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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can you be my child’s ​primary pediatrician?
    Yes! If you can travel to Asheville, North Carolina when necessary and at least once a year, I can be your child's primary pediatrician. Please reach out to DrEllie@middlepathintegrativepediatrics.com or fill in this form to get started.
  • How do I know if my child and I are a good fit?
    The best way to answer this question is to schedule a complimentary meet and greet. That way you can meet your doctor and get all your questions answered. But in brief, If you and your child or teen are dedicated to investing the essential time and resources towards preventing health problems from occurring or transforming your child's health holistically, then rest assured, you're precisely where you need to be. You will have access to the best of personalized modern medicine infused with functional and integrative medicine as well as access to a warm and caring doctor.
  • I need to talk it over with my significant other before committing.
    Absolutely! I completely understand and respect the importance of discussing such decisions with your significant other—it's all about being a team, right? Taking their feelings into consideration is crucial, and I applaud your thoughtfulness in doing so. In my experience, partners tend to be more supportive when they can truly grasp how much holistic/integrative medicine will help you or your child and how you have an unwavering commitment to top notch care for yourself or your family.
  • Why don't you take insurance?
    I've made the decision not to accept insurance because insurance companies restrict the level of support I'm able to offer you and your child. My goal is to provide a holistic approach that addresses every aspect of your child's life for their ultimate success. I believe in offering personalized attention and holistic therapies that go beyond what insurance companies allow in terms of time and coverage. I'm seeking clients who are ready to invest directly in their child's health. While I understand this approach may not be suitable for everyone, it's the way I've chosen to run my practice. However, I'm more than happy to accommodate flexible spending account or health savings account cards. Additionally, if you need it, I can provide you with a "Superbill" for potential reimbursement from your insurance company upon request. Your child's well-being is my priority, and I'm here to support you every step of the way.
  • Can you guarantee results?
    I want to assure you that I'm here to support you every step of the way. While I can't offer a guarantee in the traditional sense, what I can promise is my unwavering dedication to you and your child's journey. I bring to the table my expertise, undivided attention, and a personalized, comprehensive approach tailored specifically to your needs. Together, we'll embark on a transformative journey, equipped with the tools and guidance necessary for lifelong success. It's important to understand that this process requires commitment and dedication. It's not about quick fixes or instant results—it's about embracing a holistic approach to healing and growth. But rest assured, you won't be doing this alone. We're in this together, as a team. As your integrative and functional pediatrician, I'll be your source of inspiration on those tough days, the reservoir of knowledge you can rely on, and the guiding light that leads to positive change. And yes, I won't hesitate to challenge you when necessary because I believe in your strength and resilience. So, let's embark on this journey together, with determination and a shared vision for a healthier, happier future for your child.
  • Are these services only for people with children or teens?
    While I specialize in children to young adults (college age) , I will see adults for functional medicine consulting when it feels like the right fit for both of us. Usually this is when parents want to be treated as well. I do not take adults for primary care.
  • Do you offer in-person or virtual appointments?
    Yes, I offer both in-person and virtual appointments.
  • Does my child need to be present for the visit?
    I ask that your child is present for at least 10 minutes of each visit. It is important to me to attain thorough and accurate information about your child’s symptoms. If you feel that you can discuss your child’s symptoms openly with them present, they may be present for as much of the visit as they are willing and able to attend. If you feel that your child’s presence will negatively impact your ability to provide a detailed history, it might be best to have your child attend 2/3 of the way through your appointment. Ultimately, I want to create a safe and caring space for your child while still eliciting all information necessary in order for me to determine the most appropriate treatment. Having your child present allows for a physical examination and for the ability for me to get to know your child.
  • What is your cancellation policy? Late policy?
    At our clinic, we understand that emergencies can happen, and we are committed to working with our patients to accommodate unforeseen circumstances. However, we ask that our patients respect our scheduling policies and understand that frequent requests for free cancellations affects our ability to accommodate other patients who need of medical attention. By adhering to our policies, we can ensure that we are able to offer timely care to all of our patients and maintain a sustainable practice. ​ For this reason, we prefer you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. We do not issue refunds. For patients who do not cancel 24 hours in advance, and do not show up for their appointment, we collect a $75 late cancellation fee. Please note that if you are late for your appointment, your appointment will be shortened by the number of minutes you are late. This is so we can achieve on time appointments for all members. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. We value your business and look forward to continuing to work with you to achieve your health goals. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to our team
  • Do you offer refunds?
    We do not offer refunds.
  • Where do I get labs?
    Many tests such as urine, strep and flu tests can be done in the office. Otherwise, you can get labs drawn at Quest, Labcorp or use a mobile phlebotomist that will come to your house. She charges a $50 fee. For specialized functional labwork, the kits will be mailed to you through Rupa. Some specialized labs can be collected at home and others require you to go to Quest or Labcorp or use a mobile phlebotomist that will come to your house. You may also be able to do the labs through a local health care provider if you are driving from out of state/ out of the area.
  • Do you prescribe medications?
    Yes, I am a licensed pediatrician and will prescribe medications when appropriate. As a telemedicine consultant I do not prescribe controlled substances.
  • Do you administer vaccines?
    As your child's integrative pediatrician, I will provide all the necessary education for you and your family to feel fully informed and to answer all your questions. For vaccine administration: If your child is a primary care patient you have the option to order the vaccines at cost in advance of your vaccine appointment. However, I do not accept insurance. Therefore, if you choose to do vaccines they will not be covered by insurance unless your insurance company reimburses you on the backend which I cannot guarantee. Most people may prefer to go to the health department to receive their vaccines for free and so their child does not associate their doctor with vaccines.
  • Can you grant a vaccine exemptions?
    No, I do not grant vaccine exemptions.
  • Do you offer vaccine "alternatives"?
    No, I do not offer vaccine alternatives. I specialize in offering information and education about regular vaccines.
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