FAQ's

As a PA, Candace consults with board-certified family practice physicians and freely collaborates with other providers in her patients’ care teams including allopathic medical specialists, chiropractors, Ayurvedic practitioners and acupuncturists. 

Ayurveda is a traditional medical system from India that uses highly personalized natural interventions to promote health and prevent or slow progression of disease.  Ayurveda originates in 5,000-year-old Indian Vedic teachings that describe how to live in accord with nature, life and consciousness.  Its foundational texts developed over the next several millennia are still referenced by modern practitioners.  Though ancient in origin, the principles of Ayurveda are based on observations of nature and the human body which are timeless and unchanging.

During the 1800’s, British colonialism imposed its own medical system on India and fragmented the teaching and practice of Ayurveda for over 100 years until its revitalization in the 1980s by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, Dr. Vasant Lad, and others.  Relics of this colonial mentality remain in the dismissal of Ayurveda as a “pseudoscience” – including by the mainstream web encyclopedia Wikipedia.  In fact, there is a growing body of scientific research on Ayurvedic interventions that show a wide range of health benefits, from stress relief and cardiac health to decrease in heavy metal toxicity and a healthier microbiome.

In fact, there is a growing body of scientific research on Ayurvedic interventions that show a wide range of health benefits, from stress relief and cardiac health to decrease in heavy metal toxicity and a healthier microbiome.
https://www.tm.org/research.

Ayurvedic treatments are safe and highly personalized, and may include diet and lifestyle modifications, herbal supplements, meditation, music, aromatherapy, and referral for specialized massage and other treatments.

The brands sold at Gaia Tree Integrative Medicine and Wellevate are of the highest quality, GMP certified and certified free of heavy metals.

When you join, you will know right away: this is not a typical medical office experience.  An initial new patient visit ranges from 1.5 – 2 hours, with ongoing personalized follow up and easy access to your provider anywhere, anytime.  This model of attentive personalized care is simply not supported by traditional health insurance, but we believe you will find it – as so many others have – an invaluable investment.  [Read about full member benefits here.]

My practice leverages a telemedicine app that allows me to be available after hours, especially in urgent concerns. This dedicated tool allows us to securely text, video chat, and send pictures in real time.

It’s easy – schedule a visit via secure messaging or call in and come into the office to see me when your visit is actually scheduled. You and I also have the option to a televisit as an alternative for a quick checkup or if you’re sick at home and would prefer not to come in. As a member of my practice there are no additional charges to see me – ever!

You never know what the future holds for your health, so I would always suggest joining for a membership to take advantage of my time to get ahead of any problems that may pop up. If you aren’t sure if a membership is right for you, whether it be financial, for your health, or otherwise, you can always contact me so we can sit down, and I can help you work through your decision.

Because my main priority is you and I want to make sure I’m available for you while maintaining little to no wait, same day or next day visits, as well as non-rushed, 30–60-minute visits, I cap my patient panel at 350 patients (a traditional panel is 2000-3000 patients).

If you feel you need to go to the hospital, please call and discuss with me at any time. I can help you decide whether it’s something we can take care of or if the emergency room is necessary. As a private practitioner, I would like to be involved in your hospital care – whether to speak to the emergency room physician, hospitalist or nursing staff to assist in your care. We are also happy to keep in touch with your families during your stay and help arrange for your care after you return home.

My practice is excellent for the Medicaid/Medicare patient who values having unlimited access to a primary care practitioner that knows them. My Medicaid/Medicare patients pay practice fees directly, but Medicaid/Medicare coverage remains in place for everything else: specialists, testing performed outside of our office, and hospitalizations. Your Medicare/Medicare will also cover labs services I prescribe as these are performed by an independent lab affiliate. I can still refer, write prescriptions, and fully act as your primary care practitioner.

Some patients utilize HSA flexible spending (FSAs) or health reimbursement accounts (HRAs) to pay our fees as “qualified medical expenses.” Legal experts have recommended these patients follow the best practice of paying annually or semi-annually. If requested, we can provide you with an invoice and/or submit a notice to your employer if any questions arise about our programs. Please note that we cannot provide tax or legal advice, and you should consult your own tax advisor for guidance.

My service contract is for one year.  If you wish to cancel your contract, you may do so for any reason with a 90-day notice.  Any services already performed (i.e., preventive exams) will be itemized for payment. Any refunds will be granted after the service items are paid.  All contracts are automatically renewed unless such notice is received by the practice not to renew.

I accept patients as members no matter what insurance they have or do not have. I do not bill insurance. Because of this, to your insurance, this practice will be considered “out of network”.

If you desire, I will work with you to submit claims on your own and help you get reimbursed by your insurance company. How much you are reimbursed is dependent on your specific insurance plan and carrier.

You may pay with cash, check, or credit card. I request a credit card on file through our secure business vendor to enjoy a cash-free office environment. The membership is completely inclusive for in-office care including visits, and I can charge your credit card directly if you choose to do any lab work or imaging at cash prices (not through insurance).

If you are going to use your Health Savings Accounts—payment needs to be every 6 months or yearly.

I have partnered with resources that may save you additional money if you would like to pay cash rather than submit to insurance. However, if you still would like to submit to your insurance you are welcome to do so. I can provide you with those options that allow you to make the right decision based on your situation.