FAQ

1. What is a nurse practitioner?

A nurse practitioner (NP) is a registered nurse with advanced academic and clinical experience, which enables him or her to diagnose and manage most common and many chronic illnesses, either independently or as part of a health care team. A nurse practitioner provides some care previously offered only by physicians and in most states has the ability to prescribe medications. Working in collaboration with a physician, a nurse practitioner provides high-quality and individualized care for the lifespan of patient’s special needs.

Nurse practitioners are educated through programs that grant either a certificate or a master’s degree. A registered nurse is recommended to have extensive clinical experience before applying to a nurse practitioner program. An intensive preceptorship under the direct supervision of a physician or an experienced nurse practitioner, as well as instruction in nursing theory, are key components to most NP programs.

2. How long does an initial appointment take?

Initial consultations are no less than 1 hour. Carrie feels this is necessary to get a complete history and understanding about client’s mental, physical, emotional and personal well-being. Together, you will both determine a plan of action to get you feeling healthy and balanced.

3. Do you take insurance?

Carrie does accept most insurances for the office visits, please call for additional information. Unfortunately, she does not accept Medicare or Medicaid.
Because Carrie practices integrative, holistic medicine, there may be other specialty testing required, such as saliva or urine testing that most insurances will not recognize or reimburse. In this case, a superbill can be provided for you to submit on your own.

4. How can I make an appointment?

Please contact Boulder Integrative Health at (303) 459-4875 with additional questions and to make your initial appointment.

Thanks you for your interest and we look forward to meeting with you soon!

Carrie Ballas, FNP