Question 1

Where do you provide care, and how does it differ by location?

Accepted Answer

Washington, DC — Licensed Naturopathic Medical Care

Services are provided via secure telemedicine. For individuals located in Washington, D.C., care is provided as licensed naturopathic medical care and is currently offered virtually.

Care may include (within DC scope of practice):

Comprehensive functional assessment and root-cause analysis
Diagnosis and prevention of disease, including identification of clinical and functional patterns
Ordering and interpretation of standard and functional laboratory testing and imaging when clinically indicated
Development of holistic, individualized treatment plans incorporating lifestyle, nutrition, movement, and other natural therapies
Prescribing natural and pharmacologic therapies within scope, including herbs and botanicals, vitamins, supplements, injectable nutrients, and select medications (such as bioidentical hormone replacement therapy), when appropriate
Coordination of complex care and referrals to medical specialists as needed

During an initial naturopathic medicine visit (60–90 minutes), patients undergo a comprehensive evaluation of health history, current symptoms, lifestyle factors, and relevant laboratory data. Following the visit, patients receive foundational treatment recommendations and a clear clinical plan, which may include laboratory assessment to inform next steps discussed at the first follow-up visit.

Investment (DC Patients):

New Patient Visit & Case Review to Establish Care (60–90 minutes): $400 Adult, $200 Pediatric
Follow-Up Visits (30–60 minutes): $200 Adult, $100 Pediatric

Location & Contact Details →

Virginia — Integrative Care

Care is provided through Longevity Health Clinic within an integrative medical setting.

Investment (VA Patients):

Fees for Virginia-based care are set by Longevity Health Clinic. For current services, fees, and availability, please contact the clinic directly or book a complimentary intro call to discuss care options.

Location & Contact Details →

Out-of-State — Health Consulting

For individuals located outside of Washington, D.C. and Virginia, services are offered virtually as health consulting and wellness guidance. Sessions are conducted via secure video or phone.

Health consulting may include:

A comprehensive intake discussion exploring health history, current concerns, and wellness goals
Education and guidance related to nutrition, lifestyle, genomics, root-cause patterns, and prevention
Review of client-provided information and laboratory data for educational purposes only
Wellness planning involving nutrition, botanicals, supplements, lifestyle strategies, and other natural therapeutics

During the initial wellness consultation (60 minutes), clients typically leave with 2–3 actionable recommendations they can begin implementing right away. Within a few days of the session, clients receive a personalized wellness protocol outlining next steps and optional recommendations.

These services:

Do not include medical diagnosis or medical treatment
Do not include prescribing medications
Do not establish a physician–patient relationship

Investment (Out-of-State Clients):

Investment varies based on case complexity. Please book a complimentary introductory call to discuss options.

Location & Contact Details →

Question 2

Do you take insurance?

Accepted Answer

Pattern Naturopathic is a fee-for-service practice and is not in-network with insurance plans.

DC patients: A superbill may be provided upon request for potential out-of-network reimbursement.
Virginia and out-of-state clients: Services are generally not eligible for insurance reimbursement.
Labs: For laboratory testing, LabCorp can bill your insurance directly.
HSA/FSA funds may be usable; confirm with your plan administrator.

Question 3

What forms of payment do you accept?

Accepted Answer

Payment is due at booking. Credit cards, debit cards, HSA cards, and FSA cards are accepted. ACH options may be available for established patients or care packages.

Question 4

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Appointments constitute reserved consulting time. At least 24 hours’ notice is required to cancel or reschedule an appointment without a cancellation fee. Appointments may be canceled or rescheduled through the patient portal or by calling or texting 202-505-5475.

Cancellations or rescheduled appointments made within 24 hours of the scheduled appointment time will incur a cancellation fee of $50. Any appointment for which you are more than 15 minutes late will be considered a missed appointment and subject to the same fee.

To enforce this policy, a credit card is kept on file for all patients.

Question 5

How do I schedule an appointment?

Accepted Answer

Appointments are scheduled online through the secure patient portal or booking links on this website. Online scheduling allows real-time availability, visit selection, and completion of required forms.

If you experience technical difficulties, please call the office at (202) 505-5475. Messages are typically returned within two business days.

Question 6

How should I contact the practice between visits?

Accepted Answer

Non-urgent questions related to an existing care plan may be sent through the secure patient portal. More complex concerns, new symptoms, or significant changes require a scheduled visit.

Portal messages and voicemails are typically reviewed and returned within two business days. Messaging is intended for non-urgent communication and is not continuously monitored.

This practice does not function as urgent or emergency care. For emergencies, call 911 or seek immediate care.

Question 7

Do you offer after-hours or weekend support?

Accepted Answer

No. Care is provided through scheduled visits and secure portal communication during regular business hours.

Question 8

How should I prepare for a virtual visit?

Accepted Answer

To ensure a smooth and productive appointment, please prepare the following:

Environment: Use a quiet, private space with good lighting and a stable internet connection. Visits cannot be conducted while driving or in public settings.
Technology: A laptop or desktop computer is preferred. Please log in early to test your audio and video.
Documents: Have recent medical records, prior labs or imaging, and a list or photos of current medications and supplements ready.
Questions: Write down your top questions or priorities to ensure we address what matters most to you.
Forms: Complete all intake and consent forms in the patient portal at least 24 hours before your scheduled visit.

Question 9

How would you describe your clinical focus?

Accepted Answer

My practice has a strong focus in women’s health, particularly in areas like hormones, skin, digestion, energy, and mental health.

That said, my training is in primary care, and I work with individuals of all genders and ages when my approach is a good fit. Care is never limited by gender and is always individualized. More about my approach →

Question 10

Do you work with men?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I work with men. Even though I have a strong clinical focus in women's health, I also see men in practice particularly for hormone optimization and performance, among other health concerns.

Question 11

What is naturopathic medicine?

Accepted Answer

Naturopathic medicine is a distinct system of healthcare focused on identifying and addressing underlying contributors to illness while supporting the body’s innate ability to heal and regulate itself. Care emphasizes prevention, whole-person assessment, and evidence-informed natural and conventional therapies tailored to the individual.

Question 12

Is a naturopath the same as a licensed naturopathic doctor?

Accepted Answer

No. The term “naturopath” is not regulated in many states and may be used by individuals with widely varying training.

A licensed naturopathic doctor (ND) completes undergraduate pre-medical coursework, a four-year accredited naturopathic medical doctorate, clinical rotations and internships, national board examinations, and ongoing continuing education and licensure requirements including background checks. Licensure ensures standardized education, supervised clinical training, and professional accountability.

Question 13

How are naturopathic doctors licensed?

Accepted Answer

Naturopathic doctors are licensed or regulated in many U.S. states and jurisdictions globally. Licensure requires graduation from a 4 year in-residence accredited naturopathic medical school including clinical rotations, internships, and successful completion of national board examinations. Scope of practice varies by jurisdiction.

Question 14

What training do naturopathic doctors receive?

Accepted Answer

Licensed naturopathic doctors complete a minimum of eight years of post-secondary education, including pre-medical sciences, a four-year in-residence doctoral medical program, extensive supervised clinical training, and national board examinations. Training includes but is not limited to biomedical sciences, diagnostics, pharmacology, minor surgery, clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, classical homeopathy, hydrotherapy, lifestyle medicine, physical medicine, counseling, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and acupuncture.

Question 15

Do you collaborate with my other healthcare providers?

Accepted Answer

Yes. With patient consent, Dr. Mumaw collaborates with other members of a patient’s healthcare team to support coordinated and comprehensive care. Dr. Mumaw also refers patients to medical specialists as needed.

Question 16

Do you incorporate acupuncture or Chinese medicine?

Accepted Answer

Dr. Mumaw does not currently perform acupuncture due to scope-of-practice limitations in both Washington, DC and Virginia. Her training included four years of formal education in acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, and she integrates Chinese medicine principles as an interpretive lens when appropriate.

Question 17

Do you prescribe medications?

Accepted Answer

Washington, DC: Certain medications within scope may be prescribed when clinically appropriate.

Virginia: Medication prescribing is performed by the supervising or collaborating physician when indicated.

Out-of-State Consulting: Services are educational and do not include prescribing.

Question 18

Do you prescribe bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?

Accepted Answer

Yes, bioidentical HRT may be prescribed as part of licensed DC care when appropriate. In Virginia, Dr. Mumaw works collaboratively with the supervising physician to ensure patients have access to necessary medications, including HRT.

Question 19

Do you provide gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT)?

Accepted Answer

Dr. Mumaw does not currently provide GAHT but is happy to collaborate with or refer to providers who do. Supportive naturopathic care may be provided alongside existing gender-affirming medical care.

Question 20

What ages do you work with?

Accepted Answer

Dr. Mumaw works with all ages.

Question 21

How do you incorporate genomics into care?

Accepted Answer

Dr. Mumaw uses strategic genomic analysis to complement her approach.

More on genomics and FAQs specific to genomics here →

Question 22

What types of testing might be recommended?

Accepted Answer

Testing is individualized based on your health history, symptoms, and goals. When appropriate, recommendations may include conventional laboratory testing, specialty functional testing, or strategic genomic analysis to better understand physiological patterns, risk factors, and influences on metabolism, detoxification, and nutrient needs.

Question 23

What areas are commonly explored through testing?

Accepted Answer

Depending on your concerns, testing may explore areas such as:

Adrenal function and stress response
Thyroid function
Reproductive hormone balance
Digestive and gut health
Neurotransmitter pathways
Nutritional deficiencies, depletions, or insufficiencies
Environmental or heavy metal exposure
Genetic variants related to metabolism, methylation, detoxification, or nutrient utilization

Question 24

How much does testing cost, and how is it billed?

Accepted Answer

The type and cost of testing vary depending on what is clinically indicated and whether testing is processed through insurance-based laboratories or specialty testing companies. Any recommended testing and estimated costs are reviewed with you before proceeding.

Most conventional laboratory testing is billed directly by the laboratory at standard rates. In many cases, you will pay the laboratory directly (such as Labcorp), and insurance may be billed by the laboratory when applicable.

Question 25

How are specialty or functional labs handled?

Accepted Answer

Specialty functional testing is coordinated directly with the labs or through platforms such as Rupa Health. In certain cases, patients can pay the laboratory directly or with Rupa serving as the ordering and logistics platform.

I do not upcharge for functional labs ordered through my practice. Lab recommendations are made solely based on clinical relevance, ensuring transparency and avoiding conflicts of interest in testing decisions.

Question 26

Do I have to purchase supplements through your dispensaries?

Accepted Answer

No. Supplements are selected for quality and dosing convenience, but you may source them elsewhere. Lower-quality products may carry contamination or oxidation risks.

Question 27

How do I choose high-quality supplements if I'm not purchasing from your dispensary partners?

Accepted Answer

If you choose to purchase supplements elsewhere, look for products that meet the following criteria:

GMP Certification: Ensure the manufacturer follows Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), which guarantees quality control in production.
Third-Party Testing: Look for brands that are independently tested for purity, potency, and contaminants (such as heavy metals or pesticides).
Clear Labeling: The label should clearly list all active and inactive ingredients, including potential allergens (like gluten, soy, or dairy).
Appropriate Storage: Be mindful of storage conditions, especially for sensitive products like fish oils or probiotics, which can degrade if exposed to heat or light.

We can discuss specific product recommendations during your scheduled visits to ensure they align with your health goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

Care, Scope & Collaboration

Testing & Supplements

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