What Bastyr University Clinic Offers
Bastyr University Clinic is a teaching clinic run by Bastyr University in Kenmore, Washington, where naturopathic doctor students provide care under the supervision of licensed practitioners. The clinic offers the same types of services a private naturopathic practice would — botanical medicine, clinical nutrition, physical medicine, and other modalities — but at lower cost because students do much of the work as part of their training.
The clinic is open to the public. You do not have to be a student or have any connection to the university to schedule an appointment. The main difference between the clinic and a private naturopathic practice is pace: appointments may take longer because a student is involved in your care, and you may see different practitioners across visits rather than building continuity with one doctor.
Bastyr also runs a separate acupuncture clinic and a massage clinic, both staffed by students. This guide focuses on the naturopathic clinic specifically, though the same general process applies to the other clinics.
Key Takeaways
- Bastyr University Clinic is located in Kenmore, Washington, and is open to anyone who wants to see a naturopathic doctor, not just university students.
- Appointments cost less than private naturopathic practices because licensed students provide care under supervision, which also means visits may take longer.
- You will need to call or visit the clinic's website to schedule; there is no online booking system.
- The clinic accepts some insurance plans and offers a sliding scale fee structure for those without coverage.
- Initial appointments are longer than follow-ups and include a full health history and physical exam.
How to Schedule an Appointment
Contact Bastyr University Clinic directly by phone or through their website to book a visit. The clinic does not use an online scheduling system, so you will need to speak with staff or submit a request through their contact form and wait for a callback.
When you call, tell the receptionist what type of care you are looking for — naturopathic medicine, acupuncture, or massage — and any specific health concerns you want to address. They will let you know the current wait time for new patients, which varies by season and demand. The clinic is typically busier in fall and winter.
You can also visit in person during clinic hours to ask about availability, though calling ahead is faster. The clinic is located at 14500 Bothell Way NE in Kenmore.
What to Bring to Your First Visit
Bring a photo ID and proof of insurance if you have it. Even if your insurance does not cover naturopathic care, the clinic staff can tell you whether your plan will reimburse you after you pay out of pocket — some plans do, depending on your specific policy.
Bring a list of all medications and supplements you currently take, including over-the-counter products and vitamins. If you have recent lab work or medical records from another provider, bring those too. The naturopathic doctor will want to see what testing has already been done.
Wear comfortable clothing that allows straightforward access to your arms and legs, since the initial appointment includes a physical exam. Plan to spend two to three hours at the clinic for your first visit; initial appointments are longer than follow-ups because the doctor takes a detailed health history.
Cost and Payment Options
The clinic charges less than private naturopathic practices, but exact fees depend on the type of visit and your insurance status. Initial naturopathic appointments typically cost between $60 and $120, and follow-up visits cost less. Acupuncture and massage have separate fee schedules.
The clinic accepts some insurance plans, though naturopathic care is not covered by most standard health insurance. Call ahead to confirm whether your specific plan is accepted. If your insurance does not cover the visit, you can still pay out of pocket.
Bastyr offers a sliding scale fee structure for patients without insurance or with financial hardship. This means the cost is adjusted based on your household income. Ask about the sliding scale when you call to schedule, and bring documentation of your income to your first appointment if you think you may have access to.
What Happens During Your First Appointment
Your first visit will include a consultation with a naturopathic doctor student and a licensed supervising doctor. The student will spend time taking your health history — asking about your current symptoms, past illnesses, family medical history, diet, sleep, stress, and lifestyle. This conversation is thorough and may take 45 minutes to an hour.
After the history, the student will perform a physical exam, which may include checking your blood pressure, heart rate, and other vital signs. Depending on your health concerns, the doctor may also perform orthopedic or neurological tests. The supervising doctor will review the student's findings and may examine you as well.
At the end of the visit, the doctor will discuss their findings and recommend a treatment plan. This might include herbal supplements, dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, or referral to another provider if needed. The doctor will also order lab work if necessary.
Follow-Up Visits and Treatment Plans
Follow-up appointments are shorter than the initial visit and focus on how you are responding to the treatment plan. You may see the same student and supervising doctor, or you may see different practitioners depending on clinic scheduling. If continuity with one doctor is important to you, ask about this when you schedule.
The clinic typically recommends follow-up visits every two to four weeks, depending on your condition and the treatment plan. You can schedule these at the end of each visit or call ahead to book them. If you need to cancel or reschedule, call as soon as possible so the appointment slot can be offered to another patient.
The doctor may recommend lab work or other testing between visits. Some of this testing can be done at Bastyr's lab, while other tests may need to be ordered through an outside lab. The clinic staff will explain where to go and what to expect.
Insurance and Out-of-Pocket Costs
Naturopathic care is not covered by Medicare or most standard health insurance plans. However, some plans — particularly those offered through employers or unions — do cover naturopathic visits if the doctor is licensed. Washington State licenses naturopathic doctors, so Bastyr-trained doctors meet that requirement in Washington.
If your insurance does cover naturopathic care, you will typically pay a copay or coinsurance at the time of your visit, just as you would at any other medical appointment. The clinic can verify your coverage before your first appointment if you provide your insurance information when you call.
If you are paying out of pocket, ask whether the clinic offers a payment plan or discount for multiple visits. Some clinics do, though this varies. The sliding scale fee structure is your main option if cost is a barrier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Bastyr clinic accept my insurance?
Call the clinic with your insurance information and they will check whether your plan covers naturopathic care. Some plans do, particularly if your policy includes out-of-network or alternative medicine benefits. Even if your insurance does not cover the visit, you can still pay out of pocket and may be able to submit a claim for reimbursement depending on your plan.
How long is the wait to see a naturopathic doctor?
Wait times vary by season. The clinic is typically busier in fall and winter, when wait times for new patients can be several weeks. Call ahead to ask about current availability. If the wait is long, ask whether you can get on a cancellation list.
Can I request a specific naturopathic doctor?
You can ask about continuity with one practitioner when you schedule, but the clinic cannot always may provide this because student schedules change. Ask whether the supervising doctor is consistent even if the student changes, as this may provide some continuity in your care.
What if I need lab work or testing?
The naturopathic doctor will order any lab work they think is necessary. Some tests can be done at Bastyr's lab, while others are sent to outside labs. The clinic staff will tell you where to go and provide any paperwork you need. You will typically pay for lab work separately from your visit fee.
Does the clinic offer other services besides naturopathic medicine?
Yes. Bastyr runs separate clinics for acupuncture and massage, both staffed by students under supervision. You can schedule these services through the same main clinic number. Some patients use naturopathic care alongside acupuncture or massage as part of their overall treatment plan.