the case of family or medical emergency. No-show appointments will be billed for the full price of the visit. For Monday appointments, cancellations after 12pm on the preceding Friday will be subject to a cancellation fee. Late cancellation fees will be applied to the credit card on file.