The NaturoMedica clinic in Sammamish is celebrating its second year anniversary at its open house Dec. 8, 9 and 10.

When local naturopaths Naomi Bryant, Tammy McInnis and Jill Monster opened their innovative clinic two years ago, they were in uncharted territory. “Our research suggested that consumers were looking for a better solution for their healthcare needs — one that combined the best of natural medicine and conventional healthcare along with highly personalized service and modern technology,” Dr. Monster said. “We felt that consumers would be willing to pay a little more out of pocket for that experience, but our model was largely unproven. Little did we know that we were heading into a major recession, nor that the country was on the cusp of landmark healthcare reform.”

The doctors’ idea struck a chord with local patients. NaturoMedica has experienced rapid growth since opening. They have seen around one thousand patients and will likely add a fourth physician in 2010.

“The response from the public has been overwhelmingly positive,” Dr. Bryant said. “Many patients are frustrated by the current medical system where they may get seven or eight minutes of a doctor’s time. They often leave a doctor’s office with a prescription, but no real answers. Our patients want to treat the underlying cause of their conditions, rather than just treating the symptoms. They want to be proactive about their health, rather than just reactive. These goals are not accomplished in a few minutes of office visit with little pre-work or post-visit analysis of an individual’s detailed medical history.”

“My NaturoMedica doctor is now my primary care doctor,” said patient Kelly Goscinski. “She was able to get to the root of my illness in a very short time. She understands what has been happening in my body because she spent the time to listen to me and learn. I sure wish that I had gone to NaturoMedica years ago. I love how my health is treated as a whole. Before seeing my naturopath, my health was always viewed in pieces and my symptoms were treated as an isolated case.”

At NaturoMedica, a typical first appointment lasts for two hours, which gives the doctors time to get to know their patients as well as address each of their health concerns. The doctors take into account not just the physical, but also the emotional, genetic and environmental factors that may influence a person’s health.

The NaturoMedica clinic does not contract directly with insurance providers. At the end of their appointments, patients pay for their visit and are given an itemized, coded bill to submit to their insurance company for reimbursement, which varies by provider.

“Our view is that insurance companies are first and foremost a business whose primary objective is to control costs,” said Dr. Bryant. “We believe that goal does not always translate into doing what is best for our patient’s health. We see that many people prefer to pay a bit more out of pocket for more highly personalized service and significantly more time with their doctor.”

NaturoMedica is located in the Pine Lake shopping center in Sammamish. The public is invited to attend their second anniversary celebration between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m., Dec. 8-10.

For more information call 425-557-8900 or visit the clinic’s website at www.naturomedica.com.