New Patient Information
Everything you need to start care with Dr. Coleen Murphy, ND, LAc: what to expect at your first office visit, fees, insurance FAQs, telemedicine, and downloadable forms.
Naturopathic Medicine
What Can You Expect from a First Office Call?
A First Office Call (FOC) for Naturopathic Medicine is a 90 minute appointment which includes:
- Clarification and education regarding current medical condition and treatment options
- Review of current lab reports
- Evaluation of prescription drugs and potential interaction(s) with supplements/herbs
- Hands-on treatment including but not limited to acupressure, craniosacral therapy, soft tissue manipulation, cupping and massage.
- A Naturopathic treatment plan, customized for you
As treatment is unique to the individual, services may vary.
During the first office visit, we will address the concerns you mention in the Health Questionnaire, obtain a comprehensive health history, review lab work and assess diet and lifestyle. We may choose to perform diagnostics such as blood tests, hormone panels, etc. Together we will devise a treatment plan for you to take home. If time allows, a hands on treatment is included.
You will be asked to complete a detailed Health Questionnaire in advance of your appointment which will help to pinpoint your areas of concern, and to obtain information regarding your current state of health. If there is a specific service, treatment or test that you are interested in, please let us know.
Future appointments can range from 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on your needs.
Acupuncture
A First Office Call for Acupuncture is a 75-minute office appointment which includes:
- Review of health questionnaire and treatment goals
- Placement of needles
- Herbal medicine consult
- Hands-on treatment such as Qi Gong (Energy Healing) and Tui-Na (acupressure and massage), cupping and/or moxibustion as time allows
As treatment is customized to the individual, services may vary.
During the first office call we will discuss your treatment goals and health history. We will place needles and also provide a treatment plan that may include dietary advice, herbal medicine and hands on techniques.
Follow-up acupuncture appointments are scheduled for 45 minutes to 1 hour in length.
Tele-Medicine
For individuals who cannot or choose not to be seen in our office, you can schedule a phone call or video chat. If you have not been seen in the office within the year before your tele-appointment, a legally binding doctor/patient relationship is not established. In these cases, we provide naturopathic counseling for educational purposes only. Assessments and recommendations are intended to assist you and your health care provider in using naturopathic protocols to support your health. Recommendations are not intended to serve as a medical diagnosis or treatment.
Most likely, your medical insurance will not cover telemedicine services but some health savings accounts may reimburse for this service, see the Insurance FAQ for more details. All telehealth/counselling services must be secured in advance with a credit card. The fees and payment policies are identical to what is listed on our Appointments and Fees page.
Home Visits / Outcall
Some of the services offered can be made available to patients in their home or healthcare facility. Please contact our office to schedule outcall services; a modest travel fee may apply.
Ready to Begin?
Get In Touch
Reach out the way that works for you — we typically respond the same business day.
Call or Text
(949) 667-4436Contact Form
Use our contact form to schedule a 15-minute intro call.
Fee Schedule
Naturopathic Medicine, First Office Call
90 minutes · in person
- Comprehensive health history review
- Review of current lab work and medications
- Evaluation of prescription drug and supplement interactions
- A personalized naturopathic treatment plan
- Hands-on treatment as time allows (massage, acupressure, craniosacral therapy, soft tissue manipulation etc.)
Naturopathic Consult
30 minutes · in person or secure video
A focused consultation for an urgent matter, second opinion, or to discuss natural treatment options for a current condition.
Parent and Child First Office Call
120 minutes · in person
A comprehensive naturopathic visit for a parent and child together.
Acupuncture, First Office Call
75 minutes · in person
Includes health history review, needle placement, Chinese herbal medicine prescription, and hands-on treatment.
Energy Work
60 minutes · in person
Healing Hands: intuitive bodywork drawing from modalities including Qi Gong therapy, CranioSacral therapy and Reiki.
Returning Patient Fees
30-Minute Naturopathic Medicine
60-Minute Naturopathic Medicine
60-Minute Acupuncture
60-Minute Hands-on Therapy
Payment due at time of service. We accept cash, checks, and major credit cards.
Have Questions Before Scheduling?
Book your complimentary 15-minute intro call. We'll answer your questions and help you decide what service is the right fit for you.
Insurance Information
New Patient & Insurance FAQ
Do You Take Insurance?
Natural Medicine Works does not bill insurance companies directly but will work with you to provide superbills and any necessary documentation for you to seek reimbursement from your current plan.
Will My Health Insurance Cover Me for Your Services?
Because we provide both naturopathic medicine and acupuncture, there is a good chance that if you have a commercial insurance plan, especially a PPO, you will be able to get reimbursed for a portion of the fees. All services provided are reimbursed by Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts. There is no reimbursement option right now for Medi-Cal, Medicare, Tri-Care, and most HMOs except sometimes Kaiser acupuncture.
Are You "In-Network"?
We are in-network providers for a number of acupuncture plans and are always considered out-of-network for naturopathic medicine. We participate in a host of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) add-on plans for both naturopathic medicine and acupuncture such as American Specialty Health. Your insurance provider can confirm network status and access to CAM benefits.
How Much Will My Insurance Cover?
The only way to be sure of your benefits is to call your insurance company to find out if they have acupuncture and naturopathic medical benefits, and, if so, how they cover these services.
Great, I Have Benefits. Now What?
If you plan on billing insurance, be sure to ask your carrier if a referral or pre-authorization is required for your policy. Let us know that you are billing your insurance company so we can provide you with the proper coding and documentation paperwork.
How Do I Get Reimbursed?
You submit a claim direct to your insurance company to have them reimburse you for your out of pocket expenses. We provide you with a superbill and any necessary coding/documentation to provide directly to your insurance carrier. Your reimbursement may be impacted by co-pays and deductibles.
Will My Laboratory Tests Be Covered?
Standard labs, such as those that you get as an adult on a routine basis (every 1-3 years) like CBC (complete blood count) and metabolic panels are usually covered by most insurance plans. Specialty labs, such as those ordered for H. pylori, celiac testing, genetic testing, food allergy panels, stool candida and parasite tests, adrenal panels, and heavy metals are performed by specialty diagnostic companies (ZRT, US Biotech, AllCat, Neuro-Science, Immuno Labs, and Doctor's Data) and may or may not be reimbursed by your insurance. Call your health plan to confirm. All lab prices include the physician's reading fee, shipping, and handling.
Will My Product Purchases Be Covered?
This depends on the insurance company. Some FSA/HSA accounts will cover vitamin and nutraceutical purchases but will likely require additional paperwork and a pre-authorization.
Patient Forms
Download & Complete Before Your Visit
Please complete these forms in advance, especially the health questionnaire, so Dr. Murphy can prepare for your appointment.