Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE?
Naturopathic Doctors aim to bring about healing of the individual in a holistic manner. We strive to understand the underlying cause(s) for illness and work to address the cause to bring about health. We believe there is innate healing capacity in every being, and when supported, it will function optimally and create renewed vitality. We use an extensive history intake, listening to our patients, along with lab testing and physical exams to help determine the course needed. When developing a treatment plan we follow six naturopathic principles.
HOW DOES DR. STORY PRACTICE IN COLORADO?
In Colorado, Dr. Story works with you and your health care team to help you attain your health goals. She does not act as a primary care doctor, nor does she prescribe pharmaceuticals. It is a necessary that you maintain your relationship with your PCP for urgent or conventional needs. She works works with a variety of modalities including lifestyle and dietary adjustments, mind-body-spirit support, supplements/nutraceuticals, and education for empowerment of you, the patient. Dr. Story believes each person deserves to be heard fully. Severe illness can impact any of us. We cannot control what has already happened in our lives and within our bodies, but we CAN make a difference in how our lives continue and choose a path for a more vital and enjoyable life, with better health. This is the path on which Dr. Story would like to help you get started!
HOW LONG OF A VISIT SHOULD I SCHEDULE?
Initial appointments are typically scheduled for 60-90 minutes to discuss detailed history, recent previous testing, and labs. Typically the first follow up visit is 60 minutes to review any lab results, then discuss and initiate a treatment plan that works for you. After this, return patients can schedule 30 or 60 minute visits depending on need. If your visit extends past your originally scheduled time, you will be asked to pay for the difference at the end of the visit. Time is billed in 15 minute increments at her hourly rate of $220.
WILL DR. STORY REVIEW MY RECORDS PRIOR TO VISITS?
When scheduling an appointment, you are reserving Dr. Story’s time during that visit. She reviews labs and intake paperwork during the visit and will take time at the end of each visit to finish review and create a treatment plan for you. At times more complex cases may take a few days to complete the review and treatment plan. Please ensure files are uploaded and intake paperwork is completed online prior to your appointment to maximize time for review and discussion. Schedule accordingly for the time you feel you may need with Dr. Story. Files can be digitally uploaded to your Charm account once you have a logon created. You may also bring a hard copy of the files to your visit if the technology is not your friend. :-)
HOW DO I SCHEDULE AND PAY FOR THE APPOINTMENT?
Scheduling and payment is taken at the end of the visit. Cash, check, credit card, and HSA cards are accepted. If more time is needed and utilized past the time scheduled, patient’s card stored on file will be charged per 15 minute increment. NOTE: Currently we are awaiting our Charm scheduling platform. Please call 970-783-8063 to schedule an appointment until that time. Schedule here.
DO YOU TAKE INSURANCE AND WHAT IS THE COST OF A PATIENT VISIT WITH DR. STORY?
Naturopathic doctors are not in network with insurance in the state of Colorado. We do not bill insurance for office visits, although lab work can be submitted to insurance (except Medicaid and Medicare). Copay or costs are dependent upon your policy and deductible. We do offer cash pay discount labs also. We do accept payment in the form of health savings accounts, credit/debit cards, cash, and checks. Sage Wellness can also provide a superbill with diagnosis and billing codes needed for possible reimbursement through your insurance or HSA, depending upon your policy. All consultations are paid for upon scheduling or at time of service.
90 minute New Patient Comprehensive Intake and Physical Exam. Increased case difficulty and extensive history/labs to be reviewed - $340
60 minute New Patient Intake and Physical Exam - $230
60 minute Patient Follow Up - $220
30 minute Follow up for return patients - $110
Research or extensive file review is billed at an hourly rate of $200.
WHAT IF I NEED TO CANCEL OR RESCHEDULE MY APPOINTMENT?
If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please contact us at drstory@sagewellness.com. Please note, we have a 48 hour cancellation policy. Changes or cancellations less than 48 hours before your visit will incur a $50 late cancel/change fee. The full visit fee will be retained for patients who fail to attend their appointment, or fail to cancel prior to the appointment. We do understand there can be extenuating circumstances resulting in late cancellations or missed appointments; please contact us if this occurs.
HOW CAN I SHARE RECORDS OR GET NOTES FROM MY VISIT?
Dr. Story will share information from your appointment via our online health portal, Charm. This is the same portal that you would have already added your profile information and performed your scheduling and payment through. Your portal on Charm is also where you will upload any records you want to share with Dr. Story. You will receive an email invite to this portal shortly after scheduling and can upload records at that time.
WHAT ELSE DOES DR. STORY OFFER?
Dr. Story’s other calling is to help those with SIBO (small intestine bacterial overgrowth) and IMO (intestinal methanogen overgrowth), with related conditions. Although this condition has been acknowledged for many years; currently there is great lack of knowledge in our medical communities. Dissemination of this information takes time and not all doctors have their attention on this condition. Dr. Story has had extensive education through coursework, preceptorship, and residency with some of the most well-regarded practitioners regarding SIBO diagnosis, treatment and relapse prevention. Her goal is to provide educational support to people and their doctors via online educational consultations for SIBO. To learn more about SIBO, please see her other website specific for this at DrMistyStory.com. Please note, it is only for CLIENT educational consultations. She does not act as a doctor to anyone scheduling through DrMistyStory.com site. If you want a PATIENT visit, schedule here at SageWellness.org or call 970-783-8063.