Question 1

What is naturopathic medicine?

Accepted Answer

Naturopathic medicine is a natural approach to healthcare that combines modern medical practices and traditional healing methods to treat illness and promote overall health and wellness. Naturopathic Doctors (ND) are trained in a rigorous 4-year medical school and may go on to completing medical residency. While the fundamental sciences, pathology, and diagnostics align with those in other medical schools, naturopathic medical education also encompasses preventive and alternative approaches, such as nutrition and herbal medicine.

In Oregon, Naturopathic doctors have the authority to serve as primary care physicians. They can perform minor surgical procedures, order laboratory tests and imaging, conduct physical examinations, and prescribe certain prescription medications. With additional certification, they are even qualified to provide care during childbirth. Naturopathic doctors are dedicated to providing comprehensive, patient-centered healthcare that emphasizes natural healing methods and overall well-being.

Question 2

Where are you located?

Accepted Answer

The beautiful city of Portland, Oregon!

Question 3

Do you accept insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes - for now.

My long term vision is to move toward a community supported, equity based care model that allows patients to receive the care they need without fear of denials or surprise bills, and allows providers to be fairly compensated for their work.

I am currently accepting the following plans:

• Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Providence Health Plan
• Oregon Health Plan (OHP)

I am actively re credentialing with additional insurance companies. This process can take several months and is outside of my control. During this transition, some visits may need to be self pay. I will always discuss this with you ahead of time.

Plans currently pending include 
• Heraya Health
• PacificSource
• First Choice Health
• Health Net, Cigna
• Moda
• Aetna.

Question 4

Do you take Oregon Health Plan?

Accepted Answer

Yes!

Access to care through the Oregon Health Plan matters deeply to me. OHP is a critical safety net that allows many people to receive care they would otherwise be unable to access, and I believe strongly that income, disability status, family structure, or life circumstance should never be a barrier to receiving compassionate, high quality healthcare. I am committed to always accepting OHP as part of my practice because equitable access to care is a core value of my work.

Question 5

Wait Why Do You Want to Move Away From Insurance?

Accepted Answer

I want to be transparent about why I am intentionally moving toward a more community supported, equity based model of care.

In Oregon, naturopathic physicians do not have pay equity with other primary care providers, including MDs, DOs, NPs, and PAs. For the same visit types and billing codes, reimbursement is often lower, inconsistent, or denied altogether. Insurance companies may require prior authorizations simply to be seen by a naturopath, exclude licensed services, or retroactively deny care.

I have patients who pay more in monthly insurance premiums than I receive in an entire year of care from their plan.

These are not isolated issues. They reflect a healthcare system that prioritizes profit and bureaucracy over care. In the current political and economic climate, continued reliance on this model harms patients, practitioners, and clinic staff. It pushes healthcare into a transactional framework where time, relationship, and healing are devalued.

My long term vision is to move away from capitalistic, transactional healthcare models and toward true health care models where everyone involved is supported. This means patients receiving care without fear of denials or surprise bills, practitioners being fairly compensated for their labor, and staff working within sustainable and humane systems.

As part of this vision, I am committed to always accepting OHP. Access to care matters deeply to me, and this commitment exists alongside my broader goal of building a transparent, community supported, equity based practice that allows all of us to be cared for.

Question 6

Can you fill my prescriptions?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I can! In Oregon, naturopathic doctors (NDs) are fully licensed to prescribe medications. NDs undergo rigorous pharmacology training and must pass a comprehensive pharmacology board exam to meet state licensing requirements. Under Oregon Senate Bill 856, naturopathic doctors are authorized to prescribe a wide range of medications, including therapeutic drugs. As NDs, we also provide guidance on natural therapies, including vitamins, supplements, topical treatments, and offer counseling to support your overall health and well-being.

Please note that I do not carry a controlled substance license at this time. Any scheduled medications will need to be managed and prescribed by another physician.

Question 7

What about vaccines?

Accepted Answer

I respect each family’s choices regarding vaccinations and am here to support you, whatever decision you make. My goal is to provide safe and non-judgmental care, and I will never turn anyone away based on their choice to vaccinate or not. Your family's health and well-being are my top priority.

I do not currently offer vaccines at my clinic, but will provide you with reliable referrals to help meet your family's preventative healthcare goals.

Andy Turner, ND

Now welcoming new and returning patients in person or telemedicine in Portland Oregon.

Services

Postpartum Care

Holistic Primary Care

Women's Health

Pediatric Medicine

Menopause

Integrative Pelvic Therapy

Gender Affirming Care

Childfree Wellness

Fertility Support

Modalities

Naturopathic Medicine

Uterine & Abdominal Massage

Integrative Pelvic Floor Therapy

Embodied Alignment

From the Blog: Nature's Cure for Modern Living

Stepping into Private Practice

Childfree Wellness

Diaphragmatic Breathing for a Happier Pelvic Floor

GABA in Women’s Health: A Natural Approach to Rest, Resilience, and Hormonal Transitions

Contact
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