About Dr. Matt
The Buddha's Medicine is my answer to the question:
What happens when Western medicine does not provide the answers we need?
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After practicing as a primary care physician inside the system for several years, I grew tired of all of the limitations - limitations in diagnostic and treatment perspectives, limitations in practice models, and limitations caused by insurance carrier gatekeeping. I wanted something better for my patients.
At The Buddha's Medicine, I utilize a different care model - one that facilitates real healing, and that treats the root causes of unwellness and dis-ease. As a practicing medical doctor, I blend the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda with evidence-based lifestyle medicine, and weave in elements from other integrative healing disciplines. I approach the practice of medicine with the core belief that we already hold the keys to our own wellness. It is not enough to treat our symptoms alone; the goal is real, genuine healing. My role is to walk with you as a trusted expert and guide as you discover greater well-being and reconnect with your vitality. -
At The Buddha's Medicine, we work to ensure you receive the most holistic and comprehensive possible treatment for your health needs. Our care is collaborative, and we work together as a team. Whether meeting locally in Portland, OR or remotely from elsewhere, you will always be treated as a human being worthy of time and respect - not a number on an overbooked schedule. Because Dr. Matt prioritizes quality care, you will always be given ample time and thoughtful attention. Your concerns and their underlying causes will be addressed. Every treatment plan is about whole-person healing.
Dr. Matt always aims to fully understand your health needs, working closely with you as better health is restored. He is committed to meeting you where you are at, always offering individualized interventions. Your health and well-being will always be the priority.
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Dr. Matt maintains active medical licenses across multiple states through the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact making his unique approach to healthcare accessible to patients regardless of location. Whether through telemedicine or in-person visits, he is committed to providing consistent, high-quality care that supports your journey to optimal health. - Learn More
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Dr. Matt Van Auken,MD, MPH, ABOIM, DipABLM, E-RYT, YACEP is a triple-board-certified family physician who has been studying & practicing Ayurvedic Medicine for nearly 15 years.
MD - Medical Doctor | 10 years
MPH - Master’s in Public Health (Epidemiology) | 10 years
ABOIM - (American Board of Integrative Medicine Diplomate) | 4 years
DipABLM - (Diplomate, American Board of Lifestyle Medicine) | 3 years
E-RYT - Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher, Yoga Alliance | 15 years
YACEP - Continuing Education Provider, Yoga Alliance | 10 yearsLearn More About Dr. Matt’s Unconventional Journey to Doctorhood
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Ayurveda: Originating in India thousands of years ago, Ayurveda is a medical tradition rich in wholesome approaches to health and daily living. - Dr.Matt has been a student of Ayurveda since 2009. He has studied extensively with Vaidya Vasudha Gupta of American Ayurveda.
Integrative Medicine: Integrative medicine blends evidence-based mind/body, hands-on, supplemental, and herbal therapies into a modern allopathic framework. - Dr. Matt is board-certified by the American Board of Integrative Medicine (ABOIM) in integrative medicine.
Lifestyle Medicine: Lifestyle care is all about making personalized, workable, step-wise changes to daily habits to stabilize and improve those chronic conditions. - Dr. Matt is board-certified by the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine (ABLM) in lifestyle medicine.
Manual Medicine / Counterstrain: Dr. Matt blends Counterstrain and Ayurvedic marma chikitsa therapies into a comprehensive hands-on style of treatment. - Dr. Matt has received extensive training in Counterstrain Therapy through The Jones Institute.
Plant-Based Medicine: The scope of practice for our plant-based patients at The Buddha’s Medicine is rather complete; there is virtually nothing that we cannot treat with a plant-based approach that might be treated otherwise.
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My scope of practice is very broad - see a list of just some of the conditions that I care for under “Expertise & Specialties,” above. But there are also many more. I care for people of all ages, and from all walks of life.
While I am personally plant-based and love helping others who are plant-based navigate their nutritional needs, I also have patients who are dedicated game hunters. No one is shamed or excluded based on their lifestyle preferences.
Our care is LGBTQ+ affirming in all ways. And as a neurodiverse person myself, I take pride in offering genuinely neuroaffirming care at The Buddha’s Medicine.
Together, we’ll do more than put on Band-Aids. Together, we’ll get better.
"Before I was introduced to Dr. Matt, I was seeing different specialists every month without getting any results. I felt like I had to heal myself and that left me in limbo. With Matt I feel like I deserve to be well. He is a fantastic listener and master at solving puzzles. I’m amazed at his attention to detail and amount of time he takes to listen to my laundry list of symptoms. With his guidance, I’m grateful to be the best version of myself I’ve ever been."
— C.S., patient of The Buddha’s Medicine
Your Health, Enlightened
Supporting You on a Path to Better Health
Step 1
Comprehensive consult.
Meet with Dr. Matt during a New Patient Appointment to discuss your medical history and your health needs.
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During your first / new patient appointment, Dr. Matt will meld traditional and modern diagnostic approaches to identify your unique constitution (prakrti), and bring clarity to any health conditions, concerns, and questions (vikrti) you have.
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Whole-life history, from birth to present
Dietary, exercise, behavioral, and lifestyle assessment
Lab and imaging study review
Medication and supplement review
Preventive care review
Ayurvedic tongue analysis
Ayurvedic pulse reading (in-person visits)
Pertinent physical exam, including tissue reflex assessment (in-person visits)
Step 2
Personalized plan.
Receive your customized roadmap to wholesome healing.
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Dr. Matt will partner with you to build an individualized, step-wise plan of care that includes:
Additional diagnostic recommendations
Nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle prescriptions
Medication and supplement recommendations
Herbal medicine approaches and custom herbal formulations
Ayurvedic procedures and interventions
Manual therapy approaches (in-person visits)
Step 3
Feel better.
Our integrative approach will bring you both short-term relief and long-term vitality.
“Dr. Matt Van Auken is a wonderful doctor as well as an incredible resource. His breadth of knowledge is immense and he is able to show you the intricate connections between physiology, emotions, mental clarity, and behavioral experience. Being able to discuss and apply both the general concept and specifically applying it to one’s own condition is life changing.”
— L.H., patient of The Buddha’s Medicine
FAQs
Dr. Matt
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Yes! Dr. Matt Van Auken, MD, MPH, ABOIM, DipABLM, E-RYT, YACEP is a triple-board-certified family physician who has been studying & practicing Ayurvedic Medicine for nearly 15 years. - Learn More
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Dr. Matt attended Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and Rutgers School of Public Health for his combined MD/MPH, both of which he received in 2014.
He underwent family medicine residency training at PeaceHealth Family Medicine of Southwest Washington, and integrative medicine fellowship training through the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona.
He has been studying Ayurveda since 2009, first with the DINacharya Institute in NYC, and subsequently privately with his mentor, Vd. Vasudha Gupta, BAMS of American Ayurveda. He has been a student of Sanskrit since 2009 under the tutelage of his guru, Manorama Thea D’Alvia, and this augments his Ayurveda studies.
He trains in Counterstrain Therapy through the Jones Institute. He holds board certifications in family medicine (ABFM), integrative medicine (ABOIM), and lifestyle medicine (ABLM).
He also has experience practicing medicine in primary care, post-acute care, and addiction care settings.
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Yes! I offer free 15-minute ‘meet-and-greets’ where you can get to know me and my treatment approach.
Click here to inquire.
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As a practicing medical doctor, Dr. Matt blends the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda with evidence-based lifestyle medicine, and weaves in elements from other integrative healing disciplines. - Learn More
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Absolutely!
Dr. Matt offers weekly Dhyāna - Group Meditation Sessions, every Monday at 5:45pm PST. - Sign Up
Dr. Matt also offers private Mentorship. - Learn More
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Yes! We kindly request that you utilize our patient portal as your primary method of direct communication with Dr. Matt.
Policies
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In the event you find that you are unable to be present for your appointment, please contact us at least 72 hours in advance to reschedule or cancel so that we may make that appointment available to other patients in need of care. Rescheduling and canceling appointments can only be done independently without support up to 72 hours before your appointment start time. It is your responsibility to provide 72 hour notice through Practice Better to cancel, reschedule, or change sessions. Under urgent circumstances, exceptions will be made to this policy on a case-by-case basis. You will only need to contact us to reschedule or cancel an appointment after the 72 hour mark prior to your scheduled appointment via both phone and email.
If you need to cancel or reschedule your scheduled appointment to a more suitable day/time that for you, simply click the 'Need to reschedule?' button in your session confirmation email to make this change at your convenience;
OR
access your Practice Better patient portal, navigate to My Resources -> Bookings, and click the 'Reschedule' button to the right of the session listed.
A non-refundable fee of $137.50 will be charged for:Appointments cancelled or rescheduled with less than 72 hours notice
No-show appointments
Late arrivals that result in appointment cancellation
This fee is separate from and cannot be applied toward future appointments or services.
Emergency situations will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and must be communicated to The Buddha's Medicine via both email and phone.
If you're late by 15 or more minutes into your scheduled appointment and have not contacted us to determine if we can accommodate you, you will be listed as a no-show and will need to reschedule/cancel your appointment. In the event that you are late to an appointment and are still seen, you will be responsible for the full length of the appointment beginning at your scheduled appointment start time.
All of these fees cannot/will not be billed to insurance, and are entirely the Patient's responsibility.
If a Patient reschedules/cancels themselves or at our request 3+ consecutive appointments and/or no-shows 3+ consecutive times within a 9month period the patient will not be scheduled again, until they speak directly with the practice Manager. The Manager will work with the patient’s provider to decide if the patient may return to our practice. The Manager will notify the patient of the final decision. If the patient is discharged from the practice, an email with or without a referral to another provider will be sent to the patient's email on file.
To reschedule:
- Access your Patient Portal
- Access your appointment confirmation email -
Please click here to review our Privacy Policy.
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Please click here to review our Terms & Conditions.
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Yes!
We kindly request that you utilize our patient portal as your primary method of communication with us.
While email and text messaging are still available options, we encourage you to take advantage of the benefits offered by our patient portal first.
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Questions For Dr. Matt: regarding plan of care, updates, successes, requested changes, lab & imaging results, and other non-emergency clinical questions.
Questions For the Practice Manager: regarding administration (scheduling, policies, processes, etc.)
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For anything that's considered a medical emergency, please dial 911.
Any clinical / medical questions should be directed to Dr. Matt, not the Practice Manager. Please do not send any urgent matters to the Practice Manager.
Services / Treatment
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The Buddha's Medicine is distinguished by being lead by Dr. Matt Van Auken, a fully qualified medical doctor who combines Western and Ayurvedic medicine, compared to lay Ayurvedic practitioners with only certificate training. Dr. Matt holds an MD with triple board certification, an MPH, and 15 years of Ayurvedic study, enabling him to offer comprehensive medical services including testing, diagnosis, and medication management that lay Ayurvedic practitioners legally cannot provide. - Learn More
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Our approach integrates multiple healing modalities—modern bioscientific medicine, Ayurvedic medicine, lifestyle medicine, and preventative approaches—under one roof with a consistently available healthcare provider. This integration creates both clinical and financial efficiency for our patients. As a triple board-certified physician with extensive training in both conventional and Ayurvedic medicine, Dr. Matt brings a unique perspective that allows for comprehensive care in one place, rather than requiring separate appointments with multiple specialists.
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No, Ayurveda a non-religious medical system despite common misconceptions. It originated from Vedic philosophy but is non-denominational. - Learn More
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Root-cause medicine focuses on identifying and addressing the fundamental causes of health issues rather than merely managing symptoms. While this approach may require more investment upfront, it often proves more economical over time. When only symptoms are treated, they tend to recur or evolve into different manifestations of the same underlying imbalance, leading to ongoing medication costs, repeated doctor visits, and potentially more invasive treatments later. By addressing root causes, we work toward sustainable healing that can reduce your long-term healthcare expenses and dependency on the medical system.
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Rather than paying for separate appointments with multiple specialists (a primary care physician, nutritionist, wellness coach, alternative medicine practitioner, etc.), you receive comprehensive, integrated care in one place. This approach not only provides better continuity of care but can also be more cost-effective in the long run. Many of our patients find that their overall healthcare costs decrease significantly after addressing the root causes of their concerns.
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We encourage you to contact us directly to discuss how we can help with your specific health concerns or conditions.
For prospective/new patients, your condition can be discussed during a scheduled FREE consultation with Dr. Matt.
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The Buddha’s Medicine is not presently offering primary care services, though there are plans to add a direct primary care offering in the future. Stay tuned!
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Yes, we actually specialize in working with complex cases. We lovingly refer to our complex cases as "medical misfits" - those are individuals whose needs haven't been met through conventional medical systems.
We welcome patients who have:
Multiple conditions or diagnoses
Unclear diagnoses
Multiple sensitivities
Previous unsuccessful treatment experiences
Extensive medical records
Complex health histories
Distrust of conventional treatment options
And more.
Learn More about our approach to complex cases.
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Through the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, Dr. Matt maintains an active medical license in multiple states and can often obtain additional state licenses quickly if needed. Please book a cost-free, 15-minute Consultation with Dr. Matt to discuss further. - Learn More
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Our multi-state licensing allows many patients to maintain continuity of care even when moving between states. If you're planning to relocate, please discuss this with Dr. Matt so he can ensure uninterrupted care. - Learn More
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No. At this time, we are unable to assume prescribing duties for any medications.
We do not offer ongoing prescription services for chronic medications or controlled substances.
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Yes, we contract through Evexia for wholesale labs: Evexia works primarily with LabCorp.
Labs ordered through The Buddha's Medicine are a separate out-of-pocket expense.
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We understand this common frustration, and also that lab results only tell a small part of a person's health story. Our practice goes beyond reviewing standard lab results by:
Investigating underlying patterns
Taking a careful and complete history, knowing that this tells us much more about you than your lab results
Considering how various systems in your body interact
Looking carefully at lifestyle and environmental factors
Addressing root causes rather than just symptoms
Believing your story and taking your lived experience seriously
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Yes. Dr. Matt is multi-state license & is a member of the IMLC.
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Yes! We provide virtual Telemedicine/Telehealth appointments, as well as in-person/in-office appointments.
We offer telehealth both locally in Oregon and Washington, and to most states nation-wide.
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If you are in or traveling to the Portland, OR area, then yes!
Dr. Matt works old fashioned-style out of his home office, taking both in-person and telehealth visits.
Home visit options for the Portland, OR metro area are also now available!
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There is ample, no-cost street parking on our block and on adjacent blocks. Pick the nearest available spot!
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Your individualized care plan will include lifestyle prescriptions, suggestions for pertinent laboratory tests, herbal medicine and supplement recommendations, and more. Dr. Matt may recommend reviewing or modifying medications that you might be taking in concert with your prescribers. A follow-up plan will also be included.
Please note: at this time, we are unable to assume prescribing duties for medications, and are not yet ordering lab tests directly. We are also not providing primary care services - yet.
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Unlike conventional practices that rush through 15-20 minute visits, we provide extended appointment times of 1hr to 3hrs to ensure your concerns are thoroughly addressed and you receive the attention you deserve.
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This depends on several factors, including the complexity of your condition and how long you have had it. It will also depend on how much time, energy, and attention you’re willing to devote to your plan of care. On our end, we can promise a dynamic and evolving plan of care based on what suggestions you find simplest to implement, and how you respond.
In general, care plans are oriented toward achieving clinical improvement over 2-3 months, but most people start seeing notable improvement within the first few weeks.
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Genuine integrative care is not and should not be just for the wealthy. Most of our patients are working and middle class people who want to improve their health and feel their best.
Currently, our base rate is $200/hour.
However, if this feels out of reach, we encourage you to be in touch! We are virtually always able to work out a payment rate that works for you and for us. We do everything we can to make our care affordable to the average person. Appointments
Please review our the Appointments page for more detailed information.
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Pleas refer to our Appointments page to get scheduled.
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Your summary and care plan will be emailed to you directly following your visit.
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No. We are completely non-denominational and welcome individuals from all faith backgrounds, including those who are non-faith-based. While we recognize spirituality can be important in healing for some, we never impose specific beliefs and only incorporate spiritual elements if you desire.
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We are proudly:
LGBTQ+ affirming and celebratory of all gender identities, sexual orientations, and relationship styles
Neurodiversity-affirming, recognizing neurological differences as natural variations rather than deficits
Welcoming to people of all faiths and spiritual backgrounds
Respectful of all lifestyle choices and personal preferences
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Yes, absolutely! Our practice celebrates neurodiversity, and Dr. Matt himself is neurodivergent. We understand how to adapt our care approach to support different cognitive styles and needs.
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We maintain a judgment-free environment where your lifestyle choices are respected. Whether you're a night owl or early bird, vegan or omnivore, we work with you to find solutions that align with your personal preferences and values.
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Spiritual elements are optional, never imposed, and secular alternatives are available. Treatment plans respect individual beliefs and values. - Learn More
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No. We are completely non-denominational and welcome individuals from all faith backgrounds, including those who are non-faith-based. While we recognize spirituality can be important in healing for some, we never impose specific beliefs and only incorporate spiritual elements if you desire.
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Our approach to plant-based Ayurvedic medicine involves ensuring proper nutrition with attention to supplements like B12 and vitamin D, tailoring dietary recommendations to each patient's constitution and preferences, using plant-based Ayurvedic treatments, and supporting patients who choose to transition to a plant-based diet without pressuring those who aren't interested. - Learn More
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We are proudly neuro-affirming and have designed our practice with neurodiversity in mind. Accommodation options include:
Flexible appointment durations and formats
Multiple communication options (written, verbal, and visual)
Sensory-conscious office design with adjustable lighting
Quiet spaces for reduced sensory input
Available fidget toys and welcome stimming
Multiple seating options for physical comfort
Clear, direct communication styles
And more.
Learn More about our approach to neurodiversity.
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We offer complimentary 15-minute consultations specifically to discuss whether our approach is right for you. During this time, we can discuss not only your health needs but also explore financial arrangements that might work for your situation. This conversation helps both of us determine if our integrated approach to healthcare aligns with your needs and goals. - Get Scheduled
Payments & Insurance
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The Buddha's Medicine is a direct-payment practice. This means that we do not accept payments from any insurance plan of any kind.
Payment plans and superbills are available, and HSA/FSA funds are accepted.
Our goal is to interact and interface with all of our patients directly, without any insurance or other middleman gatekeeping.
We can provide a superbill for out-of-network reimbursement, upon request.
For Medicare recipients, our services do not qualify as covered benefits. If you are a Medicare recipient and wish to work with Dr. Matt, we will provide you with an advance beneficiary notice (ABN) form to document that our services are not covered.
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For Medicare recipients, our services do not qualify as covered benefits. If you are a Medicare recipient and wish to work with Dr. Matt, we will provide you with an advance beneficiary notice (ABN) form to document that our services are not covered.
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The insurance model restricts the quality and depth of care we can provide. Insurance companies typically incentivize brief appointments focused on single complaints, which contradicts our holistic approach. They require using narrowly-applicable western diagnosis codes and payment-limiting procedure codes. By operating outside this system, we can offer longer, more comprehensive appointments that explore the full complexity of your health and provide personalized treatment plans addressing root causes rather than symptoms alone.
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Yes, potentially. While we don't bill insurance directly, we provide detailed superbills that you can submit to your insurance company for potential out-of-network reimbursement. Many of our patients have successfully received partial reimbursement through this process. During your free consultation, we can discuss this option in more detail. - Get Scheduled
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We can provide a superbill for out-of-network reimbursement, upon request for patients with private insurance plans.
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We offer several options to make our care more accessible:
Payment Plans: For established patients facing financial constraints, we offer flexible payment plans that can spread costs over time.
Free Consultations: We provide complimentary 15-minute consultations to discuss whether our approach is right for you, including conversations about financial arrangements.
HSA/FSA Acceptance: Many of our services qualify for payment through Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts.
Superbills for Insurance Reimbursement: We provide detailed superbills that you can submit to your insurance company for potential out-of-network reimbursement.
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We are virtually always able to work out a payment rate that works for you and for us. We do everything we can to make our care affordable to the average person.
Payment plans are also available.
Please review our the Appointments page for more detailed information.
We also encourage you to get in touch with us!
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Yes, HSA/FSA funds are accepted.
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Yes, payment plans are offered to established patients.
For prospective/new patients, payment plan options can be discussed during a scheduled FREE consultation with Dr. Matt.
Payment plans are a courtesy extended to patients in need, and approval is subject to the discretion of The Buddha’s Medicine. We also encourage our patients to explore alternative payment options from all reasonable available sources, such as using available HSA funds, credit, loans, or financial assistance programs, whenever applicable.
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We believe that financial barriers should not prevent people from accessing transformative care. If financial constraints are preventing you from seeking care with us, we encourage you to reach out. As we emphasize to every prospective patient: We will always do the best we can to make services sustainably available to you. While we can't guarantee we can accommodate every financial situation, we promise to try our best to find a solution that works for you. - Contact Us
