FAQ

  • Conventional medicine (ie. a regular, insurance based primary care office) often focuses on symptom management, controlling disease by masking symptoms or signs of illness mostly through use of prescription medication, while integrative medicine focuses on finding the root causes of illness or symptoms. For example, doctors prescribe powerful anti-inflammatory medicine for arthritis pain rather than looking into why you are experiencing inflammation and pain in the first place.  Functional medicine utilizes enhanced lab testing to discover root-causes. A truly integrative approach combines the best of conventional medicine AND functional medicine testing with a personalized, lifestyle focused approach.

  • Integrative medicine requires a deep investigation into your personal history and habits. This approach demands time that insurance companies do not allow doctors in typical family practice settings to spend with patients. Dr. Gould has chosen to open a private practice that does not accept insurance to combat the United States “sick-care system.”

    Dr. Gould is an out-of-network provider. This means that no billing of insurance will occur, and payment is due in full at the time of service. This enables Dr. Gould to spend the time she needs with patients rather than being limited by insurance companies, allowing us to keep our overhead low for a small private practice. If you have private insurance however Dr. Gould will write you a "superbill" to submit to your insurance for reimbursement (medicare is excluded from this).

  • Osteopathic doctors are fully licensed physicians in the United States with extensive training in the musculoskeletal system and hands-on healing approaches. As an osteopathic doctor, Dr. Gould approaches wellness from the perspective that the human is an inseparable unit of body, mind, and spirit.

  • No. Membership gives you direct access to a highly trained physician for all your health care questions and needs. It does not qualify as health insurance. Most patients continue to carry major medical insurance or health shares in case of a catastrophic event.

    Labs and imagining may be billed through insurance depending on your insurance plan.

  • New patient appointments are extensive and up to 90 minutes. This includes a full, comprehensive history, physical exam and structural exam. Osteopathic treatment may be included if there is time. Dr. Gould will usually recommend basic labs (if not done recently) and a food journal to be completed for the most complete look at your current health and habits.

  • Please wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing such as what you might wear to a yoga class.

  • Every patient and every condition is an individual so this will be determined on a patient to patient basis. Often we will see each other more frequently in the beginning with the goal of stretching out appointment times as conditions improve.

  • Because Osteopathic manipulative medicine functions as a "reset" to re-distribute tensions in the system we recommend you "take it easy" for 1-3 days after treatment. You may even experience some soreness after a treatment as certain muscles that have been inhibited or under-working come back online and over-active muscles and tissues are relaxed. Dr. Gould will recommend stretches or strengthening as needed on an individual basis.

  • Membership provides ongoing access to personalized, relationship-based care that combines primary care, integrative medicine, and a whole-person approach to health.

    Membership includes:

    • A comprehensive 90-minute new patient visit to review your health history, concerns, goals, and create a personalized care plan

    • Preventive and wellness care, including annual wellness visits and routine laboratory review

    • Ongoing management of chronic medical conditions and medications, including hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

    • Same- or next-business-day access for many acute concerns

    • Secure messaging for non-urgent questions and care coordination

    • Care coordination with specialists and review of outside records when appropriate

    • Member pricing on supplements, specialty testing, and selected services

    • Discounted osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) visits

    Unlike traditional insurance-based practices, membership allows for longer visits, direct access to your physician, and care that addresses the root causes of symptoms—not just the diagnosis.

    Whether you are looking for a primary care physician, support for a chronic health condition, hormone optimization, or a more holistic approach to wellness, membership provides a trusted partner in your health journey.

  • We treat patients of all ages with a wide variety of illnesses, conditions and symptoms. Integrative medicine includes a deep dive into your personal history and lifestyle habits. Often we use a combination of targeted lifestyle approaches and coaching, supplements, herbs or homeopathy, testing, and osteopathic treatments in our wellness approach. Occasionally we will recommend or refer you to other practitioners as needed.

  • Yes!. Hormone therapy management is part of the Welness Membership and above. Dr. Gould does bio-identical FDA approved hormone therapy that is individualized to you and is working toward menopause certification.
    If your plan requires more frequent visits for dose adjustments or follow-up, a simple per-visit copay may apply. Lab costs are typically covered through your insurance or billed directly at member pricing.

  • Yes. Weight management is available as part of our integrative approach to health.

    Rather than focusing solely on the number on the scale, we work to understand and address the underlying factors that may contribute to weight gain or difficulty losing weight, including nutrition, sleep, stress, hormones, metabolism, medications, and lifestyle habits.

    For patients who are appropriate candidates, prescription weight loss medications—including GLP-1 medications—may be considered as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. We also provide guidance on nutrition, movement, behavior change, and long-term strategies to support sustainable health.

    Weight loss medication management is available for established patients and is most effective when combined with ongoing medical support and lifestyle changes.

  • Yes. Dr. Gould has training in functional medicine and is pursuing certification with the Institute for Functional medicine. She does do some functional medicine testing but focuses first on lifestyle basics; she does not believe in thousands of dollars of unnecessary testing if the basics are not dialed in. Testing may have additional charges to cover the testing itself and for additional office time if needed.

  • es. While many patients choose membership for ongoing support, direct access, and discounted services, membership is not required.

    Pay-per-visit appointments are available for osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM), integrative medicine consultations, hormone optimization, and other focused concerns.

    Patients seeking ongoing primary care, chronic disease management, hormone therapy management, or regular physician access often find that membership provides the best value and continuity of care.

    If you're unsure which option is right for you, we're happy to discuss your goals and help determine the best fit.

  • Often yes — many patients successfully use HSA/FSA funds for direct-care memberships and visits. Please confirm with your plan administrator for your specific coverage.

    You can absolutely use HSA/FSA for pay per visit prices.

  • Dr. Gould will coordinate all of that for you. Labs can often be drawn locally or through direct-pay partner labs. For imaging or specialist referrals, Dr. Gould will help connect you with trusted providers and ensure continuity of care. Labs, imagining and specialist care can usually be covered by insurance depending on your plan.