Clinic Policy

Our Mission is to assist you in achieving physical, spiritual, and emotional well-being using a holistic approach to health. Our Philosophy is to educate and empower you to live in optimal wellness. This approach complements any existing health care program.

  

Naturamed Intent:

The intent of all services offered and/or nutritional protocols or lifestyle recommendations suggested by Dr. Karolina Skrzypek is designed to support the natural physiological & biochemical processes of the human body while using holistic approaches to care when deemed appropriate through clinical expertise, medical literature and patient preferences. These approaches can be defined as alternative, complementary, individualized, patient centered, and science based. Naturamed does not act as your primary care physician, and you must continue to have a medical PCP and keep them informed of all your healthcare activities.

 

Patient Responsibility:

You are encouraged to ask questions on any health-related topic and to take an active role in your healthcare.

 

Confidentiality:

Information revealed during office visits is confidential. Your records and the information contained within it will not be disclosed to others unless you direct us to do so in writing. Exceptions to this confidentiality include disclosure of the intent to harm yourself or others and subpoenas from specific government agencies (as outlined in the HIPAA Privacy Rule).

 

Treatment Plan:

Each treatment plan and/or procedure possesses both risks and benefits. You are encouraged to ask questions if you would like additional information. Although your plan will be thoroughly researched and customized to your individual personal goals and health status, no guarantees can be assured regarding the outcomes of treatment plan(s) or procedure(s).

 

Memberships and Programs:

See your separate Membership and Program Agreements for all terms and conditions.

  

Consent to Participate in Telemedicine/Telehealth Consultation:

By scheduling with Naturamed and by signing this agreement I acknowledge that I am agreeing to participate in telemedicine/telehealth consultation (tele-consults) with the providers and/or staff at Naturamed. I am seeking this tele-consult for my own purposes and not on behalf of any third party. I understand the risks, benefits, limitations, and alternatives to tele-consults (including the option to seek a different practitioner for in-person services) and have chosen of my own free will to participate in tele-consults with Naturamed. I understand I am a participant in the decision-making process, and I am free to decline any service/treatment/recommendation/suggestion offered by Naturamed providers at any time. I accept that the Naturamed provider may at any time refer me to a different office if the nature of my consultation is inappropriate for tele-consults. I understand that tele-consults typically involve the use of audio and/or video or other technology between me and the provider. Exam and vital findings via video or phone are limited in nature vs. an in-person examination. .

 

Secure Communication Policy:

To protect your privacy and ensure safe care, all communication regarding medical questions, treatment, or test results must occur through the secure patient portal. Unsecured communication methods such as regular email, text, video chat, or phone are not appropriate for discussing sensitive health information. These channels are not encrypted and pose a risk of delayed response, miscommunication, or privacy breaches. The Practice does not respond to clinical questions sent via unsecured methods. If patients choose to contact the Practice outside the portal, they waive confidentiality, and such communication may still be retained in the medical record. Portal messages and phone calls are checked only during business hours. Responses to non-urgent portal messages are generally sent within 2 business days, but delays may occur due to technical issues or other circumstances beyond our control. The Practice does not guarantee immediate response and is not liable for any delay. In the event of an emergency, or if you believe a situation could develop into an emergency, you must call 911 or proceed to the nearest emergency room and follow the directions of emergency personnel.

 

Portal Messaging Boundaries:

 While we support your healing journey and value open communication, portal messaging is not a substitute for appointments and should not be used for diagnosis, new treatment plans, or in-depth clinical discussions.

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Portal messages may be used for:

• Quick administrative requests (scheduling, billing, forms)

• Brief updates (e.g., “I started the supplement,” “Sample dropped off”)

• Clarifications on items discussed in a prior visit

• Refill requests for existing prescriptions/supplements Please schedule a visit for:

• Any new or worsening symptoms

• Questions about treatment changes

• Detailed medical questions or lab result interpretations

Respecting these boundaries helps us provide you with intentional, personalized, and safe care.

 

Medication Follow-Up Requirements:

Regular appointments are required to continue prescriptions safely and effectively. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT):

• Initial Phase (First 3–6 months): Visit every 3 months for symptom check-ins, labs, and dose adjustments.

• Maintenance: At least two follow-up visits per year to ensure hormone balance and address ongoing needs.

 

Thyroid Medication:

• Starting or Adjusting Dose (First 3–6 months): Visit every 6–8 weeks until levels are stable.

• Maintenance: Minimum of two visits per year, with more frequent monitoring if medically indicated (e.g., pregnancy, significant weight change).

Note: Missed follow-up visits may result in delays or interruptions in medication refills. Telehealth appointments may be available when appropriate.

 

Appointment Cancellation & Rescheduling Policy:

To protect availability for all patients and maintain fairness, the following policy applies:

• 48-Hour Notice Required for cancellations or reschedules.

• One Emergency Exception Per Year: One late cancellation per calendar year is allowed without penalty.

• Late Cancellation / No-Show Policy: After the one-time exception, missed or rescheduled appointments with less than 48 hours’ notice will result in forfeiture of that visit.

• Rescheduling Limitation: Appointments may be rescheduled only once with proper notice. Additional reschedules result in visit forfeiture.

• Membership & Program Patients: Missed visits due to late cancellation or rescheduling will count toward your allocated program visits.

Our scheduling team tracks all cancellations, reschedules, and emergency exemptions. Frequent violations may require prepayment to secure future appointments. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in respecting our scheduling policies.

 

Payment of Services:

Naturamed receives payment in credit and debit card form. There are no service or membership refunds. You agree that your credit card on file will be automatically charged for any Naturamed invoice generated such as your visit fee or if a supplement order or lab order is requested at times. You also authorize Naturamed to automatically charge your credit card for any missed appointments or late cancellations of less than 48 hours in advance at the full service fee. There is no additional charge for rescheduling or canceling appointments more than 48 hours in advance. Keep in mind, membership visits must be used within the time frame of 12 months- they do not roll over. See your Membership Agreement for full details. You are also responsible for any chargeback fees if for some reason your credit card is declined. This authorization is part of your records and will be treated with privacy, confidentiality, and respect.

 

Primary Care Physician (PCP):

Dr. Karolina Skrzypek, MD, MBA, FMACP is a Doctor of Medicine and specializes in Internal Medicine, Integrative Medicine and Functional Medicine and operates within the scope of her license. Dr Skrzypek does not act as a primary care physician and is not on call, nor are any Naturamed medicine practitioners regardless of license type including MD/DO/DC/ND/PhD/NP. Please maintain a positive, working relationship with your medical doctor, keep him/her informed of your healing activities and continue your regular medical care and check-ups. This applies to all providers/practitioners with Naturamed LLC.

 

Controlled substances:

Dr Karolina Skrzypek does not prescribe controlled substances on a regular basis for any patients aside from Testosterone therapy. If you are on a controlled substance we suggest that you maintain a relationship with the provider who initially prescribed this for you.

 

Urgent and additional appointments:

Dr Karolina Skrzypek does offer additional visits in additional to what is included in the programs and packages - please contact our clinic for additional information. If you have additional questions for Dr Skrzypek and she decides that you need an additional visit you will be informed of this- at times a portal message does not suffices to get appropriate treatment.

 

Continuing care during pandemic:

At Naturamed we aim to provide a clean and safe environment including following sanitizing practices that keep our office clean. We will follow any state mandates pertaining to the COVID 19 pandemic and will make our patients aware of any new policies by posting signs in our clinic as well as by updating this services policy document.

 

Photo release, Social Media release, Website and Marketing release:

You agree to authorize Naturamed LLC and Dr. Karolina Skrzypek MD, MBA, FMACP use of any public reviews (ex. Google, Yelp, Facebook, etc) that you submit, or a review emailed to us. These reviews may be used for marketing activities and other online promotions via social media, websites and all printed or digital publications and media in perpetuity. You acknowledge that participation is voluntary, there is no financial compensation, and this includes photos, graphics and testimonials. You release Naturamed LLC and Dr Karolina Skrzypek MD, MBA, FMACP of any liability or claims by you or any third party related to the use of photographs, graphics or testimonials in printed or digital media.

 

Updates to Naturamed LLC Policies:

All current updates to our Policies will be immediately applicable to you & all previous signers and posted on the Naturamed website. You may view them there or request an updated copy be emailed to you at any time.

 

Emergencies: 

In case of an emergency, call your PCP, visit your local urgent care or call 911.

 

By working with Naturamed, I acknowledge:*

 

My understanding and acceptance of the terms and conditions outlined above.

 

I understand that all services must be prepaid, and that Natura Integrative and Functional Medicine does not accept insurance for any treatments. If I am a Medicare beneficiary, I acknowledge that services provided are not covered by Medicare, and I agree not to submit claims for reimbursement.

While we take strong precautions to safeguard patient confidentiality, I acknowledge that communication via email, phone, or telehealth may have inherent privacy risks.