CANCER CARE RESOURCES & FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Naturopathic medicine serves as a complementary approach alongside conventional cancer treatments. Our role is to help support your body during treatment, manage side effects, enhance quality of life, and optimize your overall health throughout your cancer journey. We do not aim to replace conventional treatments but rather to work in conjunction with them for better outcomes. We also work with natural therapies to reduce the risk of recurrence.

We strongly encourage open communication with your entire healthcare team. We are happy to speak directly with your oncologist or provide you with detailed information about your naturopathic treatment plan to share with them. Transparency ensures the safest and most effective coordinated care.

This is a critical consideration in our approach. Dr. Barker carefully evaluates all supplements and therapies for potential interactions with your specific treatment protocol. We time recommendations around your treatment schedule and avoid any natural therapies that might interfere with the effectiveness of your conventional treatments.

Ideally, integrating naturopathic care early in your cancer journey provides the most benefit. Starting before conventional treatment begins allows us to help prepare your body and establish supportive strategies. However, we can provide valuable support at any stage – during active treatment, recovery, or into survivorship.

Mistletoe therapy is a plant-based treatment used extensively in European integrative oncology. It can help stimulate immune function, improve quality of life, reduce treatment side effects, and support overall wellbeing. For detailed information, please visit our Mistletoe Therapy page.

Not all supplements are appropriate during cancer treatment. Some may interact negatively with medications or treatments, while others may be beneficial. We provide personalized guidance based on scientific evidence and your specific treatment protocol, always prioritizing safety.

Proper nutrition can help maintain strength, support immune function, manage side effects, and potentially improve treatment outcomes. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, we create personalized nutritional plans based on your specific needs. Learn more on our Nutritional Support page.

Yes, many natural therapies can help manage common side effects of chemotherapy and radiation such as nausea, fatigue, peripheral neuropathy, and digestive disturbances. Our Integrative Treatment Approach includes targeted strategies for side effect management.

Our office does not directly bill insurance companies. However, if you have a PPO insurance plan, your visits may be eligible for reimbursement at out-of-network provider rates. We provide superbills for you to submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. Many patients also use HSA or FSA accounts to cover visits, treatments, and supplements.

Our initial consultations are $390 for a one-hour comprehensive visit. Follow-up visits are $195 for a half-hour appointment. Longer appointments can be arranged at hourly rates if needed. Additional costs may include supplements ($10-$40 per month typically) and specialized lab testing ($50-$250). Dr. Barker will always discuss costs with you before recommending any testing.

We accept cash, checks, debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. Payment is expected at the time of service. We cannot post-date checks or delay credit card charges. Home visits and phone consultations (for established patients) are available with special pricing.

The frequency of appointments varies based on your treatment phase and individual needs. Initially, we typically see patients monthly to establish and refine your treatment plan. During stable periods, appointments may be spaced further apart. We adjust the schedule based on your needs and treatment phases.

Please bring:

• Medical records related to your cancer diagnosis and treatment
• Recent lab work
• A list of all medications and supplements you’re currently taking
• Any questions or concerns you’d like to discuss
• If possible, complete our new patient forms online before your appointment

We help patients navigate this process by:

• Providing treatment summaries you can share with your oncology team
• Offering direct communication with your providers when desired
• Adjusting natural therapy timing around your conventional treatment schedule
• Being flexible with appointment scheduling to accommodate your treatment calendar