Frequently Asked Questions about Dr. Joy’s Naturopathic Care
Q: What exactly is Naturopathic medicine?
A: Naturopathic medicine is an age-old system of medicine that seeks to uncover and address the root-cause of acute and chronic disease using natural therapies and mind-body medicine like herbal medicine, nutrition, hydrotherapy, homeopathy, and specific lifestyle changes.
Licensable Naturopaths complete pre-med studies and four years of post-graduate medical study at one of the Nation’s five accredited Naturopathic schools to receive their Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine.
Dr. Joy is unique in her approach, as she does not use naturopathic therapies as a “natural band aid” to squelch symptoms, rather she works closely with patients to uncover the root cause of their imbalances using the above natural therapies, and BioEnergetic medicine.
I have been to a Naturopath or Integrative Practitioner before but I had a negative or unproductive experience, what makes Dr. Joy different?
Dr. Joy’s rigorous naturopathic training (she’s a Bastyr University graduate with multiple certifications in BioEnergetic medicine), along with her experience and approach to mind-body healing, make her a highly sought-after Naturopath by patients (and other doctors) across the country.
To learn more about Dr. Joy’s professional credentials and what makes her approach so effective, check out “Meet Dr. Joy”.
Is Dr. Joy a primary care provider?
No. Unlike other states, Pennsylvania does not license Naturopaths currently so Dr. Joy cannot serve as your primary care provider—though she can work with you in a holistic healthcare capacity to help you achieve optimal health. Pennsylvania did recently pass a bill recognizing the credentials of NDs who have attended accredited institutions. The bill will certify eligible NDs in PA beginning in 2018. Some insurance companies may decide to cover naturopathic services at that time. Meanwhile the Pennsylvania Association of Naturopathic Physicians is working to expand the scope of practice covered by the licensure.
Do you accept insurance?
We do not accept insurance and Dr. Joy is not a provider under any insurance plans. Pennsylvania has not approved insurance coverage for naturopathic services.
We do accept payment via cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. We are also able to take HSA cards.
While Dr. Joy is not a network provider with any insurance plans, you may be able to receive reimbursement directly from your insurance company for your visit depending upon your coverage. We recommend you check with your insurance company for details.
What types of health conditions do you treat?
Thanks to our combined approach of utilizing Naturopathic and BioEnergetic Medicine, we can work with any type of ailment from acute illnesses like rashes and flu to chronic issues like autoimmune disease and autism.
Please see our “Work With Dr. Joy” page for a list of common conditions treated with Naturopathic medicine.
Does Dr. Joy offer virtual appointments or do we have to meet in-person?
Dr. Joy accepts patients for Naturopathic consultations in-office or virtually via phone or Skype. To schedule an appointment, click here.
Does Dr. Joy treat children?
Absolutely! As an active mother of four (2 daughters and 2 stepsons), children’s healthcare is one of Dr. Joy’s specialties.
She’s had immense success helping children with neurodevelopmental issues, sensory issues, and a variety of modern ailments. Click here to schedule an appointment or email us with any questions, we’re happy to help!
How does Dr. Joy work with pets?
Dr. Joy uses BioEnergetic Assessment to gain valuable information on the underlying causal factors of health issues affecting pets. Your pet does not have to be present for the appointment, so it is a very easy process. Once the cause has been isolated, Dr. Joy will design a custom program to help return your pet to health. Pets respond immediately to the right treatment and in Dr. Joy’s experience, this approach has been life saving for our furry friends.
What is a typical appointment like?
An initial Naturopathic consultation with Dr. Joy lasts 75 minutes, and includes a thorough intake, health history, BioEnergetic Assessment, possibly some lab work, patient education (she makes sure you leave with a thorough understanding of your results and plan) and a customized healing program which may include a combination of herbal and nutritional supplements, homeopathics, adjunct therapies, stress management techniques, and specific diet/lifestyle changes.
A follow-up appointment is typically schedule in 3-6 weeks, and email support is included.
What is the cost?
Please refer to our Billing Policy for pricing.
My doctors have told me my condition is chronic, can naturopathic medicine really help?
Being told your condition is “chronic” or can only be “managed” can be a crippling blow. But the truth is, we can help virtually any patient improve their health—despite the prognosis.
By combining the very best of Naturopathic and BioEnergetic Medicine, Dr. Joy has helped thousands of patients go from “chronic” to well in very little time (often to the amazement of their doctors and family).
Your body is not broken, and your symptoms are simply its’ brilliant cries for help. Dr. Joy uses BioEnergetic Assessment and lab work to decode the language of your body, so she can re-empower it back to health. Check out our testimonials for real-life success stories.
What supplement lines do you carry?
We carry only professional-grade supplements of the highest quality produced in cGMP facilities, including:
- Energetix
- Nutritional Frontiers
- Pure Encapsulations
- Douglas Labs
- Vital Nutrients
- Bach Flower Essences
What type of diagnostic/assessment tools do you use?
We use a combination of BioEnergetic Assessment and non-invasive lab tests (salivary, urinary, and blood spot testing) to uncover the root cause of your ailments.
May I speak with someone before scheduling an appointment with Dr. Joy?
Yes, we know choosing a Naturopath is a BIG decision and we are standing by to answer your questions. Call us at: 412.321.3231 or email: info@drjoysturgill.com and a member of our staff will be happy to assist you.
Have a specific question for Dr. Joy?
Click over to “Ask Dr. Joy” to submit your question.