Question 1

What is the first appointment like with Dr. Rachel Winstedt, ND?

Accepted Answer

Your first appointment with Dr. Rachel typically lasts 90 minutes. Dr. Rachel will conduct an in-depth interview to discuss current health challenges and health goals, as well as review your past medical history. If you have provided recent labs and imaging reports these may be discussed if relevant to your health concerns.

New patient visits also discuss your diet, sleep, activity level and lifestyle. Dr. Rachel is extensively trained to use a comprehensive health history to help identify the cause of the illness, which is why the first visit is so long. The doctor will also perform physical exams related to your health concerns and needs. After a discussion about labs and current supplements, a customized treatment plan is presented to the patient with specific recommendations on diet, herbal medicines, supplements, and medications if indicated.

Question 2

How should I prepare for my first visit?

Accepted Answer

Fill out your patient intake forms securely online through our patient portal. We will email you a link to set up your patient portal after you have scheduled your new patient visit. These forms are comprehensive, so please expect to take some time filling them out fully so that we may provide you with the best possible care. Please fill out your forms 48 hours before your first visit.

If you have not received your patient portal login by email, please call 206.291.6543 and let me know.

Your First Appointment is in-depth and comprehensive. In order to deliver the best care we recommend you bring the following to your first appointment:
 • Recent lab work and imaging studies (blood tests, urine, saliva tests, etc.) and relevant medical notes (HIPAA requirements mandate that copies of tests and notes from other physicians can only be released with your written request).
 • Nutritional supplement bottles you are currently taking (name of product, brand and how you are taking it (ex. 2 caps at breakfast and 2 caps at lunch).
 • Information or the prescription bottles for medications you are currently taking or have taken in the recent past.
 • List of symptoms, concerns, and questions.

Question 3

How frequently will I see the doctor?

Accepted Answer

The frequency of your follow up visits with Dr. Rachel will varies greatly depending on the complexity of your case and how quickly you are looking to improve your health challenges. During follow-up visits Dr. Rachel will re-assess your progress, talk about the changes in your health and symptoms, review new lab results, and further tailor your treatment plan to obtain your health goals.  As your health improves, the visits typically become less frequent.

Question 4

Why are follow-up visits necessary?

Accepted Answer

During your follow up visit, Dr. Rachel will review your health concerns, discuss the most recent treatment plan, discuss any new lab results, diet, or lifestyle goals, and make necessary changes and improvements on the treatment plan.

Dr. Rachel works to treat the cause of your illness and prevent future disease which takes more than a single visit. Patients are responsible for implementing the highly effective natural therapies in their lives and many times thrive with the additional support follow-up visits provide.

Question 5

How do I become a patient?

Accepted Answer

Becoming a patient starts with contacting me to set up a Discovery Call!

You can book directly through the website:

Or contact me with any questions:

Question 6

Do I have to discontinue my prescription medications?

Accepted Answer

No. Dr. Rachel believes that there are no bad therapies, just therapies that fail to be appropriate for patients. Dr. Rachel prescribes pharmaceuticals as appropriate for her patients care but focuses on treating the cause of a patient’s illness with safe, highly effective natural therapies. Supplement safety is a priority for Dr. Rachel and all her treatment plans are checked for drug-herb-nutrient reactions.

Naturopathic medicine can safely be integrated into a patient’s treatment plan and co-exist alongside prescriptions in support of a patient’s health goals

Question 7

Do you prescribe medications?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Dr. Rachel prescribes pharmaceutical and compounded medications as appropriate to her patients.

Question 8

What conditions do you treat?

Accepted Answer

• Allergies and sensitivities to foods and seasonal allergies
 • Digestive issues- gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, SIBO
 • Hormonal imbalances- perimenopause, menopause, adrenal fatigue, thyroid disease
 • Obesity—dietary and metabolic causes
 • Stress-related conditions
 • Insomnia
 • Fatigue
 • Nutrient Deficiencies
 • Anemia
 • Chronic fatigue syndrome
 • Diabetes—type 2
 • Metabolic Syndrome
 • High blood pressure
 • Mental health concerns (depression, anxiety)
 • Headaches
 • Autoimmune conditions (thyroid disease, lupus, multiple sclerosis)
 • ADHD
 • Chronic skin conditions—eczema, psoriasis, acne
 • Chronic infections
 • Biotoxin illnesses include mold exposure
 • Mast Cell Activation Syndrome
 • Environmental Medicine- mycotoxins, heavy metals, multiple chemical sensitivities

Frequently Asked Questions

“Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.”