1. What is integrative medicine?

Integrative medicine is a practice that integrates different approaches to health and wellness in an effort to provide maximum therapeutic benefits for patients. We utilize the most effective modern Western medical methods along with traditional Native American and ancient Eastern medicine, combining physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual healing. Integrative medicine also sees the mind, body, spirit and emotions as a whole, and does not treat one without consideration of the rest.

2. Is integrative medicine experimental?

No. In modern Western medicine, patients typically see a number of different specialists and undergo a variety of treatments simultaneously, but independent of each other. Our institute simply expands on this proven method — our team of specialists uses a wider range of methods to treat patients, and coordinates these diverse treatments to maximize benefit and prevent negative interactions and counter effects.

3. What is the philosophy of Next Step® Institute?

We believe in optimal wellness — the state of living life at its highest emotional, physical, spiritual and intellectual level. Whether you seek relief from a chronic physical or emotional condition, or are relatively healthy and looking to strengthen your mind-body connection and overall wellness, we are dedicated to helping you take your health to the Next Step®.

In the words of Mayo Clinic founder Dr. William Mayo, “The best interest of the patient is the only interest to be considered.” There are no “cookie cutter” programs at Next Step® Institute — every course of treatment is created for the specific needs of each patient.

As an institute, we are dedicated to bringing together top professionals from a range of fields to develop innovative programs based on the most sophisticated research and understanding of human health and wellness. This spirit of daily discovery and clinical excellence are key to our revolutionary model of healthcare.

4. At Next Step® Institute, will I be encouraged to use only alternative medicine?

Generally, no. We would never recommend abandoning a proven modern treatment for the sole use of alternative medicine. However, we do believe there are many natural, nutritional, spiritual and energetic alternatives that can safely and effectively enhance health and well-being, alone or as part of a traditional treatment program. These approaches are often overlooked or dismissed by conventional medicine.

On the flip side, we have also seen instances in which alternative medicine can be used counter-effectively. We believe that all substances put into our bodies can cause a change in our health condition, and therefore should be considered and monitored as any medicine would be. As part of your thorough medical assessment, we will review all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, natural remedies and nutritional supplements to ensure you are not experiencing harmful side effects either from individual therapies or their interaction.

5. I've been to some of the best medical offices in the country. How is yours different?

One of the remarkable differences is the amount of time you will spend with doctors at Next Step® Institute--something we believe is sorely lacking in healthcare today. You will spend at least one hour every day with a doctor who listens and understands your issues and medical history, which can be a therapeutic experience in itself. In addition, our team approach means that all staff members work together to diagnose and treat you. Finally, there is our medical director Dr. Weiss, who was trained at Mayo Clinic, where it is common to treat patients with difficult problems that have not been successfully diagnosed and treated elsewhere.

Since 1982, Next Step® Institute has been on the cutting edge of healthcare by studying difficult conditions that are inadequately treated by existing systems, and developing innovative programs to address the needs of those patients.

6. Is the Next Step® program right for me?

With our stressful modern lifestyles, anyone could greatly benefit from nurturing therapies and personal growth at Next Step® Institute. But it can be lifesaving for those whose physical or emotional illnesses prevent them from living the happy, fulfilling lives they deserve. We can help these patients reclaim their bodies and minds, achieve optimal wellness and start living life to its fullest. If you are open to improving your health and well-being, our program is right for you.

7. Will you coordinate my treatment with my doctors at home?

Prior to your visit, our staff will thoroughly study your medical and personal history in order to prepare the best possible treatment solutions. At the end of your stay, we will send a summary of the treatment you received at Next Step® Institute to your doctors as well as recommendations for an ongoing treatment plan that you and our team have created together. We are always happy to speak with your healthcare providers if they have any questions about your treatment with us.

8. What if I have a medical emergency while I'm at Next Step® Institute?

The Vail Valley Medical Center, located within five minutes of our facility, is capable of handling most medical emergencies. Next Step® Institute medical director, Dr. Weiss, serves on the Medical Center’s staff. Keep in mind that you will be seeing our physicians on a daily basis, which will allow for an assessment of any medical problem that might show itself during the week.

9. Does Next Step® Institute recommend nutritional supplements?

Yes. Even if you eat an “ideal” diet every day (which most of us don’t), it is still extraordinarily difficult to provide all 560 trillion cells in your body with all of the nutrients and phytonutrients necessary for optimal health. Supplements provide the vitamins and minerals missing from today’s food and help the body fight toxins and function at its peak. While increased intake of vital nutrients has been shown to benefit various health challenges, supplements can improve wellness in the “healthy” person just as much—especially in the areas of energy, mental clarity, immune function and digestion. Please see Recommended Products for additional information on nutritional supplementation.

10. You mention “emotional health.” What do my emotions have to do with my health?

True wellness is achieved when there is health and balance within the mind, body and spirit. Emotional health is essential to this balance—it is what brings about true happiness. We gently work with each patient to examine emotional issues that may be contributing to your health problems, and in doing so, help lead you towards living the best, most fulfilling life you can—experiencing love, joy and purpose—despite whatever physical limitations you may face.

11. Will I be forced to do anything that I am uncomfortable with?

No. We may encourage you to try new things and consider new ideas, but we strongly believe that each patient must feel safe and secure at all times during their treatment week.

12. What if I am uncomfortable with your program's presentation of spirituality?

The spiritual aspect of our program is not a religion, does not endorse a religion and is compatible with all religions. Rather than focusing on religious beliefs, we focus on the individual spiritual connection to something outside of ourselves.

13. Can I bring my spouse or best friend with me?

Patients may bring a significant other or close friend to a Wellness Week at no extra tuition charge. We strongly believe that family and friends are very important to recovery from any illness. However, we will usually ask that accompanying members also consider their own state of wellness in order to provide healthy support for others.

14. Can I do just parts of the program?

It’s possible. We individualize each patient’s treatment protocol in every case. However, we will likely ask you to keep an open mind and at least try certain new activities. Sometimes the treatment modality that seems the least likely to be of benefit turns out to have the most life-changing impact.

15. Why don't you accept insurance?

We have witnessed the practice of medicine change drastically over the last ten years. Insurance companies dictate who gets treatment, how they are treated and which doctor they can see. We categorically reject this model of care as we do not believe it revolves around your best interest. Our treatment model puts the patient (not cost) first, and allows us to provide top quality care without insurance company restraints. We believe our model is superior to the ones insurance companies employ.

16. I can’t afford a Wellness Week. Are there any financial options?

Yes, we try to work with every patient interested in Next Step® Institute programs. There is an option to finance the cost of treatment programs through Care Credit Patient Payment Plans. For more information, please visit www.carecredit.com. Partial scholarships for Wellness Weeks are available periodically as well. Next Step® Institute is a non-profit organization, and many of our patients contribute extra money after they have gone through our program to help others receive care.

17. What if I decide not to come after I've paid my deposit?

Your deposit is refundable up to 60 days prior to your scheduled treatment week. After that time, our staff will have spent time working with you and reviewing your medical and personal histories. You may, however, transfer your deposit to another program or receive a partial refund.