Information for New Patients
Are you considering booking an appointment with Dr. Doni? Here are Dr. Doni's answers to the most frequently asked questions.
How do I learn more about your services and if they’re right for me?
The best place to start is to spend a little time reviewing my website. I have created this site to answer all of your basic questions.
Can you tell me a little more about the kind of medicine you practice?
Sure. I graduated from a five-year Naturopathic Medical Program at an accredited Naturopathic Medical School, Bastyr University in Seattle, Washington. I attained a doctorate degree as a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine and a certificate in midwifery.
I’m licensed as a Naturopathic Doctor in Washington State and Connecticut. I received Bachelor's Degrees in nutrition and general science from Oregon State University.
I focus my care on women (and their loved ones!) and provide devoted guidance that brings definite solutions. My patients describe my form of care as a grounded, loving way to unify the best that natural medicine has to offer.
I help patients address health issues by developing a caring partnership of treatment and well-living practices such as nutrition, gentle exercise, herbal healing, homeopathy and vitamins. This allows you to recognize the innate healing power of your own body.
Learn more about my background and experience here.
What exactly is Naturopathic Medicine?
Naturopathic medicine is a system of medicine in which doctors seek to determine the cause of each symptom by assessing the function of the body as a whole. The naturopathic doctor works together with the patient to determine an individualized treatment plan with the least invasive clinically indicated combination of therapies. The core philosophy of naturopathic medicine is to assess and support the body's ability to heal and to promote wellness, physically, mentally and spiritually.
Naturopathic doctors base their practice on six timeless principles founded on medical tradition and scientific evidence.
1. Let nature heal. Our bodies have such a powerful, innate instinct for self-healing. By finding and removing the barriers to this self-healing—such as poor diet or unhealthy habits—naturopathic doctors can nurture this process.
2. Identify and treat causes. Naturopathic doctors understand that symptoms will only return unless the root illness is addressed. Rather than cover up symptoms, they seek to find and treat the cause of these symptoms.
3. First, do no harm. Naturopathic doctors follow these precepts to ensure their patients’ safety:
4a. Use low-risk approaches and healing compounds—such as nutrition counseling, dietary supplements, herbal extracts, lifestyle suggestions and homeopathy—with few or no side effects.
4b. Customize healing approach to fit each patient.We all heal in different ways and the naturopathic doctor respects our differences.
5. Educate patients. Naturopathic medicine believes that doctors must be educators, as well as doctors. That’s why naturopathic doctors teach their patients how to eat, exercise, relax and nurture themselves physically and emotionally. They also encourage self-responsibility and work closely with each patient.
6. Treat the whole person. We each have a unique physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, social, sexual and spiritual makeup. The naturopathic doctor knows that all these factors affect our health. That’s why he or she includes them in a carefully tailored treatment strategy.
7. Prevent illness. "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" has never been truer. Proactive medicine saves money, pain, suffering and lives. That’s why naturopathic doctors evaluate risk factors, heredity and vulnerability to disease. By getting treatment for greater wellness, we’re less likely to need treatment for future illness.
To learn more about Dr. Doni’s approach, please click here.
What kind of training do Naturopathic Doctors receive?
Naturopathic doctors are trained as primary care providers. They receive a doctorate in naturopathic medicine after graduating from one of five accredited naturopathic medical schools in North America. The four or five year naturopathic medical education includes study of the biological sciences and conventional/western medical diagnosis and treatment. In addition, naturopathic doctors complete extensive academic and clinical education in other forms of medical diagnosis (Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine) and the safe and effective use of natural medicines.
Natural medicines include diet and nutrition, exercise, the therapeutic use of vitamins and minerals, botanical medicine (herbs), homeopathy, counseling, physical therapies and much more. Naturopathic education emphasizes the role of a doctor as teacher, educating people about health, disease, treatment options and prevention. Naturopathic doctors pass a national board exam and attain a license in those states it is available.
Are Naturopathic Doctors licensed doctors?
Yes, but only in a few States and NOT as medical doctors. The “medicine” that Naturopathic doctors use include all natural remedies such as nutrition, stress reduction techniques, homeopathic treatments, healing herbs, vitamins and lifestyle recommendations.
In Connecticut Dr. Doni is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor. She is licensed to diagnose and treat, perform physical exams and order labs and imaging. She may discuss substances that have not been subject to double blind clinical studies or FDA approval or regulation. You assume the responsibility for the decision to take any natural remedy. If you feel you are having any adverse reaction, stop taking all supplements immediately. If you are pregnant or nursing, confirm the safety of any supplements with your obstetrician or pediatrician. Recognize that, as an effect of the suggestions provided by Donielle Wilson, ND, the signs and symptoms of your medical condition(s) may diminish or disappear.
New York State does not license Naturopathic Doctors to practice medicine at this time. The practice of the profession of medicine is defined as diagnosing, treating, operating or prescribing for any human disease, pain, injury, deformity or physical condition. Donielle Wilson, ND is not an MD and does not practice medicine in the state of New York. Furthermore, her services are not meant to replace or be a substitute for those of a licensed medical practitioner. If you seek the care of Dr. Doni Wilson in New York, she advises that you seek the concurrent care of a health care provider licensed in New York State.
In New York State, Dr. Doni functions as a health consultant and focuses her practice on the enhancement of health. She uses her education and experience to give you suggestions. You agree to the physical contact necessary for assessment of your case and you make decisions that are right for you about whether to use her suggestions.
Update: Licensing Naturopathic Doctors in New York State
Did you know that the New York Association of Naturopathic Doctors (NYANP) is on the path toward obtaining state licensure for Naturopathic Doctors in New York State?
Licensure will allow Naturopathic Doctors to provide you with the services they are trained to provide after completing a 4-year doctorate program at a naturopathic medical school. They are trained as general practitioners who specialize in natural medicine and are held to federally recognized standards of education and professional accountability.
Naturopathic Doctors are licensed in 14 states, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and 4 Canadian provinces. In these places, patients are able to choose Naturopathic Doctors as primary care providers who are able to prevent, diagnose and treat disease with an array of supportive, natural medicines. Naturopathic Doctors are experts in drug/nutrient and drug/herb interactions and we are trained to know when to refer for further medical care.
Here is what you can do to help:
· Send an email to your legislators quickly and easily. Go to www.nyanp.org and follow the links to "Take Action by writing your legislator using Capwiz."
· Provide financial support. Your donation is greatly appreciated.
· Inform others about Naturopathic Medicine and the need to support licensure in New York.
· Stay informed by joining the NYANP.org mailing list (found on the site’s home page)
How will New Yorkers benefit from a license?
· New Yorkers will have access to naturopathic medicine by qualified NDs.
· Naturopathic Doctors will be able to offer more services, the services they are trained to provide: perform exams, order lab tests, diagnose conditions, implement treatment and prevent disease.
· New Yorkers will be able to easily identify Naturopathic Doctors with doctor level training.
· Public safety will be ensured by requiring NDs to meet rigorous educational standards and pass national board exams.
· There is a greater likelihood that insurance coverage will be made available for Naturopathic care.
Are you a medical doctor?
No, I am not an MD. I am a naturopathic doctor.
Do you offer primary care services?
I do offer (outpatient) primary care services in Connecticut, such as annual physical exams and blood work. I do not have hospital privileges and do not offer emergency care.
I will work with you closely as consultant and coach using preventive and natural medicine to help you address the roots of your situation. I can confer with your primary care doctor and local team of healthcare professionals if required.
Do you prescribe medications?
No, ND’s are not licensed to prescribe pharmaceutical medications in CT or NY. My focus is on using natural, noninvasive methods for healing your health challenges.
Do you take insurance?
No we do not accept insurance, however we do accept payment via cash, check, Visa, MasterCard and American Express.
While I am not a network provider with any insurance plans, you may be able to receive reimbursement directly from your insurance company for your visit. Please check with your insurance company in order to determine if your plan includes out-of-network benefits. If so, you can submit a statement from your consultation and the insurance company may reimburse you directly.
All of my office policies, procedures and insurance information are located here.
How will we work together?
We will be working together and I'm excited to support you in your health!
The information on the following page will help you get the most value out of our partnering together for your health.
Learn more about working together for your health & well-being!
Do I have to see you in-person for an appointment?
Appointments are available in Port Jefferson, NY; Manhattan; Stamford, CT; and by phone.
If you are located in Connecticut and/or if you would like me to perform a physical exam or blood work, I need to see you in-person in CT. Otherwise, I do offer convenient phone consultations.
Many of my clients choose to meet me in-person for their first appointment and then choose to proceed via telephone appointments for the remainder of their care.
Who do I contact to make an appointment?
Please click here to schedule your first appointment online.
Or please call my office at (631) 682-9190, Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Eastern time. My assistant will take good care of you.
Where is your office located?
Though most of my follow-up programs are offered by convenient telephone sessions, my offices are conveniently located in three locations in the New York Metropolitan area.
· New York City: 214 W 29th, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10001
· Port Jefferson, NY: 317 Thompson Street, Port Jefferson, NY 11777 (mailing address)
· Greenwich Area, CT: 30 Myano Lane, Suite 26, Stamford, CT 06902
Each office is centrally located within an hour of New York City Airports.
Please click here to schedule your first appointment.
What is included in the first appointment?
During the initial 60-90 minute consultation you and I will discuss your individual health concerns and identify specific goals to achieve optimal health. A Health Transformation Plan will be created which may include dietary guidelines, lifestyle recommendations, herbal therapies, nutritional supplements, hydrotherapy, homeopathic remedies and other natural therapies. You and I will then work together during a series of 15-30 minute follow up visits, depending on the program you choose, to assess your progress and ensure achievement of your healthcare goals.
Please click here to schedule your first appointment.
How many visits are recommended?
The frequency of office visits depends on your health concerns, your goals, and the program you choose. This will be determined during your first appointment with me, Dr. Doni Wilson.
That is great news. Please click here to schedule your first appointment.
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