Getting Started: What to Expect at the First Visit
In order to have the time to really listen, to really understand your health concerns, to determine underlying causes, and to come up with a targeted, specific, individualized plan just for you, we need more time than you may be used to for a doctor’s visit.
We strive to meet you where you are, and help take you where you want to be.
We Take The Time
Whenever you consult with Dr. Eric or Dr. Kristina, here is what you can expect.
- We take the time to listen to you
- We take the time to understand you as a whole person
- We take the time to identify and address the underlying cause of your condition
- We take the time to create individualized naturopathic plans that work for you
What to expect during your first visit at
Lewis Family Natural Health
Before your first appointment, we will ask you to fill out a “homework” packet detailing your past medical history, current supplements and medication, and other information to help us understand as much as we can about you.
During the visit, we will go over this information with you and work to understand your chief concerns at a level of detail you may have never experienced with another doctor! You will spend the entire appointment with one of the doctors–not a nurse or physician’s assistant.
These visits can take place either by phone, over Zoom/telehealth, or in person at our office in Asheville, NC.
What Is Included In A Typical Naturopathic Plan?
Each naturopathic plan we develop has been individualized for each patient. Even if we see 10 patients with the same condition, each will leave with unique recommendations based on them as a whole person.
Although all patient plans are different, a typical naturopathic plan from Lewis Family Natural Health may include some or all of the following.
If there is a specific therapy or modality you wish to focus on for your care, please let us know when you schedule your first appointment.
- A streamlined supplement routine. We can help you negotiate the huge world of vitamins, herbs, and supplements and make sure you are getting the best quality, the best forms, and the best potencies of recommended supplements, both new supplements we may recommend as well as supplements you have already been taking.
- Dietary and lifestyle suggestions. This may include dietary guidance, exercise routines, stress management techniques, and/or assistance with optimal sleep. We are NOT fans of overly restrictive diets. You may be pleasantly surprised to know that instead of giving you lists of foods to avoid, we may instead encourage you to eliminate less as you work toward a healthy, balanced lifestyle!
- Recommendations on laboratory testing when appropriate. We won't recommend $$$ of functional medicine testing, but rather make strategic, targeted suggestions when there's clear benefit to exploring your health with additional tests.
- Nutrigenomics evaluations. Learn how your personal genetic code influences your health and how understanding what makes you unique may shed light on which nutrients may be best for your body. (There is a moderate additional cost required outside the cost of the New Patient series as a test is required.)
- Referrals to other health care providers as necessary. We strive to bridge the gap between the conventional and alternative medical systems; we understand drug-herb interactions, and we know how and when to refer to other practitioners in both systems to provide you with the best health care available.