H O W I T A L L B E G A N
Integrative Family Medicine of IowaMedicine is a business. On one level, we all know that, but even while we acknowledge that medical practices and providers need to make money, there’s a lot more at stake. As patients, we want to trust our providers because we are, quite literally, betting our lives on their advice. We also want to be treated with dignity, not restricted by either prejudice or profitability. |
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That’s what brought Sarah Lee, a Nurse Practitioner with experience in several specialities who wanted more for her patients than traditional practice offered, together with Kara Dobelis Pohren, a Nurse Practitioner with critical care experience who endured her own inefficiently addressed heath challenges, with a common idea. They envisioned a medical-complementary, or integrative, medical practice that would provide care employing all of the techniques, both of traditional medicine and medical techniques considered ‘natural’, into one place. They also wanted a practice where they could spend time listening to their patients, where patients were never shamed or shunned. As nurses, they grew into their careers by building relationships with patients and wanted to freely exercise those talents. |
So they built Integrative Family Medicine, where their practice is autonomous, that is, free of medical big-business intervention. Their practice is also transparent and communicative. Appointments are twice as long and patients know up front what they will pay. It is also, as their name proclaims, integrative, including wellness, nutrition, weight management, mental health, IV and electro-therapy, sexual health, and health coaching. Their process approaches a problem with “Yes, and...” rather than “No, but.”
In the end, IFM treats people, not conditions. And was the Des Moines community waiting for them? Indeed they were. Their enthusiastic welcome and subsequent growth speaks for itself.
In the end, IFM treats people, not conditions. And was the Des Moines community waiting for them? Indeed they were. Their enthusiastic welcome and subsequent growth speaks for itself.
FAQ
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What is Integrative Medicine?
Integrative Medicine is healing-oriented medicine that takes account of the whole person, including all aspects of lifestyle. It emphasizes the therapeutic relationship between practitioner and patient, is informed by evidence, and makes use of all appropriate therapies, traditional and non-traditional. We often say that we bridge the gap between traditional and functional medicine, because we treat common medical conditions with new, effective therapies not commonly found in your regular doctor’s office.
How do I become a patient here?
We are always accepting new patients! You can book your appointment online through the ‘book appointment’ button (it takes less than a minute) or you can call our office at 515-218-1399. We request for ease of booking, to use the online booking feature. If you call the office and we don’t answer, we are likely with a patient or on the other line or checking a patient in. Please leave us a message!
WHAT IS YOUR INTAKE PROCESS?
New patients should call the office or book a new appointment online through our website. 1-2 days prior to your appointment, you will receive an online check in form from our electronic medical record. Please fill that out thoroughly, as it helps us prepare for your visit. If you have records to transfer to us, you will find a record release form on our website under the menu "Patient Forms". Fill that out and email it to us prior to your visit so that we can request your records. Bring your insurance card or email us a copy of it prior to your visit to save time.
Please arrive on time or a few minutes prior to your appointment. We have parking available right outside the door with ground level entry. Do you take my insurance?
Yes, we take insurance! We are able to bill in network services with Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, Medicare, Humana, Cigna, Tricare, Iowa Totalcare and State of Iowa Title XIX plans. To see if we are covered by your insurance, please call your insurance company and use the practice name “Integrative Family Medicine of Iowa”. Please note, our cash prices for services are only honored at the time of the service. If you choose to have your insurance billed, you may have a higher cost than our cash prices depending on your insurance plan.
Why Choose us as your Primary Care Provider?
We can fully serve all your health needs at all stages of life and in all situations, when you are well or when you feel sick. We listen to your story because we make the time to do it and can treat you in many situations, with methods you won’t find in traditional doctors’ offices, and we can also refer you should that be the best course. We treat sensitive situations with tact and confidentiality, keeping your needs, both physical and emotional, in mind. We are not affiliated with any major health system, so when referrals are needed, you will not feel pressured to go with any particular system or provider. We know that building a trusting, long-term relationship with your provider is important, as is finding primary care medical treatment locally, because we share the same community as you do.
Do I have to book a new patient visit to get an IV Infusion?
No! You can book this service at any time and our nurse will evaluate you. If questions arise, she will ask the medical provider that is in the office prior to proceeding.
What is your Cancellation/No Show/Reschedule policy?
IFM Cancellation/No Show/Reschedule policy (Effective April 1, 2022): Patients can cancel an appointment up to 2 days (48 hours) prior to their appointment. Any cancellation within the 48 hour period is subject to a $99 cancellation fee. Any no-show from a patient without communication between the office and the patient prior to the scheduled appointment will result in a $99 no-show fee. Repeated cancellations and no-show patients may be restricted from future bookings.
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How can I Join your Community as a staff member or provider?
IFM Providers are independent contractors and IFM manages the operational setup for our team, including marketing and outreach strategy. The Join Our Community Section will guide you through the process of application.
What is IV Therapy?
Intravenous therapy is a safe and effective way of delivering vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, botanicals, amino acids and other nutrients to the body. IV therapy allows more nutrients to be administered, and at higher concentrations than would normally be achieved with oral supplementation. This is especially helpful in individuals with reduced absorption or depletion due to illness.
Do You Require Pediatric Vaccinations?
IFM treats all patients. You and your family make your own medical decisions and our providers work with you whatever you decide regarding vaccinations and give non-judgemental evidence-based advice accordingly.
Who Can Be treated?
Everyone. Men. Women. Children. Infants. Elderly. Well visits or sick. Mental or Physical. In the office, virtual visits, or at home
What if I need a Specialist?
This is a patient decision. We have relationships with specialists, but no formal affiliations with any large medical systems. If you need a specialist in your health care insurance network, we will help find one
What does insurance cover?
Insurance can be used to cover the provider visit and at times may be used for hydration services. In order to determine this, you must first be seen as a new patient. You must pay cash or use your HSA or FSA account to purchase supplements, most IV therapies, and injections.
How do I access the Patient Portal?
Click here to visit our our Patient Portal page.
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