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Frequently asked questions
Do you take my medical insurance?
What are your payment options?
Can you prescribe medicines or help me eliminate my prescriptions?
Naturopathic doctors are trained in pharmacology and how they interact and complement or counteract natural medicines and substances (including herbs, minerals, supplements, and certain foods). This means that while N.D.s are well-qualified to advise you on your current regime of medicines that might be prescribed by your other medical caregivers, N.D.s in the state of Maryland do not currently prescribe any pharmaceuticals. This applies to making changes to your current medications as well. An N.D. can advise you on changes to your prescription drug protocol, which you must then discuss with prescribing medical doctor before any changes should be made.
Can you be my primary doctor?
Naturopathic doctors are highly trained through four years of post-graduate level medical school and the passing of two Board exams before obtaining a license to practice medicine. Laws governing the practice of naturopathic medicine vary state by state. See here for the laws in Maryland. Currently, N.D.s practicing in Maryland serve as part of your medical team, providing supplementary and complementary medical care rather than serving as your primary care physician. Dr. Bohlmann provides care for your whole family within this structure.
What health conditions do you treat?
Can you tell me what nutritional supplements to buy?
How will I benefit from treatment at Advantage Integrative Health?
At Advantage Integrative Health we are trained to look at health from a "root cause" perspective. This means the doctor not only helps ease your symptoms, but guides you to understand why the symptoms are happening in the first place and how to keep them from returning. You are empowered to care for your body in the best way possible, naturally! Dr. Bohlmann is trained in herbal medicine, nutrition, physical medicine, pharmacology, minor surgery, homeopathy, environmental medicine and toxicology, energy medicine, hypnotherapy as well as counseling. You get a combination of training that other doctors just don't get which makes your experience more complete and holistic. Often the people who get the most benefit from our wellness programs are those who are ready to put in the personal effort to change their lifestyle and their lives. People come to us looking for answers when traditional medicine has not been successful or they want to take a more natural and holistic approach to finding out the root cause of the health challenge.
What's the difference between a naturopathic doctor (N.D.) and medical doctor (M.D)?
An N.D. or naturopathic doctor is educated in much the same way as an M.D. or medical doctor with some notable inclusions such as nutrition, herbal medicine, physical medicine and homeopathy being part of the N.D's education. The biggest difference comes in the way a naturopath views health and treats the patient. M.D.s are training in the allopathic model which compartmentalizes illness through a taxonomy of names based on groups of symptoms (such as runny nose, fever, and chills relating to the common cold). The primary treatment modalities of the M.D. include prescription medications and surgery. Naturopathic doctors treat with lifestyle modifications first such as nutrition and exercise modifications and then have the option of adding hydrotherapy, herbal medicine, homeopathy, physical medicine and counseling to round out a holistic plan. If needed the naturopath is also trained to use pharmaceuticals and to perform minor surgery.
What is naturopathic medicine and how are the doctors trained?