hand reaching for large green leaves
 
 

 FAQ

Before you reach out, check our answers to your frequently asked questions below:

GENERAL

  • In WA state, a naturopathic doctor is a licensed medical provider focused on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of illness by supporting the body’s natural abilities to heal.

    They attend 4-5 years of medical school and typically complete a 2-year clinical internship. Like M.D.s, naturopathic doctors must pass professional board exams before being licensed to practice medicine in their state. Learn more about naturopathic medicine here.

    Naturopathic Medicine addresses not only specific symptoms, but the body as a whole. This allows our doctor to find root causes of chronic issues. The main difference between naturopathic and conventional medicine is that naturopathic medicine focuses more on the big picture and underlying causes of illness.

    Learn more about naturopathic medicine here.

  • We are an integrative naturopathic medical clinic, which means we’re skilled in using interventions from allopathic, naturopathic, and functional medicine approaches – including medications, hormones, etc.

    Using advanced lab tests, tools like Autonomic Response Testing, and a wide variety of therapeutic tools, we don’t give up until you’re feeling like yourself again. Our team of physicians have trained with some of the best MD’s and specialists around the country and we stay up-to-date on cutting-edge therapeutics.

    Most naturopathic doctors function as primary care physicians. Our HHA physicians specialize in complex chronic illnesses like Lyme disease, environmental illness, autoimmune disease, and complex pain syndromes. We have a combined 30 years of experience treating illnesses that have been resistant to treatment elsewhere.

    Our doctors do not practice “protocol” medicine. We create custom treatment plans tailored specifically to your needs. We consider your unique methylation, detoxification and organ function and provide individualized support to ensure your treatment plan is tolerable and efficient.

  • Yes, we treat patients of all ages.

  • Autonomic Response Testing (ART) is a highly structured, advanced biofeedback assessment that provides reliable information to help identify toxicity, pathogens and imbalances in the body. Once those areas of stress in the body are identified and prioritized, we can then test an array of treatments, medications, and supplements to find out what best clears the stress in your body.

    This allows us to tailor a protocol specific to your body’s needs and to help identify what you tolerate and respond best to. It helps us save a lot of trial and error – or “trial and terror” as one sensitive patient called it.

    The ART scan is painless and easy and allows us to help identify areas or organs of your body needing the most support and can often help us determine why you haven’t previously tolerated other treatments. It is also a great way to identify problems before they start.

    Dr. Amy, Dr. Grindstaff, and Dr. Wakely have all received training in ART from Dr. Dietrich Klinghardt, M.D. who first developed this revolutionary diagnostic tool. And all 3 physicians use ART in patient assessments. Dr. Amy was the lead instructor teaching this technique to other practitioners for more than 10 years.

    Learn more about ART here.

  • No. We don’t require an outside referral to be seen at HHA.

  • No. We welcome patients and non-patients alike for detox therapy. But anyone new to our clinic will first meet with one of our providers for a brief 15-minute consult to make sure these therapies are safe and appropriate for you.

    Please visit our Detox page to learn more and to schedule a Detox appointment.

  • At this time, we only offer IV therapy to current patients. Interested in becoming a new patient? Visit our New Patients page to get started.

  • We’re located at 120011 Ballinger Way NE Suite C100, Shoreline, WA 98155. 

    Our office is in the Rose Crossing Plaza. We’re in Suite C100. The door is on the bottom floor of the building directly in front of the disabled parking spaces. Look for the bright green planter pots in front.

  • Yes. We are a fragrance free environment. Please help us take care of our chemically sensitive patients by refraining from the use of anything scented, including perfumes, aftershave, essential oils, and other fragrances.

  • We’d love to meet your family, and you’re welcome to bring them with you. But only the person with the scheduled appointment will be evaluated and treated. Please be respectful of our other patients while in the waiting room by keeping the volume down and allowing space for our patients.

  • Due to the sensitive nature of our patients, only certified service animals are permitted inside the office.

FINANCIAL

  • Dr. Marina’s rates:

    ND = $300 per hour or $75 per 15-minute increment

    Acupuncture= $185 per 60 minute session. Package’s available: 5 sessions for $750 or 10 sessions for $1,400.

    Dr. Derksen’s rate = $400 per hour or $100 per 15-minute increment

    Additional treatments like injections, LDA/LDI, and IV therapy during office visits are additional.

    Please note that your visit starts when your provider begins reviewing your labs, chart notes, and other documents — before bringing you into their office. If you need to keep your visit to a certain length of time, let your provider know up front. You’ll only be billed for the time that you use, not the time you’re scheduled for.

  • The average new patient office visit and treatment cost is $700-1200, including supplements for your first month of treatment and neural therapy, if required. The average new patient appointment is 2 hours.

  • We require a credit card on file to schedule an appointment. We accept all major credit cards, cash (in office), or checks (in office). HSA cards with major credit card logos are also accepted but require a secondary payment on file.

    Payment is due and processed at the time of service. Services and supplement orders will be processed automatically using the credit card on file.

    All returned checks are subject to a $35 NSF fee.

  • We are not contracted with any insurance companies. But we always provide you with a superbill to submit to your insurance for possible out-of-network benefits.

    We have an Insurance Worksheet available to help you navigate your benefits. You can download this form here.

    When discussing your benefits with your insurance provider, it’s important to communicate that your HHA provider is an “Out of Network” Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) who does not contract with insurance. Some carriers may require a "modifier" to be added to a superbill or for office visits to be invoiced separately from supplements, etc. If so, you will need to communicate this directly to your provider during your appointment.

APPOINTMENTS

  • For established patients, there are several different ways you can make an appointment:

    1. During checkout. This is the best time to make your follow-up appointment to ensure your provider is available when you need to be seen again.

    2. By phone. Call (425) 582-7678 and press “3” to reach Appointment Scheduling.

    3. Send a ChARM message to Appointment Scheduling through your patient portal.

    For new patients, please visit the New Patient page to learn more about scheduling.

    *Due to the nature of the complex cases we manage, it’s common for our providers to be running up to 30 minutes late. Please keep this in mind when scheduling your HHA appointments around other commitments.

    1. All vitamins, supplements and medications you have taken on a regular basis or have recently paused.

    2. You’re also welcome to bring anything you would like your provider to ART (test) for reactivity including a favorite snack, protein powder, lotions, or even some of your pet's fur. Your provider will test these items, time permitting. Please note, an extensive number of items may require additional time.

    3. Patients have found it very helpful to bring a list of symptoms and topics they would like to discuss with their provider. This ensures that all of your questions are answered and can help make the most of your time.

    1. Login to the ChARM patient portal here

    2. Click on ‘Messages’

    3. Click on ‘Compose’

    4. Click on ‘To’ and select ‘Patient Records’

    5. Click on the 'Attach' button or paperclip icon to upload your PDF formatted lab results from your computer to the ChARM message.

    6. Click ‘Send’

    Otherwise, please fax lab results to (425) 582-7032.

  • Your provider will contact you at your scheduled appointment time. We recommend allowing a 30 minute buffer in case your provider is running late.

  • Please reach out to our ‘Scheduling / Billing’ department via the patient portal or by calling our office. When making any adjustments to your appointments, please provide a minimum of three business days advanced notice.

TRAVELING PATIENTS

  • Please visit our Traveling Patients page for complete information for our out-of-area patients.

  • In essence, the pre-visit phone appointment gives your provider a jumpstart on your care. This is a great time to ask questions and express concerns prior to traveling to our office. It allows your doctor to gather your complete health history, history of symptoms, and past exposures to infections, mold, and other toxins. By gathering this information before your in-office appointment, your doctor is able to:

    1. Determine how to schedule your initial in-office visit including the number and length of appointments and other services that may benefit your treatment plan. This could include an IV or detox therapy appointment.

    2. Order any labs that would be helpful for diagnosis. You’re able to complete the labs and receive results before your in-office appointment, saving valuable time.

    3. Have more time during your in-office appointment for Autonomic Response Testing and treatments that can only be delivered in-person.

MEDICAL QUESTIONS

  • We use a wide range of treatments and tailor them to each patients’ specific needs. Each person’s treatment plan is unique but may include:

    Neural therapy
    Ozone therapy
    LDA/LDI
    IV therapy
    Detoxification therapies
    Injections
    Peptide therapy
    Pharmaceuticals
    Herbal medicine and custom formulations
    Homeopathy
    Gemmotherapy
    Nutritional supplementation

    Visit our Services page for more information.

  • We no longer have an after hours phone, however you can always message medical questions through Charm and it will be addressed as soon as we are back in the office, prioritized on urgency. If you are experiencing a medical emergency please call 911 or visit an urgent care.

  • Any acute care concerns may be addressed by calling the acute care line at (425) 582-7678.

  • We require that all cancer patients are under the care of a cancer care specialist.

    We offer treatments to help support your body during cancer treatment, including IV and detox therapies.

    We can also help you tolerate your cancer treatments and assist you in supporting your immune system. Your treatments will be individualized to your unique circumstances and needs.

  • That depends on the severity of your symptoms. Individuals react differently to treatments depending on their history, body’s tolerance, and typical reactivity response.

    Any very concerning symptoms should be addressed immediately by going to your nearest emergency room or urgent care center. Otherwise, you may contact the acute care phone line at (425) 582-7678. Less urgent concerns may be addressed by messaging “Medical Questions” through your ChARM patient portal.

    Don’t forget to use all the supportive therapies suggested by your provider, including binders, Epsom salt baths, and other detox supports. These can often go a long way in helping to manage symptoms. Your HHA provider will include suggestions to assist in managing symptoms.

  • Please ask your pharmacy to fax us a “refill request.” Your provider will either sign off on it or give our team further instruction on getting you scheduled for an appointment.

    Please note, a change of medication, change of dosage, or running out of refills will require an appointment.

    Our fax number is (425) 582-7032.

  • Yes, but this needs to be discussed during an appointment. Please schedule a follow-up appointment to go over your lab results so your provider can make any adjustments needed to your treatment plan.

  • Possibly. For established patients, we have short-term availability with our nurse practitioner to address acute symptoms.

    You can receive care in one of the following ways:

    1. Call or message our ‘Scheduling’ department to ask about availability.

    2. Call the HHA on-call phone if after hours.

    3. Visit your primary care provider.

    4. Go to your nearest urgent care or ER.

  • Yes, but only if they’re already an established patient. If not, they would need to complete the New Patient process. Visit the New Patient page to learn more.

  • Unfortunately not. Due to time limitations and the prep time needed, your doctor will only be able to consult with the person scheduled for the appointment.

  • You can request a shortened appointment time with Appointment Scheduling. Keep in mind that your provider must approve shortened appointments prior to scheduling.

  • Prescription refill requests can only be made during an appointment. We recommend checking your prescriptions before each appointment. During your appointment, please discuss the refill with your doctor.

  • There are several ways to order supplements:

    1. Purchase them before you leave your in-office appointment.

    2. Fill out the order form on the Dispensary page.

    3. Send a ChARM message to “Dispensary” listing the supplements and quantities you need.

    4. Call (425) 582-7678 and press “4” to place an order with the Dispensary.

  • Yes. We treat many patients navigating sensitivities like this and are happy to work with you to find remedies and treatments that work for your situation.

  • Yes. We have treatments available specifically for chemical sensitivity and have treated many patients with this condition. Much of our training with the American Academy of Environmental Medicine is specifically for patients with MCS.

  • We’ve found that dental issues are often overlooked in conventional medicine. Chronic dental infections can be associated with symptoms that present throughout the body.

    A history of root canals, cavitations, and amalgams should be considered when treating complex chronic illness. We work with local biological dentists who are trained in less toxic methods of treatment.

    We recommend preparing your body for upcoming dental procedures. We can do several biocompatibility tests to ensure you are using materials that are synergistic with your body.

  • Some people notice significant improvement on their very first visit. Others can take much longer to notice improvement depending on how many layers of imbalance need to be addressed.

    It’s not uncommon for some patients to feel a little worse before they feel better. This is generally a result of toxins being released as we begin to address pathogens in the body.

    We continue to work with you to ensure your body is able to detox properly and handle the changes being made.