August News & Updates


In This Issue:


  • Insurance updates — who’s affected & what’s next
  • A curated list of independent pharmacies
  • A special invite: Retreat Day with Dr. Sweet


🩺 Insurance Updates:


Dear Patients,


We want to share important updates about insurance coverage for some of our providers.


Providence Health Plan has decided to move coverage for Naturopathic Doctors, Licensed Acupuncturists, and Chiropractors to American Specialty Health. This change — effective September 1, 2025 — means:

  •  All services will now require prior authorization and medical necessity reviews.

  •  Reimbursement rates have been significantly reduced, making it difficult for us to continue providing care under these terms.


Because of this, the following providers will be leaving the Providence network on October 1, 2025:

  •  Dr. Melissa Kuser

  •  Dr. Sara Rapaport

  •  Dr. Sara Sentell

  •  Dr. Jessica Sweet


Dr. Signe Poquette will also leave the Providence network at a later date (TBD).


In addition, Dr. Melissa Kuser will be leaving the United Healthcare network on August 20, 2025.


After these dates, you may still see these providers, but we will be considered out-of-network. We can provide superbills for you to submit to your insurance for reimbursement or use with HSA/FSA funds.


We understand these changes come at a time when other insurance networks, including Care Oregon, are also making policy adjustments. We know this can feel overwhelming, and we’re committed to working with you to explore options — including equity-based pricing — to help maintain access to care.


While we wish these changes weren’t happening, we remain dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality care for our community. Together, we can adapt, support one another, and continue building the kind of healthcare experience we all want to see.



🌻 Supporting Independent Pharmacies:

As folks make decisions with their dollars, many have been asking about independent pharmacies they can support. Here is a list of local businesses:

1. Beaverton Pharmacy

12250 SW Canyon Rd, Beaverton, OR 97005

2. Community Compounding Pharmacy

6025 Jean Rd, Lake Oswego, OR 97035

3. Division Pharmacy

10240 NE Halsey St, Portland, OR 97220

4. Fairley’s Pharmacy

7206 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97213

5. Gateway Medical Pharmacy

1125 NE 99th Ave, Portland, OR 97220

6. Lecare Pharmacy

1619 NE 42nd Ave, Portland, OR 97213

7. Lloyd Central Compounding Pharmacy

2606 NE Broadway, Portland, OR 97232

8. NewEra Pharmacy

1286 SE Holgate Blvd Ste. C2, Portland, OR 97202

9. Northwest Compounders

8505 SW Creekside Pl #110, Beaverton, OR 97008

10. Square Care Medical & Pharmacy

8600 E Mill Plain Blvd, Vancouver, WA 98664



🌙 You’re Invited: Retreat Day — Sunday, September 14


To help ease some of the transitions of this time, Dr. Jessica Sweet will be hosting a Retreat Day on Sunday, September 14th in SE Portland.


This retreat is intentionally timed to follow the eclipse the week before and the waning moon, offering a space to slow down, integrate, and anchor into new rhythms as the back-to-school energy arrives and the seasons begin to shift.


It will be a nourishing day of rest, renewal, and reconnection.


Early registration discounts are available for our patient community.


👉 Click here for full details.


As Bertolt Brecht reminded the world in 1930,

"In the dark times, will there also be singing?

Yes, there will also be singing. About the dark times".


And so, in that spirit, we’ll leave you with a reminder from Mary Oliver to notice the moments of joy, even in times of change:


“Don’t Hesitate”


If you suddenly and unexpectedly feel joy,

don’t hesitate. Give in to it. There are plenty

of lives and whole towns destroyed or about

to be. We are not wise, and not very often

kind. And much can never be redeemed.

Still, life has some possibility left. Perhaps this

is its way of fighting back, that sometimes

something happens better than all the riches

or power in the world. It could be anything,

but very likely you notice it in the instant

when love begins. Anyway, that’s often the

case. Anyway, whatever it is, don’t be afraid

of its plenty. Joy is not made to be a crumb.


— Mary Oliver