Frequently Asked Questions

General

Why can’t my doctor help me with a more
nutritional or natural approach?
Conventional medicine is a disease-oriented science and the training is almost entirely limited to disease management. Pharmaceutical companies have funded much of the research which medical training is based on. Insurance companies have limited physicians who work with them by reimbursing for only certain procedures or medications. Conventionally trained physicians are highly skilled in emergency medicine and disease management. But they have little experience in other, more fundamental (or functional) health management.

What kind of success is possible with
Dakota Medical’s approach?
This depends on several factors including the diagnosis, results of laboratory tests and the motivation of the individual patient. For example, many cases of irritable bowel syndrome respond to significant dietary modifications, but not everyone is willing to do this.

Does Dakota Medical Clinic treat cancer?
We do not offer any cancer treatments. We do work with people who have cancer to support their nutritional status. This may help their general health or help them tolerate conventional cancer therapies, but it should only be considered supportive.

Financial/Insurance

What payment options does
Dakota Medical Clinic accept?
All patients receiving care pay in full at the time of service. We do not submit claims to any insurance companies, including Medicare. Credit cards, checks and cash are accepted. We do not have a sliding fee scale, though we offer Medicare recipients a discount on doctor appointments.

How much will it cost to see Dr. Dole?
Dr. Dole spends an hour with each new patient and half an hour for most subsequent visits. Some patients do not require any lab testing while others need a lot. Therefore, it is difficult to estimate expenses before you are seen. You can help reduce your costs by bringing copies of your previous lab test results and office visits.

Why doesn’t Dakota Medical Clinic bill
my insurance company?
Because services provided are, in many cases, different than those most physicians offer. Some insurance companies take the position of calling our services experimental and reduce or deny payment. This may happen even though nutritional principles are scientifically proven in medical biochemistry and physiology textbooks.

Will my insurance company cover the costs of
care at Dakota Medical Clinic?
This is unpredictable. Some insurers reimburse some or all costs. Some do not cover any services. We will not be able to tell you if your care will be covered.