Lara Litov, ND
1370 116th Avenue NE, Suite 206
Bellevue, WA 98004
Phone 425-457-7799
Fax 425-462-1742

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Are naturopathic doctors licensed in Washington State?

Yes. Washington is among 14 states -- plus Washington DC, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands -- that have licensing laws governing the practice of Naturopathic Medicine.

Are naturopathic services covered under my insurance plan?

In many cases, yes. Our office will submit claims to contracted insurance companies. Please ask for details on which companies are covered. Please note that not all plans within an insurance company cover Dr. Litov’s services. It is the patient’s responsibility to know their individual plan coverage. Medicare/Medicaid does not cover naturopathic services at this time.

What age group does Dr. Litov treat?

Toddlers to the elderly.

Do I need to discontinue other healthcare?

No. Although Dr. Litov can and has practiced as a primary care physician, she is presently serving primarily as an adjunct provider to be utilized as an addition to your other health care providers.

Can naturopathic doctors prescribe medications?

In the state of Washington, naturopathic doctors have broad prescriptive authority. Most patients and Dr. Litov are interested in using the minimal amount of pharmaceutical drugs possible while maintaining the patients' health, so this is not the primary treatment modality she uses. But she will utilize pharmaceuticals when indicated. Many people come to Dr. Litov to wean themselves off of drugs. She will evaluate with the patient and determine whether that is appropriate and if so will create a plan. Dr. Litov does not prescribe controlled substances (i.e. oxycontin, etc.) but will refer if appropriate.

Will Dr. Litov ask me to discontinue my medications?

No. Each person is evaluated for their present state of health and healthcare including medications. Many people come to Dr. Litov to wean themselves off of drugs or because they had a bad reaction to medication. She will evaluate with the patient and determine what plan of action is appropriate. Sometimes that means continuing on the same medication or transferring to another. Sometimes it does mean discontinuing one or more of their present medications. Much of the time, as people's health improves, they are able to begin decreasing or eliminating some of their pharmaceutical medications.

Does Dr. Litov refer to other providers?

Yes. She feels very comfortable and believes it is important to be open to referals to conventional medical providers and specialists, acupuncturists, chiropractors, podiatrists, counselors, spiritual counselors, and physical therapists, among others.

What is the difference between a naturopath and a homeopath?

Homeopathy is a form or modality of medicine that naturopaths are trained in and often use. There are no licensing laws in Washington for homeopaths like there are with naturopaths. Although all naturopaths are trained in homeopathy, it is a very involved form of medicine, and not everyone uses it. Dr. Litov continues to study and uses homeopathy a significant amount in her practice.

What kind of training do naturopaths (NDs) have?

Will my insurance company cover the cost of supplements?

Insurance companies do not generally cover the cost of supplements. However, there is no sales tax on supplements if a physician prescribes them and you purchase them in the office. If you have a health savings account, it often can be used to pay for your supplements.