Will Kristen Brown, ARNP-C, be my primary health care provider?

No. Altheda Health provides specialty health care. Kristen Brown will not be your primary health care provider. Patients are required to maintain a relationship with a primary care provider outside of Altheda Health for routine screening exams such as but not limited to pap smears, colonoscopies, prostate exams, and emergency situations requiring immediate care or hospitalization.

Can I talk with Kristen Brown directly to ask quick questions before my first appointment?

Yes. Use our easy scheduling tool to select your location, then click the “Discovery Call: Complimentary” option to schedule your phone call.

Does Altheda Health accept medical insurance?

We gladly accept HSA or FSA cards. We do not keep relationships with any form of medical insurance, Medicare or Medicaid. A super bill can be provided upon request for those who qualify.

Will medical insurance reimburse me for my consultation at Altheda Health?

At your request, we provide a super bill so you can file for possible reimbursement from your insurance company. We do not assist with insurance reimbursement beyond the diagnoses and visit code that are given at check out.

Will medical insurance pay for lab testing?

Maybe. It depends on which tests the insurance company has decided to pay for. Read below for cash discount and insurance options for some lab tests. Remember, we will not bill insurance on your behalf and do not accept any form of medical insurance.

How can I pay for most conventional lab testing?

For commonly needed tests, we have negotiated steeply discounted lab fees from Ulta Lab Tests. Patients with limited health care coverage or those who wish to pay cash for their bloodwork tend to choose this option. If you choose, our nurse practitioner will order the labs through Ulta Lab Tests and you will receive and email with payment information and be able to choose a lab that in convenient for you. In the PNW, Ulta Lab Tests has contracted with Quest Diagnostic Laboratories to collect and perform these lab tests. Otherwise, we can place the lab order directly through Quest Diagnostics or LabCorp who will be happy to bill your insurance for your lab testing.

What is the cost of a new patient visit?

See our Scheduling Tool for pricing and plans. The costs of testing and prescriptions are not included in the cost of patient visits.

How many visits should I expect with the nurse practitioner?

Frequency depends on the nature of your illness. Most patients see significant improvement in 3 months and follow up appointments decrease in frequency after that. Severe conditions may take longer to heal. We offer a 3-month guided plan for all new patients, discount packages for follow-up visits, and al a carte care options. Learn More.

What is the average cost of supplements?

Our online Fullscript dispensary provides discount prices on supplements, direct shipping to your home or office, and tracking tools for the prescription and dosage. Each person has unique health needs so costs vary on the number of supplements prescribed. Most supplements are taken on a temporary basis to help you reach equilibrium and other supplements may be taken on a more permanent basis.

What is the average cost of testing?

Each person has unique health needs so costs vary on the number of lab tests you choose. Some tests will need to be repeated to check for progress and resolution. 

Cancellation, Refund, and Change Policy?

We are committed to providing all of our patients with exceptional care. A substantial amount of time is used to prepare for each of your appointments. When a patient cancels without giving enough notice this prevents another patient from being seen.

ALTHEDA HEALTH 48-HOUR CANCELLATION POLICY

NEW PATIENTS who cancel within 48-hours of an appointment forfeit their deposit amount ($150.00) and any remainder will be refunded to the credit card on file.
ESTABLISHED PATIENTS who cancel within 48-hours of an appointment are responsible to pay 100% of the scheduled service.

• There is no fee to reschedule or cancel an appointment if requested outside of the 48-hour minimum cancellation policy.

• No refund is available for bulk discount packages (e.g. 5-visit package).

• We understand unavoidable life circumstances (death in the family or hospitalization) may cause you to cancel within 48 hours. Such cases will be evaluated by the provider.

When will I see a nutritionist/dietician?

We highly encourage all patients to work with a nutritionist/dietician. Depending on your specific health needs and lab findings, we make referral recommendations from our network of experts.

I live outside Washington State and Nevada. Can I still be a patient?

No. All licensed health care providers need to be licensed in the state where their patient resides.

What is Kristen Brown’s medical training?

As a 2016 graduate of The Institute for Functional Medicine Certification Program (IFMCP), Kristen Brown is uniquely trained in the Functional Medicine model to identify and treat the root causes of chronic disease. To achieve the designation of IFM Certified Practitioner, Kristen Brown, completed a two-year course of intensive training and passed stringent written and case study evaluations.

Kristen Brown is also an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) certified by the  American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). Kristen Brown has years of clinical experience in urgent care, women’s health, family medicine, medical aesthetics, and functional medicine care. As a Washington State and Nevada board-certified medical provider, Kristen Brown has full prescriptive authority. Kristen Brown began serving in the medical field in 1999 and practicing as an ARNP in 2008. She received her Master of Science degree in Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Seattle University. Kristen attends several continuing medical education trainings each year to help keep her up to date on the latest research and technology in western medicine, functional medicine, metabolic health, and medical aesthetics.