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Dr. Crystal Abernathy, ND
Abernathy Naturopathic Family Health Care
Charlotte
NC
28269
US
(704)562-9705
drcrystal@abernathynd.com
 
  Welcome to Abernathy Naturopathic Family Health Care! This is the website of Dr. Crystal Abernathy, ND (Naturopathic Physician)

Naturopathic Medicine is an all-natural form of health care which uses nutrition and herbs instead of drugs and surgery. Naturopathic care is helpful for just about any condition or disease. Many people prefer to use natural treatments, but are confused by all the conflicting information they find in books and on the internet. My goals are to help you understand your disease or condition, find the root cause, and formulate an assessment and natural treatment plan designed just for you. In some cases, naturopathic care will need to be combined with medical care, but improving your diet and nutritional state will actually help the medical treatments to work better!

Some of the most common conditions I see are: allergies, menstrual problems and PMS, migraines, depression and anxiety, stomach problems, obesity, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, infertility, recurrent infections, chronic yeast infections, hepatitis C, arthritis, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, cervical dysplasia, thyroid problems, toxicity, and sleep problems.

This is my 9th year of practice & I would be happy to put my experience and expertise in the field of natural medicine to work for you & your health. Testimonials from my patients are available upon request.

A typical patient is one who has been prescribed a medication for a common condition, but can't take it because of the side effects. Many people are looking for safe and effective alternatives to drugs and surgery, and that's where naturopathic medicine comes in! Many people are also interested in establishing a relationship with me for prevention & screening purposes, in order to take a proactive approach to their health, while it is still good.

Below please find a summary of my education, services, and fees. If you are interested in becoming a patient, please contact me via email or phone.

EDUCATION

Medical School

Degree: Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (N.D.)

The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, 1999.

This 4-year course of study consisted of over 4000 hours of classroom and hands-on clinical experience. The first year is very similar to conventional medical school, with the study of the basic medical sciences: anatomy, biochemistry, pathology, microbiology, physiology, etc. The second and third years continue with the study of medical science, and add the scientific study of natural treatments in nutrition, botanical (herbal) medicine, homeopathy, etc. The last full year is spent seeing patients in the clinic, supervised by licensed Naturopathic Doctors (N.D.s).

Confirmation: (416) 498-1255; you may also visit www.ccnm.edu (maiden name: McLaughlin)

Undergraduate

Degree: Bachelor of Arts.

University of North Carolina, 1988.

Double Major in Psychology and English Literature.

Honors program, graduated Magna Cum Laude.

Confirmation: (704) 547-2000 (maiden name: McLaughlin)

CAREER HISTORY

1999-2000: Private practice in Wilmington, NC.

2000-2001: Worked as a consulting staff physician and lecturer for Great Smokies Diagnostic Laboratory in Asheville, NC.

2003: Published a chapter on Urinary Tract Infections as a contributing writer in The Anti-Pain Plan.

2001-2008: Private practice in Charlotte, NC (my hometown).

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

AANP (American Association of Naturopathic Physicians) is a national organization of NDs who are graduates of accredited 4-year naturopathic medical schools.

NCANP (North Carolina Association of Naturopathic Physicians) is a state organization of NDs who are graduates of accredited 4-year naturopathic medical schools. We are working on legislation to get licensing for NDs in NC (14 other states already have licensing).

SERVICES

My services begin by taking a thorough case history of your present illness, as well as your entire medical history. First, I will mail you an intake form. My intake forms tend to be much more thorough than your typical medical intake.

I also ask for a 7-day diet diary, to give me an idea of the strengths and weaknesses of your current diet. After you mail that back to me and I have reviewed it, we will start with an initial consultation which usually lasts 2-3 hours. I will ask you to bring with you to your appointment all the drugs, vitamins, minerals, and herbs that you are currently taking so that I may review them for quality and potential interactions. After I have a thorough grasp of your case, I will make an assessment and treatment recommendations. These may consist of nutritional supplementation, dietary changes, or herbal medicine specific to your state of health. I may also recommend homeopathy, and lifestyle changes (exercise, stress reduction, etc.). I will be very specific about what to take, including dosages and forms (i.e., capsules, tablets, or liquids). I can provide professional quality supplements for you at a reasonable price or you may obtain them elsewhere, if they are available.

Follow-up appointments are variable, depending on your individual needs. A typical patient will have monthly visits for 3-6 months, then on an as needed basis, since your condition is usually vastly improved within that timeframe.

TESTING

I can do all blood tests that MDs do (billed through your insurance), in addition to saliva, urine, & stool testing for reproductive hormones, adrenal hormones, yeast & bacterial issues, vitamin levels, and heavy metals, etc.

FEES

The initial consultation lasts 2-3 hours, and is $175.

Follow-up visits last about half an hour, and are $75.

Supplement costs vary, depending on individual needs.

PAYMENT

Cash, checks, debit cards and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover & American Express) are all accepted.

INSURANCE

In most cases, insurance will not cover my services. However, this may change after NC becomes a licensed state for NDs. Sometimes BlueCrossBlueShield and other flex plans cover NDs. Please contact your insurance company, and ask for their policy in writing.

LOCATION

My office is located in the University area of north Charlotte. The location is convenient to both I-85 and I-77.

I hope that this has answered all of your questions. I look forward to working with you, and acting as a guide for you to move towards a healthier you.

Warmly,

Dr. Crystal Abernathy, N.D.