Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing a medical practice is an important decision.

These questions help explain how our approach works and what you can expect as a patient.

Do you accept insurance?

We are a cash-pay medical practice, which allows us to spend more time with patients and practice relationship-based, integrative care without insurance restrictions.

That said, insurance may still be used for labs, imaging, or prescriptions, depending on the test and your plan. We provide documentation when appropriate so patients can submit claims directly to their insurance We’re always transparent about what is and isn’t insurance-eligible. This model gives patients flexibility while keeping care personalized and unhurried.

How do I get started?

We begin with a connection or discovery visit to understand your goals and determine whether AIM is the right fit. From there, we guide you into the most appropriate level of care without pressure.

Do you replace my primary care doctor?

For many patients, AIM serves as their main point of care. For others, we work alongside existing providers. Our role is flexible and collaborative, and we help coordinate care so nothing feels fragmented or confusing.

What kinds of concerns do you help with?

We commonly support people with:

• Fatigue, burnout, and chronic stress
• Blood sugar instability and metabolic concerns
• Digestive, gut, and immune issues
• Hormonal imbalance and sleep disruption
• Chronic pain, inflammation, and movement dysfunction
• Brain fog, mood changes, and cognitive concerns

We also work with people who want to optimize health, resilience, and longevity, even if nothing feels “wrong.”

Integrative medicine combines the best of conventional medicine with a deeper understanding of how the body functions as a whole.

Rather than treating the gut, hormones, brain, immune system, and musculoskeletal system as separate parts, integrative medicine recognizes that everything is connected. Stress affects digestion. Blood sugar affects hormones. Sleep affects inflammation. Movement affects pain and nervous system health.

At AIM, we help you understand these connections and address the root causes, not just manage symptoms.

What is Anacortes Integrative Medicine (AIM)?

AIM is a relationship-based medical practice that combines conventional medical care with integrative, root-cause medicine. Instead of focusing on isolated symptoms, we look at how your body’s systems work together. Patients have a doctor who knows them and helps them understand their health over time so you can heal more effectively.

What are appointments like?

Appointments are longer, calmer, and more conversational than traditional visits. We take time to understand your history, lifestyle, stressors, movement patterns, and goals.

Education is central—you’ll leave knowing:

• What’s happening in your body
• Why certain symptoms are connected
• What steps make sense for you

Do you use medications

Yes, when appropriate. We integrate conventional medical tools with lifestyle, nutritional, movement, and nervous system support. Medications are used thoughtfully—not as the only solution, and not without addressing underlying contributors.

Why do you use a membership model?</h3

Our membership model allows us to:

• Spend more time with each patient
• Offer proactive, ongoing support
• Reduce rushed visits and reactive care

This creates better outcomes and a more human, relationship-based healthcare experience.