Question 1

What is naturopathic medicine?

Accepted Answer

A holistic approach to healthcare that focuses on root-cause treatment using evidence-based natural therapies — clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, lifestyle counseling, and mind-body medicine — alongside conventional medical care when appropriate. Naturopathic doctors are trained as primary care providers with a focus on preventing and addressing the underlying causes of illness, not just treating symptoms.

Question 2

Is Dr. Mary a licensed primary care provider?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Dr. Mary Harel is a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) licensed in Oregon and Washington. In both states, NDs are recognized as primary care providers with the authority to order labs, prescribe medications, and coordinate care.

Question 3

Do I need to live in Oregon or Washington?

Accepted Answer

To be seen via telemedicine, you must be physically located in Oregon or Washington at the time of your visit. State licensing rules require the provider to be licensed in the state where the patient is during the appointment.

Question 4

Can naturopathic medicine be my primary care?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Cove Naturopathic offers full-spectrum primary care: annual wellness exams, lab ordering and interpretation, acute illness management, chronic disease management, prescriptions, and specialist referrals.

Question 5

What conditions do you treat?

Accepted Answer

Dr. Mary's areas of focus include women's health, hormones and perimenopause, gut health (IBS, SIBO, food sensitivities, reflux), thyroid and adrenal health, autoimmune conditions, sleep issues, mental wellness, and pediatric naturopathic care. She also provides general primary care for healthy adults and families.

Question 6

What happens at my first visit?

Accepted Answer

First visits are 75 minutes and start with a thorough review of your health history, current concerns, lifestyle, and goals. Together, you and Dr. Mary will build a personalized plan that may include lab testing, dietary changes, supplements, botanical medicine, prescription medications, or specialist referrals. There's plenty of time to ask questions — the goal is for you to leave with clarity and a concrete next step.

Question 7

How does telemedicine work?

Accepted Answer

Visits happen via secure video. After booking, you'll receive a HIPAA-compliant link. You can join from your phone, tablet, or computer — bring a quiet space, your current medication and supplement list, and any recent lab results you have.

Question 8

Can you prescribe medications?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Naturopathic doctors in Oregon and Washington have prescriptive authority. Dr. Mary can prescribe most common medications when clinically appropriate, with state-specific limitations on certain drug classes.

Question 9

Can you order labs?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Dr. Mary orders comprehensive labs through major networks (Quest, LabCorp) as well as specialty functional-medicine labs when relevant. Most patients use a local draw site convenient to them.

Question 10

Do you accept insurance?

Accepted Answer

Cove Naturopathic is currently a cash-pay practice. We provide a detailed superbill after each visit that you can submit to your insurance for potential out-of-network reimbursement. HSA and FSA cards are accepted.

Question 11

What if I have a medical emergency?

Accepted Answer

Telemedicine is not appropriate for emergencies. If you are having a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. For urgent but non-emergency issues between visits, contact us through the patient portal.

Question 12

How do prescription refills work?

Accepted Answer

Refills are handled through the patient portal and are typically turned around within one to two business days. For controlled prescriptions, please request well before your supply runs out so we have time to coordinate.

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