Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. The holistic health care model is based on achieving wellness, not managing disease, therefore the long-term solutions we provide can actually save you money over the course of your lifetime. So, while you may not be accustomed to paying for health care services out of pocket, you are making an investment in your future as a healthy aging person.

How do I choose a service or practitioner?

Please see Services Offered for a description of each.
Please see our Team page to learn more about each practitioner and their areas of specialty.

What is the cancellation policy

Wellness Minneapolis requires 24 hour notice for any cancelled or rescheduled appointments. No shows or appointments cancelled within 24 hours of scheduled time will be charged a fee up to the full price of your session. To cancel or reschedule, please call (612) 598-8627.

Do you accept Health insurance?

We are not an in-network provider with insurance.
This is not something we take lightly. We understand that many patients pay high premiums for insurance and want our services to be covered. It is a bit of a long story but if you are interested here is our reasoning:

In this era of high deductible plans most patients are paying out of pocket for their health care services. If Wellness Minneapolis contracted with insurance we would be forced to raise our rates for all patients due to increased administrative cost. It is very important to us that our rates remain affordable to everyone.
Insurance can dictate what treatments are covered which can change the care you receive. It is important to use that each patient receives the care they need, not just the care deemed acceptable by an insurance company.

How can i support insurance coverage for holistic services?

We are working for a better system and for better coverage of holistic, integrative and complimentary modalities. The Affordable Care Act contains provisions about insurance covering more modalities but it is up to the states to enforce this act. You can learn more here.

In Minnesota we are working on submitting legislation that would allow better coverage of all licensed or registered health care providers. A bill is being proposed this legislative session calling for better coverage. To learn more follow MN Fair Care on Facebook.

Can I use my flex plan or health care savings account (HSA)?

Flex plans and HSAs approve payment for appointments with naturopathic doctors and the labs, testing, and supplements that they recommend. It is the responsibility of the account holder (patient/client) to make sure the services are covered by your plan.
Some flex plans and HSAs approve payment for bodywork therapy and acupuncture. Any payment received for goods or services outside of your plan is your financial responsibility. Often a letter of medical necessity from a doctor is required for massage and bodywork services.

What is a naturopathic Doctor?

A naturopathic medicine doctor (ND/NMD) has attended a four year post-graduate medical school and is registered by the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice to practice medicine in Minnesota. NDs/NMDs are a different kind of doctor. They treat each patient as an individual and work to find the underlying cause of the patient’s conditions. They use the least invasive methods possible; nutrition, lifestyle, herbal medicine, supplements, homeopathy and more before recommending more invasive interventions such as medications or surgery. Naturopathic doctors are trained as primary care providers and can order lab work, imaging, and perform physical exams. If you would like to learn more about naturopathic doctors you can read about their training here or schedule [link to scheduling free consult] a free 15 minute consultation to speak with one of our doctors.

What Can i expect from my visit?

On your first visit, your naturopathic doctor will conduct a comprehensive evaluation that explores:

Current health concerns
Medical history
Dietary habits
Lifestyle

This allows your doctor to gain complete understanding of your present condition and the root cause of your symptoms. They will also help you to identify your future health goals. From there, you will work together to create a plan that is customized to your lifestyle, budget, and beliefs toward health, healing and total body wellness. Prior to the first visit patients are asked to fill out health questionnaires so your doctor has a chance to become familiar with your case.

how do I get the most out of my visit?

Be ready to dig deep and work on your health. Patients often leave with ‘homework’ about diet and lifestyle changes. Be ready and willing to make changes to get the most out of your naturopathic care.

how does naturopathic MEDICINE compare to conventional?

The basic medical education is very similar: like medical doctors (MDs), naturopathic doctors (NDs) attend a four-year medical school and are trained as primary care physicians. The biggest difference comes in the treatments. Naturopathic doctors treat the whole person and work on all aspects of a patient’s health including nutrition, sleep, exercise, mind-body, and community health. NDs believe that symptoms are clues from the body and those clues are evaluated to get to the root of illness. ND’s do their best not to just palliate (alleviate) symptoms but to truly treat their patients.

Below is a simplified chart comparing a visit with a medical doctor to a visit with a naturopathic doctor.

Does health insurance cover naturopathic care?

In Minnesota, Naturopathic Physicians (NDs) are not in-network providers with insurance plans. In other states such as Oregon and Arizona NDs are fully covered as primary care providers. This is upsetting to us and is something we are fighting to change. To learn more about how you can support our efforts please sign up for the Minnesota Association of Naturopathic Physicians Newsletter and visit their website here.

FAQ for Established Naturopathic patients

Communication: What is the best way to communicate with your doctor?
Messages in CharmPHR with any clarification questions of your recent visit or treatment plan (https://charmphr.com/login.sas). Your doctor will respond to emails within 4 business days. For new health concerns/topics not addressed during your previous appointment or that require more than 5 minutes of attention, your doctor offers a telephone consult which will be subject to applicable fees.

Medical Records: How do I access my medical records in CharmPHR?
Visit https://charmphr.com/login.sas and log in to access your medical records.
Within 2 business days of your appointment you will receive a list of all dietary, lifestyle, and supplement recommendations on CharmPHR. Lab results are accessible on CharmPHR after reviewing them with your doctor.

Supplements: How can I obtain my prescription and purchase supplements?
Wellness Minneapolis provides third party tested pharmaceutical grade supplements. Please call to check the stock and availability prior to coming in to purchase supplements. We are happy to order supplements for pick up free of charge or ship supplements directly to your home for a fee of $5.75 or less. Supplements prescribed by your doctor qualify for HSA/Flex dollars.

If purchasing supplements over the counter be aware that Amazon carries some of these supplements illegally which increases the risk they are counterfeit. Many over-the-counter supplements have also been found to have much higher levels of contaminants, heavy metals, allergens, fillers, binders, dyes, and chemicals than pharmaceutical grade products purchased through a health care provider.

Letter of Medical Necessity: How do I obtain a letter from my doctor?
Message your request to your doctor for a letter of medical necessity using CharmPHR. If a specific form is required by your health insurance company please attach this to the message. A completed form or letter will be emailed to you in CharmPHR within 10 business days.

Insurance: How do I submit my visit for insurance coverage?
If you plan to ask your insurance company to reimburse your visit costs please make sure to ask your doctor to provide you with a ‘superbill’. This document contains the insurance codes required. Complete the top portion of the superbill and fax to your insurance company along with a copy of your receipt from the visit. We cannot guarantee coverage as every plan is different.

My friend/family member is having ________ can you give me some information on how to treat?
It is important to provide the best care possible and doctors cannot legally give out advice for someone who is not an established patient. Your doctor would be delighted to treat your family/friends. Just ask them to make an appointment.

lABS

Labs: I would like to go through insurance, do you have a referral?
We understand that you pay a lot of money for an insurance policy and want to use it to cover lab work. Your doctor will give you a complete list of conventional labs that she/he recommends along with cash pay pricing for those labs, which offers significant discounts over insurance prices. You are welcome to take this list of labs and visit with your conventional provider to request they be run through insurance. Your doctor does not have referrals in place to attempt to have labs covered by insurance. The best practice is to use a provider you already have an established relationship with. Your doctor will be happy to communicate with your provider to explain the reasoning behind the testing requested.
Functional Medicine labs are often not covered by insurance and those details will be explained during your visit if functional labs are recommended.

Labs: How do I get my lab results after they have been ordered?
Lab results are sent to your doctor when they are complete. Turn around time ranges from 3-25 days depending on the processing time of the test. Labs will be available on the Charm patient portal after you have reviewed them with your doctor at a return visit. If you wish to obtain a copy of your labs prior to a return visit, email your request in CharmPHR but please understand no lab interpretation can be given without an appointment. Please schedule a return visit if you would like to go over your lab results with your doctor.

Labs: I’m confused about how to have them done?
Please reference the Lab Information handout for an explanation on how to complete your labs as well as a list of local draw sites to have your blood drawn.

Labs: Can I order labs outside of an office visit?
Yes, basic screening lab work can be ordered outside of a visit. Please send a message to your doctor in Charm to request these labs. You will receive an electronic invoice for the cost of the labs.

For specialty/functional labs, a kit can be picked up at the front desk during business hours. Allow 3 business days after receiving a confirmation message from your doctor before picking up the kit at Wellness Minneapolis.

What do I do if I’ve been given a test kit/lab to complete at home?
Read instructions closely as they are often very detailed and it is easy to make an error if you attempt the test without fully understanding what is required. Make note of any supplements, medications, or products that must be discontinued prior to the test. Test kits include prepaid postage stamps so follow mailing instructions. Double check that you have included the lab form in the box and all areas have been completed including payment. Include a front and back copy of your insurance card if it is requested. Send a message in CharmPHR to your doctor with specific questions if anything is unclear after reading the instructions.

Another provider ordered labs for me. Can you review them please?
Your doctor will be happy to review outside lab work that is done between appointments and go over the interpretation during an office visit. Please have your clinic fax the lab work to Wellness Minneapolis, 'Attn: Your Doctors Name', or upload the results to CharmPHR. Please note your provider will not review the lab work and send interpretation over messaging. That will require an appointment.

what is bodywork?

Bodywork is a broad term that includes Massage, Shiatsu, Thai massage, Chi Nei Tsang, and other techniques that utilizes hand and finger pressure to relieve muscle tightness and pain, increase circulation of blood, lymph, and energy, and other benefits. Visit our Services page to learn more about each technique we offer.

Should I tip my massage or bodywork therapist?

Amy Daws does not expect gratuity added to her service fee.

What should i expect from my visit?

"In your first bodywork session, you can expect to fill out a health history form to give me a general overview of your health and inform us of any special considerations we should be aware of as we work together. We will talk for a few minutes about your main reasons for your visit and any goals you have for the session. Then we will get to work!" - Karen

HOw do I get the most out of my session?

"If you are receiving shiatsu or Thai massage you will remain fully clothed. If you are receiving a massage or combination of techniques I will step out of the room while you undress to your comfort level and position yourself on the table underneath a sheet that will be used as draping throughout the session. One of our goals is to make sure you are enjoying the atmosphere as we do deeply therapeutic work, so please be willing to communicate with your practitioner about what you need. They will check in with you throughout your session about pressure, as well as temperature, lighting, or music. Aside from checking in about these variables, your practitioner will limit conversation to allow you to receive the most out of your session. When your time is through they will leave the room to allow you to dress, stretch, and ease back into the world. If you have questions for your practitioner you can open the door and they will discuss them with you in the treatment room. We are happy to let you know any observations, get your feedback, and help create a plan for you going forward as to how bodywork can be part of your self care regimen." - Karen

what does ongoing care look like?

"Recommendations are individualized, but here are a few suggestions for an ongoing plan. For general wellness, we recommend 60-90 minutes of bodywork therapy every 3-4 weeks. When treating chronic pain or acute injury, more frequent sessions are most beneficial. In addition to bodywork, we may recommended self-care exercises, such as topical treatments (heat, ice, liniments, etc.), self massage, stretching and exercise. We’ll discuss your “homework” after your first session." - Karen + Amy

Does insurance cover bodywork therapy?

Massage is not normally covered by insurance. In the case of automobile accidents your car insurance will pay for a massage. Check with your adjuster to learn more about this. Health insurance (to our knowledge) does not typically pay for massage.

You can often use your HSA/Flex spending for massage if a doctor writes you a prescription for massage. .

What can I expect from my FIrst Nutrition visit?

During your first session with Jesse Haas, you will discuss your health and diet history, and health goals. You may be sent home with 1-2 "homework" assignments at this time. At a second visit about a week after this intake session, Jesse will present you with a personalized wellness plan that includes specific food and nutrient recommendations, physical activity, self-care and other lifestyle modifications to help you get from where you are in your health today to where you want to be in the future.

how Do I get the most out of my sessions?

Come to your initial consultation prepared with your goals and questions. Challenge yourself to explore what is at the core of your health goals. This is the real reason you are scheduling an appointment. Also be prepared to get your hands dirty because the real work happens between appointments! This is the time you actually make those changes you need in order to thrive.

What does ongoing care look like?

Everyone's nutrition needs are different. During your first couple of session with Jesse, you will discover what resources, skills and ongoing support you need in order to make the necessary diet and lifestyle changes.

how does Your nutritional approach compare to conventional Care?

There is not a direct comparison within the conventional health care model for nutrition + health coaching. The closest comparison would be a nutritionist or dietician. The scope for a registered dietician is dictated by what insurance companies will cover which typically only includes, diabetes, obesity, heart disease and kidney disease. Interactions are often limited to one visit during which time they may give a prescriptive diet (i.e. DASH for high blood pressure) and then send the patient on their way to figure out how to implement it themselves.

We take a more whole-person approach and examine triggers and barriers to successful integration of a nutrition plan and provide ongoing support to further problem-solve, educate and nurture our clients. All of which makes it easier for you to succeed.

Does Health insurance cover Nutritional THERAPY?

Nutrition coverage is dictated by what an insurance plan deems necessary. We believe that proper nutrition is the foundation for health but conventionally only diabetes, renal failure and heart disease tend to be covered.

We don’t offer any in-network nutrition counseling but you are welcome to contact your insurance company and see if your nutrition consultation could be partly covered in out-of-network benefits.

What can I expect from my visit?

During our first therapy session, we will spend time getting to know one another. This is a chance for you to tell your therapist about yourself and ask any questions you have about them or your work together. We’ll also spend time gathering relevant information, including current symptoms, sources of support, self-care practices, relationship dynamics, cultural/community influences, and behavioral patterns. Finally, we’ll set goals for our work together: identify priorities, target particular symptoms or relationship concerns, and identify steps towards healing.

How does our approach differ from conventional approaches?

We have holistic perspective and take into account the multi-faceted elements of your mental health including physical expression of psychological concerns, existential/spiritual questions, cognitive patterns and dysfunctional thinking, and emotional regulation. Additionally, we weave in of yogic theory in conceptualization of pathology and teach clients mindfulness skills, like breathing exercises or meditation to reduce experience of symptoms.

How do I get the most out of my sessions?

Plan to have life feel "stirred up" a little bit - sometimes things get worse as we look at issues we've been avoiding before they start to feel better. Additionally, prepare goals for your sessions and keep in mind that therapy is work, not magic! You'll have to carry out the things we discuss in our session in your life outside of therapy. This includes trying new behaviors, observing your own thought patterns, practicing new skills and engaging in meaningful relationships differently.

what does ongoing care look like?

There are several options that depend greatly on your goals and needs (i.e. crisis, short- or long-term, or as preventative care). You will make a therapeutic plan with your therapist during your first visits.

Does health insurance cover therapy?

In order to receive insurance reimbursement for therapy services a number of criteria need to be met.

The treatment needs to have an IP (identified patient) under which all services are billed.
The IP needs to have a diagnostic code or a "label" that describes their mental health condition.
The therapist providing the treatment needs to be using an evidence based "pre-approved" therapeutic approach, usually ones that are measurable in behavioral change and short-term based.

Our licensed massage and family therapist is not in-network with any insurance companies. Below is a short explanation of why she personally chooses to not be an in-network provider.

“Part of why I choose not to accept insurance is that I wouldn't necessarily want to work within the limits of those criteria. In terms of addressing the specific criteria listed above, I work from a systemic perspective, meaning I take into account the multiple relationships and communities in which my clients exist. Sometimes couples or families come to address a relationship dynamic and to have to identify and single out one individual as the IP can be tricky at best and at worst may have a "scape-goating effect". Secondly, sometimes the diagnostic codes just don't fit the situation that brings a client in to therapy. I'm hesitant to put a label on a person or a situation if it isn't a true fit. The result can be stigmatizing and can become a permanent part of the client's medical file. Finally, I work from an integrative perspective, blending multiple therapeutic approaches to fit the client's needs instead of staying within the more rigid boundaries prescribed for insurance reimbursement. Working outside of the insurance model allows me to bring more creativity and fluidity to the treatment process.” - Bri

What can I expect from my visit?

Your first acupuncture visit involves a comprehensive initial consultation and will be scheduled for an hour and a half. This time will be used to discuss your full health history, the reason for your visit, your lifestyle and your concerns and goals for treatment. The practitioner will also ask to look at your tongue and feel your pulse which helps to determine the TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) pattern behind your concern. This will help inform the practitioner of the most appropriate course of treatment.

It is recommended that you wear loose and comfortable clothing as you will most likely receive acupuncture during your first visit. You will lay on a massage table or sit in a chair, depending on the points that need to be accessed. The practitioner will place fine, single-use, sterile needles at specific locations on the body, gently tapping them in to place. The needs will remain in for about 30 minutes. Your acupuncturist will check on you throughout this time to make sure that you are comfortable and to stimulate the needles. After they are removed, your provider may then use a supplementary treatment such as cupping, moxibustion, or massage.

will acupuncture hurt?

The needles the acupuncturist uses are incredibly thin and fine, almost like a hair. You may feel a small prick when the needle is inserted, but this feeling often dissipates. After the needle is inserted you may feel a variety of different sensations including warmth, tingling, flowing or aching. None of these sensations should be painful or unbearable. Some needle insertion sites are more sensitive than others, so the sensations may be more pronounced at these locations. If you feel something sharp or uncomfortable, just be sure you tell the practitioner and they will adjust the needle so that it is more comfortable. Acupuncture can be very relaxing and meditative and many people fall asleep while having a treatment!

What does ongoing care look like?

Your practitioner will discuss follow up treatment with you as the number of treatments and their frequency will depend on your individual needs. A general rule of thump is that you should come once or twice a week for 4-6 weeks or until your symptoms start to improve. If we feel that you are progressing well, you can reduce your visits to once per week, then once every two weeks, once a month and finally only when necessary to maintain your health and balance. Follow ups visits will last 45 minutes to an hour.

Will I be Given herbal therapies?

If your acupuncturist deems it necessary, you may be prescribed a Chinese herbal formula to help with your treatment. Herbal therapies are a very important part of TCM. Your will most likely be coming in for acupuncture treatment once a week. If you are taking herbs, you will be providing your body with healing medicine every day throughout the day and this will enhance the healing power of acupuncture.

Does health insurance cover acupuncture?

Depending on your plan acupuncture may be covered. Consult your insurance provider to learn more about your plan. Our acupuncturists are not in-network with any insurance companies so would qualify for out-of-network benefits.

Define holistic

Holistic looks at each individual as a whole person (link to definition). "Holistic" is often used synonymously with "alternative," however an alternative therapy need not be holistic nor does holistic health care need to be alternative. In fact, we would argue, all health care needs to have a holistic approach. Health, or lack of it, is a result of many factors in our lives including nutrition and diet, stress response and management, family and community, economics and access, physical activity, as well as genetics and maternal health. A holistic approach takes all of these factors (and more!) into account when considering a person's health.

Define Natural

This word is used frequently in many industries but is poorly defined and unregulated. We recommend not putting much weight in this word when you see it on a label. At Wellness Minneapolis we consider natural to mean in harmony with our bodies and our planet.

define Integrative Medicine

Encourages a collaboration between modalities and care providers. "Integrative" honors the strength of all modalities and suggests a bridge between them. The aim of integrative health care is to give patients the best shot at optimizing their health and saving them from falling in the gaps between health care providers. Consider this: do you tell your primary care provider about supplements you take? These nutrients may interact with prescriptions they recommend. That is one of many examples of the healthcare "continuum cleft" integrative healthcare aims to combat.

Define Alternative medicine

Alternative medicine is a term that encompasses a wide range of modalities that are outside of allopathic health care. Naturopathic medicine, acupuncture, massage and other bodywork modalities are just a few. While these a considered to be “alternative” to conventional medicine most modalities are rooted in ancient medicine and healing traditions. Complementary and Alternative Medicine or CAM is the term used in scientific research.

Define conventional

A system in which healthcare professionals treat symptoms and diseases using drugs, radiation, or surgery. Also called allopathic medicine, mainstream medicine, and Western medicine.

Define Allopathic medicine

Allopathic medicine aims to suppress symptoms of disease using drugs and surgery as the primary tools. This is essentially what we have access to through our health insurance. This form of healthcare is relatively new. The strengths of this model is its great ability to handle acute health conditions: broken bones, heart attacks, infections, etc. This term is used synonymously with “conventional,” “Western,” or “traditional.”

define systems approach

In conventional medicine the human body is broken down into systems such as the gastrointestinal system or the nervous system. Medical professionals become experts in their particular system and patients often have to go between their primary care, endocrinologist, cardiologist and so on. This is in contrast to a whole person approach that takes into account all the systems in a person's body as well as their lifestyle, mental health, and more. Specialists are still utilized in a whole person approach when necessary.

Define functional medicine

Functional Medicine is a newer term that is gaining traction especially within allopathic settings. The Institute of Functional Medicine (IFM) is the main certifying agency of this form of medicine. Functional medicine training came about as a way to help allopathic providers learn more about holistic medicine and incorporate it into their practices. The IFM offers advanced certification for medical doctors, nurse practitioners, chiropractors, nutritionists and other licensed health care professionals.

define mind body

Mind Body relates to how the health of our physical bodies affects our thoughts and emotions and vice versa: how our thoughts and emotions affect our physical bodies. Some examples:
- Anxiety (mind) causes diarrhea (body).
- Fibromyalgia or chronic pain (body) correlates to depression (mind).
- Chronic stress (mind) reduces fertility (body).
Mind-body therapies include meditation, yoga, qigong, art and music therapy, mindfulness, and much more. This same concept may be expressed as Mind-Body-Spirit.

define whole person

This is a holistic perspective that addresses all aspects of a person’s identity: body, mind and spirit.

define homeopathy

This is a modality used mainly by homeopaths and naturopathic doctors but also medical doctors and other health care providers. Homeopathy is based on an observation called “the law of similars”. Which means what a substance can cause, it can cure. For example onion can cause burning eyes with a runny nose especially when you are cutting it up and dilute doses of onion (allium cepa) are used to treat allergy symptoms in homeopathy. Homeopathic medicines are very dilute and often none of the original substance is left in the remedy. Homeopathy is safe and will not interact with medications. A quick search will bring up several scientific articles showing the benefits of homeopathy. It can be hard to wrap your head around how a very dilute substance can have an effect on your body! A wonderful book called Beyond Flat Earth Medicine by Timothy Dooley ND, MD does an excellent job explaining this medicine in more detail.

define traditional chinese medicine (TCM)

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is an ancient system of healthcare, based on the notion of harmony and balance, and employing the ideas of moderation and prevention. TCM employs its own unique theories of anatomy, health, and treatment. It emphasizes diet and prevention and using acupuncture, herbal medicine, massage, and exercise.