6. What other states are currently licensed for Naturopathic Doctors?
States licensed for Naturopathic Medicine currently include Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Kansas, Maine, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, and Washington. Licensing efforts are taking place in numerous other states. Please contact the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians at www.naturopathic.org for more information.

7. Are there national board examinations post-graduation?
All Naturopathic Doctors are required to successfully pass the national board examinations in basic sciences, clinical sciences, and natural therapeutics over the course of four days in order to obtain a license to practice Naturopathic Medicine.

8. What are the requirements for continuing education?
The state of California requires the completion no less than 60 hours of continuing education every two years for the biannual license renewal process.

9. Is Naturopathic Medicine covered under medical insurance?
Upon licensure for Naturopathic Medicine in the state of California, more medical insurance companies are accepting Naturopathic Medicine under their alternative medicine policies. It is imperative to check with your personal medical coverage plan. Dr. Schenck is not affiliated with any medical insurance companies. She will always provide those under her care with itemized invoices, which the individual can process through their insurance company.

10. Can a Naturopathic Doctor prescribe medicine?
Under the California state law, Doctors of Naturopathic Medicine have limited prescriptive rights, which will expand over the course of a few years. Currently, Naturopathic Doctors can prescribe some antibiotics and hormones, as well as pharmaceutical-grade natural supplements and botanicals.

11. What is Functional Medicine?
As stated by CAM in 1993, Functional Medicine incorporates patient uniqueness, a patient-centered approach to healthcare, and preventive care in its philosophy and approach to individualized patient care.

12. What can you expect from Dr. Margaret Schenck as your Naturopathic Doctor?
Dr. Schenck aims to build a trustworthy partnership with the people under her care. She promises to protect patient confidentiality and promote the basics of health in a healing and safe environment. Dr. Schenck strives to stay on schedule during patient visits. She will provide a sound diagnostic evaluation and personalized treatment protocols while addressing the whole person. Dr. Schenck will also provide accurate health education, allowing her patients to make informed choices in their medical care.

13. What does Dr. Schenck expect from her patients?
Dr. Schenck expects the individuals under her care to take an active role in improving their health and wellness while partaking in the development of a trustworthy doctor-patient partnership. She expects her patients to be on time for their appointments and to respect the time of the doctor. Dr. Schenck expects to be paid at the time services are rendered. She expects her patients to actively engage in the basics of health and learn to manage personal wellbeing during their journey towards health.

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