Q: Can you be my Primary Care Provider (PCP)?

A: No, we cannot be your Primary Care Provider (PCP).

Here’s why:

In Maine, Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) are licensed as specialists, not PCPs. This means we cannot be listed as your PCP with your insurance. Additionally, the scope of practice for NDs in Maine is limited compared to some other states.

Dr. Hyde and Dr. O’Brien have experience practicing as PCPs in states with broader scopes for NDs (like New Mexico and Washington) and continue to stay up-to-date on primary care education. However, due to Maine’s regulations, there are restrictions on what we can manage.

What NDs in Maine *cannot* do:

- Manage controlled substances, mood-altering medications, asthma medications, or blood pressure medications.

- Order imaging that requires contrast (e.g., some MRIs or CT scans).

What NDs in Maine *can* do:

- Order routine and specialty lab work.

- Perform blood draws in office when appropriate.

- Order routine imaging (e.g., X-rays, ultrasounds).

- Place referrals to other providers (PT, Chiropractic Care)

- Prescribe and manage various medications, including (but not limited to) hormones (like estrogen or thyroid meds), antibiotics, antifungals, antiparasitics, topical treatments, and low-dose naltrexone (LDN).

- Prescribe herbal medicines, supplements, and homeopathic treatments.

- Perform physical exams and certain bodywork therapies.

- Provide acute care and annual exams, which can be billed to insurance.

Q: How do Naturopathic Doctors fit into my healthcare team?

A: Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) play a flexible role depending on your needs. 

Many patients choose us when they want more time with a provider to focus on specific concerns, like digestive issues, acne, hormonal imbalances, or for overall wellness support. We’re trained in both pharmaceuticals and natural treatments, allowing us to combine these approaches for a holistic care plan.

In Maine, it’s often best to have a PCP who manages your broader health needs and prescriptions. We work collaboratively with your PCP to support your health goals, whether that’s offering a second opinion or additional care for chronic or acute issues. For those without chronic conditions, we can also perform annual exams.

Q: How do I schedule a same-day appointment?

A: To schedule an acute (same-day) appointment, just give us a call. 

- Call before 12 PM on weekdays or before 9 AM on select Saturdays.

- We will return your call by 1 PM (weekdays) or 10 AM (Saturdays) to confirm and schedule your visit.

Q: Do you accept my insurance?

A:We accept the following insurance providers:

- Aetna

- Anthem (Blue Cross Blue Shield)

- Cigna

- Community Health Options

- Harvard Pilgrim 

We’re also working on getting credentialed with United.

You’ll be responsible for your specialist co-pay on the day of your visit. If you have a PPO plan, no referral is needed. However, if you have an HMO or POS plan, you may need a referral from your PCP. We recommend contacting your insurance company before your appointment to confirm your coverage for “Naturopathic Specialty Care,” as policies can vary.

Q: Do you accept cash-paying patients?

A: Yes, we do! 

Our cash rate is $200 per hour, and we also offer a sliding scale for low-income patients.

Q: Do you offer vaccines?

A: Yes! We have all routine childhood vaccines available.