What is Naturopathic Medicine?

Naturopathic doctors (NDs/NMDs) are primary care physicians clinically trained in natural therapeutics, whose philosophy is derived in part from a Hippocratic teaching more than 2,000 years old: Vis medicatrix naturae — nature is the healer of all.

Naturopaths experience the same four years of basic bio-medical science training as that of allopathic practice; however, in addition, they learn to treat patients using natural modalities such as physical manipulation, clinical nutrition, herbal medicine, homeopathy, counseling, acupuncture, and hydrotherapy, among others. They choose treatment based on the individual patient, not based on the generality of symptoms.

This approach has proven successful in treating both chronic and acute conditions.

What is the first office visit like?

The goal of Naturopathic Medicine is to uncover the underlying cause of your illness, to understand you as an individual, and to develop personalized recommendations specifically designed for you. An initial visit may last an hour to an hour and a half to fully understand you and your health concerns in detail. An individualized treatment plan is developed to help you reach your health goals. Your progress is assessed through regular follow-up visits.

What about insurance?

Naturopathic medicine is not routinely covered by insurance in Missouri at this time. Some Health Savings Accounts/Flex Spending Plans can be used to pay for services. Despite the lack of insurance coverage, many patients report that they save money over time. This is accomplished through reduced medication, less time off from work, and prevention of more costly health care problems. One popular service offered is streamlining your supplements to prevent wasted dollars on supplements that may not be beneficial for you.

Do you work with children?

es. In fact, because naturopathic medicine addresses the root cause of disease, children often benefit the most because a stronger foundation for positive health is established earlier in life. In addition, the therapeutics of naturopathic medicine can be the safest type of medicine because there are little to no side effects associated with treatment.

How do I make an appointment?

If you have never seen a naturopathic doctor before, and are a little unsure of what to expect you can request a 15-minute introductory phone consultation in order for you to learn about how naturopathic medicine can address your particular health concerns.

How often will I need to come back for follow-up visits?

Following your progress after your initial visit is an essential part of your treatment plan. As your body heals, often modifications and adjustments need to be made to your naturopathic plan. The only way to effectively do this is through regular follow-up appointments. On average follow-up visits are once a month for 30 minutes.

Can I still see my MD?

Absolutely! We can work as a team to reach your health goals, whether it is relief from a specific disease, supportive therapies that will not conflict with your current medications, or achieving optimal wellness. Naturopathic Medicine is a bridge between the conventional and alternative medical systems, understanding drug-herb interactions, and knowing how and when to refer to other practitioners in both systems to provide you with the best health care available.

I’m pregnant. Can I still see you?

Absolutely. Naturopathic medicine can:

  • Manage the side-effects of pregnancy (morning sickness, constipation, mood swings).
  • Develop a dietary program to optimize your body for a healthy pregnancy.
  • Make recommendations and provide excellent quality prenatal vitamins and other baby-beneficial supplements.
  • Help you deal with other medical issues you are experiencing while pregnant with safe natural remedies that won’t be harmful to your developing baby.
  • Please note: Naturopathic Medicine is NOT a substitute for your obstetrician or midwife and does not a replace regular prenatal check- ups. . Dr Krukowski does not deliver babies.

Appointment Types

Initial Intake: An initial visit may last an hour to an hour and a half to fully understand you and your health concerns in detail. An individualized treatment plan is developed to help you reach your health goals. Your progress is assessed through regular follow-up visits.

Acute Visit: Acute office visits are also available for established patients to address illnesses such as a cold, flu, an ear infection, diarrhea, etc. Come in for a short focused visit for personalized natural health recommendations.

Follow-up Visits: Following your progress after your initial visit is an essential part of your treatment plan. As your body heals, often modifications and adjustments need to be made to your naturopathic plan. The only way to effectively do this is through regular follow-up appointments. On average follow-up visits are once a month for 30 minutes.

Homeopathy: The first homeopathy visit is similar to an initial medical intake visit and includes a separate homeopathic intake. Homeopathy is a science and practice that requires decision making based on precise information. Therefore, the questions asked during the intake may seem unrelated to your chief concern. However, the unusual questioning is necessary to finding the right homeopathic remedy.

Homeopathy follow-up visits are frequent and of shorter duration in order to fine tune the dosing of remedies. Homeopathy follow-up visits will be charged the full follow-up visit fee if a regular medical consultation is included.

Telephone Consultations: For established patients who live far away, or have minor questions regarding their treatment, telephone appointments may be available. Telephone appointments may not be possible in all situations. Please speak to Dr Krukowski directly to determine if this is an appropriate option for your care.

E-mail Contacts: Similar to phone consultations, established patients who have minor questions regarding their treatment may be able to utilize e-mail contact with Dr Krukowski. E-mail contacts may not be possible in all situations. Please speak to Dr Krukowski directly to determine if this is an appropriate form of communication for your care.

Cancellation Policy: There will be a $25 charge for appointments that are not cancelled 24 hours in advance.