Bernie Noe, ND

Naturopathic Physician

Frequently Asked Questions

Does naturopathic medicine work?

How are naturopathic physicians educated?

Are naturopathic physicians licensed?

Are naturopathic physicians covered by my health insurance?

What is the scope of practice of naturopathic physicians?

Does naturopathic medicine work?

There are countless studies that demonstrate the efficacy of natural therapies. The Journal of Naturopathic Medicine, Alternative Medicine Review, and the American Journal of Clinical Nutritition are some of the many journals devoted to reporting scientific studies done on herbal medicines and vitamin/mineral therapy. All told, over 40 scientific journals worldwide are devoted to reporting current research in clinical nutrition.

Moreover, the Textbook of Natural Medicine cites over 5000 references from the conventional biomedical literature that support naturopathic theory and practice. Bastyr University, a nationally accredited naturopathic medical school, is a leading research center for natural medicine in North America. It is the recipient of a multi-million research grant from the National Institute of Health to study the effectiveness of natural therapies in the treatment of HIV/AIDS.

How are naturopathic physicians educated?

Naturopathic physicians complete premedical undergraduate training and attend a four-year post-graduate naturopathic medical school. They are educated in the conventional medical sciences such as anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, and the signs and symptoms of disease. Naturopathic physicians, however, also receive extensive clinical training in nutrition, botanical medicine, physical medicine, lifestyle counseling, and homeopathy. They also complete supervised clinical internships using these therapies. Naturopaths are essentially specialists in evidence based natural medicine, and are uniquely qualified to bridge the gap between conventional and alternative medicine.

Are naturopathic physicians licensed?

In Vermont, naturopathic doctors are licensed as primary care physicians by the state of Vermont. Only physicians licensed by the state may call themselves naturopaths, naturopathic physicians, naturopathic doctors, or use the initials "ND" after their name. In order to be licensed by the state of Vermont, naturopathic physicians must graduate from an approved naturopathic medical school, pass medical board exams, and fulfill continuing medical education requirements.

Other states that license naturopathic physicians include Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut, California, Arizona, Montana, Oregon, Hawaii, Washington, Utah, and Alaska.

Are naturopathic physicians covered by my health insurance?

Insurance coverage for naturopathic medicine varies from insurer to insurer, and state to state. Doctor Noe is a preferred provider for North American Preferred, Comprehensive Benefits Administrators, and Great West (includes New England Financial and One Health Plan) . Other carriers which cover naturopathic medicine in Vermont include Guardian, Aetna, Fortis, John Alden, Mutual of Omaha, Core Source, Chickering Administrators, Employee Benefits Administrators, Choice Plus and some CIGNA plans.

Companies that do not pay for an office visit to a naturopathic physician, such as Blue Cross/Blue Shield will in some cases pay for laboratory tests that a naturopath orders.

What is the scope of practice of naturopathic physicians?

In Vermont, naturopathic physicians are licensed to diagnose and treat disease. This includes providing regular checkups, physical exams, gynecological exams, laboratory tests, and imaging tests such as x-rays and ultrasounds. They are also licensed to administer intravenous vitamin and mineral therapy and vaccinations, and to prescribe certain prescription drugs.