Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a Naturopathic Physician?

A licensed naturopathic physician (ND) has attended a four-year graduate level naturopathic medical school and is educated in all of the same basic sciences as an MD. However, the naturopathic physician also studies holistic and nontoxic approaches to therapy with a strong emphasis on disease prevention and optimizing wellness. In addition to a standard medical curriculum, the naturopathic physician is required to complete four years of training in clinical nutrition, acupuncture, homeopathic medicine, botanical medicine, psychology, and counseling (to encourage people to make lifestyle changes in support of their personal health). A naturopathic physician takes rigorous professional board exams so that he or she may be licensed by a state or jurisdiction as a primary care general practice physician. Visit www.naturopathic.org for more.

2. What type of degree and licensure do Naturopathic Physicians have?

NDs attend a four-year professional degree program leading to a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine. States that license naturopathic physicians, including Arizona, regulate the profession. In these states, NDs must pass either national or state board examinations and must have received an education from an accredited four-year, graduate level, naturopathic medical school. Their actions are subject to review by a state board of examiners to ensure protection of the patients. Furthermore, they are required to achieve a certain number of continuing medical education credits annually. Visit www.scnm.edu for more.

3. What is Dr. Rubin’s training in oncology?

Daniel Rubin, ND, graduated from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in 1997. While he was a student he developed a sharp focus in oncology and embarked on clinical rotations with MD oncologists. Dr. Rubin completed a Residency in Naturopathic Medicine where he accompanied conventional oncologists during their hospital rounds. He now spends 100% of his patient time meeting with and treating people who have cancer. Please visit the rest of Dr. Rubin’s website to gain more complete information about his practice, credentials and current positions.

4. How long will I meet with the doctor?

Your initial visit will take approximately 90-120 minutes. During this time, Dr. Rubin will get to know you and learn your case, what your diagnosis is and what types of treatments you have already had, as well as how you responded to those treatments. During your visit Dr. Rubin will construct a plan of action that will be explained to you. That plan of action will be employed as soon as possible to get you started on the right track. It would be helpful to bring your oncology medical records with you to the first visit. Depending on your case, follow up visits generally last from 30-60 minutes. At these visits, Dr. Rubin will check your progress, discuss any new issues, talk about any concerns you may have and modify your plan of action.

5. Will Dr. Rubin work with my other doctors?

Absolutely. Dr. Rubin is skilled at interfacing with MD oncologists both regarding chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Dr. Rubin will make certain that no treatments he prescribes will interfere with your other treatments; in fact, just the opposite. Dr. Rubin’s goal is to help you feel better while you are going through chemotherapy or radiation. He has expertise in co-management with MD oncologists and is able to help you with symptoms or side effects, such as fatigue, nausea and pain. Furthermore, Dr. Rubin can offer suggestions to help prevent the recurrence of cancer once you have completed your regular treatment program. The treatments offered by Dr. Rubin are not replacements for standard, conventional treatments.

6. Will my insurance cover my visits with Dr. Rubin?

In the State of Arizona, some insurance companies cover the services offered by Dr. Rubin. However, Dr. Rubin does not bill the companies directly. Rather, you will be given a form with your information on it, including a code necessary for reimbursement. You can submit this to your insurance company for reimbursement. Dr. Rubin accepts personal checks and cash—credit cards are not accepted and financing is not available. Payment is expected at the time of service.