Answers to the questions patients most often ask Proactive Choice in Bend, Oregon. Answers reflect how care is delivered at the Bend clinic, which serves Bend, Redmond, Sisters, Sunriver and Deschutes County. Dr. Drew Evan Collins, B.S., N.D. is a board-certified naturopathic physician who earned his Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in 1984 and a B.S. in Biology from the University of Oregon in 1979. He was named Arizona Naturopathic Physician of the Year in 1992 and has chaired conventions for both the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians and the Arizona Association of Naturopathic Physicians. He has practiced naturopathic and integrative medicine for over 40 years. Proactive Choice is a cash-pay concierge practice and does not bill insurance.
Dr. Drew Evan Collins is a board-certified naturopathic physician (N.D.) who was born and raised in Bend, Oregon and earned his Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in 1984. He has spent over 40 years in holistic and integrative medicine and is the Owner and Director of Proactive Choice in Bend. He is a naturopathic doctor, not a medical doctor. You can read his full professional background for more detail.
Dr. Collins earned a B.S. in Biology and Comparative Religion from the University of Oregon in 1979, then his Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in 1984. He has also served as adjunct faculty at Bastyr University, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, and National College of Naturopathic Medicine.
Yes. Dr. Collins is a licensed and board-certified naturopathic physician in multiple states. He was named Arizona Naturopathic Physician of the Year in 1992 and has chaired conventions for both the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians and the Arizona Association of Naturopathic Physicians.
Proactive Choice is located at 601 NW Harmon Blvd #10 in Bend, Oregon 97703. You can reach the clinic by phone at (858) 333-5196 or by email at drdrewcollins@gmail.com. The practice serves Bend and the surrounding Central Oregon communities, including Redmond, Sisters, Sunriver, and the rest of Deschutes County. You can also send a message through the contact page.
Read more: About Dr. Drew Collins
Common symptoms of low testosterone include reduced sex drive, fatigue and low energy, loss of motivation, mood swings, increased body fat, brain fog, erectile dysfunction, and loss of muscle mass. No single symptom confirms low T on its own, because testosterone affects so many systems at once and these complaints overlap with thyroid, sleep, and stress problems. A blood test is what settles it. If several of these sound familiar, Dr. Collins recommends having your levels checked rather than assuming it is just aging. Learn more about low testosterone treatment in Bend.
A good candidate is a patient whose symptoms of low testosterone are confirmed by blood work and who has no medical condition that would make treatment unsafe. Age by itself does not decide it — Dr. Collins has provided testosterone therapy to patients ranging in age from 22 to 80, and candidacy comes from labs and symptoms considered together. If the results and your history indicate you are likely to benefit, you review the pros, cons, and alternatives with Dr. Collins and sign an informed consent form before starting. You can book a first conversation to find out.
Testing starts with a free 10-minute conversation with Dr. Collins, followed by blood work to measure your testosterone. Proactive Choice can refer you to a blood draw station, arrange a mobile phlebotomist to come to you, or work with labs ordered through your own primary care provider. Once your results are back, you have an hour-long appointment to review the labs alongside your symptoms and medical history before anything is decided. See how TRT testing works at Proactive Choice.
Evaluating low testosterone begins with a blood draw. Testosterone testing generally measures total and free testosterone, and hormone-focused providers commonly look at related hormone and metabolic markers as well, in order to understand why levels are low rather than only confirming that they are. At Proactive Choice, Dr. Collins orders the testing your case calls for and then interprets every result against your symptoms, stress, medications, diet, and exercise instead of reading a number in isolation.
Your first full appointment runs an hour and takes place after your lab results are back. Dr. Collins reviews your chief complaint and medical history, then works through the other factors that move hormones: stress, past trauma, your social environment, current medications, diet, and exercise. He goes over the pros and cons of treatment, likely and unlikely outcomes, what a conventional doctor would offer, and what happens if you take no action. If you are a suitable candidate, you sign an informed consent form and can begin a personalized testosterone plan right away.
Proactive Choice uses natural, bioidentical testosterone exclusively. Bioidentical means the molecule is structurally identical to the testosterone your body already produces, which supports better absorption and recognition by the body. Treatment can be delivered through weekly in-office injections in Bend or self-administered at home, depending on what fits your routine. See the full testosterone replacement therapy in Bend, Oregon overview.
Bioidentical testosterone is structurally identical to the hormone your body already makes, while synthetic androgens are altered molecules the body processes differently. That structural match is why bioidentical hormones are typically absorbed and used more predictably. Proactive Choice uses bioidentical testosterone only, the same principle Dr. Collins applies to bio-identical hormone replacement for estrogen, progesterone, DHEA, and thyroid hormones.
Proactive Choice offers testosterone therapy as weekly intramuscular injections, a daily transdermal cream, or oral lozenges. You can come to the Bend office each week for injections or administer treatment yourself at home, whichever fits your schedule and comfort level. Dr. Collins reviews how to use whichever method you choose before you start.
Men commonly notice the earliest changes — energy, mood, and libido — within the first several weeks, while changes in body composition such as muscle gain and fat loss generally take several months. The early weeks are usually about finding the right dose rather than seeing a final result, because dosing is adjusted over time based on repeat lab work and how you actually feel. Individual response varies, which is why the Proactive Choice TRT program is built around follow-up rather than a fixed protocol.
Testosterone replacement therapy is considered safe when it is prescribed and monitored by a licensed provider experienced in male hypogonadism. The safeguards are what matter: lab testing before you start to confirm treatment is appropriate, and repeat testing during treatment to keep levels in range. Proactive Choice offers TRT only to patients whose lab work and history indicate they are likely to benefit with minimal risk. Bring your own history and concerns to a TRT consultation in Bend so they can be reviewed directly.
Dr. Collins rechecks lab work roughly every six months while you are on testosterone therapy and adjusts your dose based on those results and your symptoms. Ongoing monitoring is what keeps levels in a healthy range instead of overshooting, and it is a standard part of responsible hormone care rather than an optional add-on.
No. Proactive Choice is a self-pay clinic and does not bill insurance for testosterone replacement therapy. There is no single price, because lab work, dosing, and delivery method differ from patient to patient. The free 10-minute conversation with Dr. Collins is the place to ask what your plan would involve; you can reach the Bend office to set that up.
Proactive Choice sees men for testosterone replacement therapy at 601 NW Harmon Blvd #10 in Bend, Oregon, and serves the surrounding Central Oregon communities of Redmond, Sisters, Sunriver, and the rest of Deschutes County. The first step is a free 10-minute conversation with Dr. Collins, followed by lab testing and a full review before any treatment begins. Call (858) 333-5196 or visit the Bend TRT clinic page for details.
The men's health program addresses erectile dysfunction, low libido, low motivation, muscle loss, stubborn weight gain, and the stress that comes with life transitions such as andropause. Dr. Collins looks at hormone balance and overall vitality rather than treating each symptom in isolation, which is why testosterone testing is often part of the workup.
Intake starts with a thorough review of your medical history, including environmental toxin exposure and past health events, plus custom blood testing to establish your baseline hormone and metabolic markers. From there, Dr. Collins builds a plan that may include hormone therapy, nutrition, and lifestyle changes. Visits take place at the Bend office and are open to patients across Central Oregon.
No. Whether hormone therapy is used depends on what your testing and history show. When it is indicated, testosterone replacement therapy may be recommended as part of a customized plan, but it is combined with diet, exercise, and lifestyle strategies rather than used alone.
Proactive Choice is a self-pay clinic, so men's health visits, labs, and any hormone therapy are not billed through insurance. Because testing and treatment plans are individualized, pricing is best discussed during your consultation. Read more about men's health care in Bend.
Read more: Men’s Health Clinic in Bend
Erectile dysfunction is usually caused by a combination of factors rather than aging alone: stress, hormonal imbalance, circulation issues, metabolic health, certain medications, and emotional well-being. Because those causes are treatable in different ways, Dr. Collins starts by identifying the reason behind your symptoms rather than moving straight to a prescription.
Options include Shockwave Therapy (GAINSWave), bioidentical testosterone therapy for low T, Ozone Therapy to support circulation, lifestyle and nutritional counseling, and advanced lab testing covering testosterone, vascular health, blood sugar, and inflammation. Botanical medicine and targeted supplements may also be part of your plan. All of it is provided at the Bend office.
Medications such as Viagra or Cialis produce a temporary effect but do not change what is causing the problem. Proactive Choice's approach uses lab testing and root-cause treatment to support longer-term sexual health instead of relying on a pill before each occasion. See the ED treatment options in Bend for the full picture.
No. Proactive Choice operates on a self-pay basis and does not bill insurance for ED treatment. Because your plan is built around your specific labs and symptoms, the therapies involved, and the cost, vary from patient to patient.
Read more: Erectile Dysfunction Treatment in Bend
Concierge medicine is a membership-based care model that gives you direct, priority access to your doctor without the usual red tape of conventional care. At Proactive Choice in Bend, that means longer visits, same- or next-day appointments, and direct communication with Dr. Collins by phone, email, or virtual consult. Read more about how the membership works.
Members get direct access to Dr. Collins, longer unrushed visits, personalized wellness plans, same- or next-day scheduling, and an annual in-depth lab review with functional testing. Concierge members also get priority access to in-office treatments such as Ozone Therapy, Procaine Neural Therapy, and IV therapy.
Concierge care tends to fit people managing chronic conditions who need ongoing follow-up, patients who want a functional or integrative approach, and families or couples looking for a coordinated wellness plan. In short, it suits anyone tired of feeling rushed through a standard appointment.
Yes. Concierge membership at Proactive Choice in Bend includes same- or next-day scheduling, so you are not waiting weeks to be seen. Members also have direct communication with Dr. Collins between visits.
No. Concierge medicine at Proactive Choice is a membership model and the clinic operates on a self-pay basis rather than billing insurance. The membership fee covers the enhanced access and longer visit times that traditional insurance-based practices typically cannot offer.
Read more: Concierge Medicine in Bend, OR
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy uses compounds derived from plant sources that are structurally identical to the hormones your body produces, such as estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, or thyroid hormones. Because they closely match what your body already makes, they can be absorbed and used with fewer side effects than some synthetic alternatives.
Common signs of hormone imbalance include fatigue, mood swings, sleep disturbances, weight gain, low libido, irregular or menopausal cycle changes, hair thinning, and brain fog. These symptoms overlap heavily with thyroid and adrenal issues, which is why Dr. Collins recommends lab testing rather than guessing from symptoms alone.
Treatment starts with comprehensive lab testing and a detailed look at your medical history, lifestyle, and health goals rather than a one-size-fits-all prescription. From there, Dr. Collins builds a plan that may combine bioidentical hormones with herbal support, nutrition, and lifestyle guidance, with regular monitoring so doses can be adjusted as your body changes. See natural hormone replacement for more.
No. Proactive Choice is a self-pay clinic and does not bill insurance for hormone therapy. Because every plan is built around your specific labs and goals, cost varies with what your treatment plan includes.
Read more: Natural Hormone Replacement
Bio-identical hormones are structured to match the hormones your body naturally produces, so the body can recognize and use them more efficiently than synthetic versions. At Proactive Choice in Bend they can be delivered as creams, pellets, patches, or gels depending on your needs. See the BHRT options available in Bend.
Many patients notice improvements in energy, sleep, and mood within the first few weeks. Reaching a fully balanced hormone state usually takes longer, because dosing is fine-tuned gradually with ongoing testing rather than set once at the start.
When monitored by a trained practitioner, bio-identical hormone therapy is considered safe and effective for many people. Proactive Choice uses FDA-approved or compounded bio-identical hormones from quality-controlled pharmacies and tracks hormone levels regularly. Side effects such as fluid retention or breast tenderness are uncommon and usually resolve with a dose adjustment.
Proactive Choice operates as a self-pay clinic, so BHRT, including hormone testing and treatment, is not billed through insurance. Cost varies with your testing and dosing plan, so it is best to ask directly during a consultation at the Bend office.
Read more: BHRT in Bend, OR
Common symptoms of hypothyroidism include persistent fatigue, unexplained weight gain, dry skin, thinning hair, brittle nails, constipation, brain fog or mood changes, irregular cycles or low libido, and cold hands and feet. You do not need every symptom to have a thyroid imbalance worth investigating.
Standard thyroid labs do not always capture the full picture, so you can feel far from your best even when TSH and other values come back within range. Dr. Collins therefore looks at a fuller panel, including Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3, and thyroid antibodies, plus related systems such as adrenal and gut health. Learn about thyroid care in Bend.
Testing typically includes a full thyroid panel — TSH, Free T3, Free T4, and Reverse T3 — along with thyroid antibodies and nutrient levels such as selenium, iron, iodine, and B12. This wider view helps identify what is actually driving your symptoms rather than relying on a single number.
Dr. Collins works to identify what may be triggering the immune overactivity behind Hashimoto's, using gut healing, food sensitivity testing, and detox support alongside nutrient and lifestyle guidance. The goal is to calm the underlying immune response, not only to replace thyroid hormone.
Read more: Hypothyroidism Care in Bend
Prolotherapy involves injecting a mild solution, usually dextrose and lidocaine, into an injured or weakened ligament, tendon, or joint. This triggers a controlled, localized inflammatory response that prompts the body to grow new collagen fibers and strengthen the tissue over time. Dr. Collins offers prolotherapy injections in Bend.
Most patients tolerate prolotherapy well. Some feel mild discomfort during the injection, and a topical anesthetic is used to help minimize it. Temporary soreness afterward is possible and generally settles on its own.
Most patients need 3 to 6 sessions spaced a few weeks apart, depending on how severe the injury is and how the body responds. Dr. Collins evaluates your progress along the way and adjusts the plan as needed.
Prolotherapy is commonly used for joint and ligament instability, such as loose or unstable knees, shoulders, hips, and ankles, as well as chronic pain conditions including osteoarthritis, lower back pain, and tendon problems such as tennis elbow or Achilles tendonitis. It is aimed at chronic pain that has not responded well to rest, physical therapy, or medication — a common reason active Central Oregon patients seek it out.
Read more: Prolotherapy in Bend, OR
Stem cell therapy uses biologically active cells, typically from your own bone marrow or fat tissue or from ethically sourced allografts, to support tissue repair and reduce inflammation in damaged areas. The aim is to support repair of cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissue rather than to mask pain. Read more about regenerative injections at the Bend clinic.
When performed by a qualified provider, stem cell therapy is generally safe and well tolerated. Proactive Choice uses only ethically sourced or autologous cells, meaning cells taken from your own body, to help maintain a high safety standard.
The injection may cause temporary discomfort similar to other orthopedic injections, and local anesthetics are used to help minimize it. The therapy is outpatient and minimally invasive, so most patients need little to no downtime afterward.
Stem cell therapy is used to support joint and structural problems such as knee, hip, and shoulder arthritis, tendon and ligament injuries including rotator cuff or partial ACL and MCL tears, and soft tissue or cartilage damage such as plantar fasciitis. The goal is to help patients avoid surgery and rebuild strength after injury.
Read more: Stem Cell Therapy in Bend
Exosomes are nano-sized extracellular vesicles packed with biomolecules including proteins, growth factors, lipids, mRNA, and miRNA. They act as messengers between cells, helping coordinate tissue regeneration, healing, and repair. Proactive Choice offers exosome treatments in Bend, Oregon.
Exosomes carry a concentrated package of growth factors and genetic signaling molecules rather than whole cells, which is what sets them apart from therapies like stem cell injections. They are formed during normal cell activity and help orchestrate cellular communication and repair, making them a newer tool within regenerative medicine.
By delivering cell-signaling biomolecules directly to the skin, exosome therapy is designed to support cellular rejuvenation and overall skin health. At Proactive Choice it is offered as part of a personalized skincare approach rather than a one-size-fits-all treatment.
No. Proactive Choice operates on a self-pay basis and bills exosome therapy directly rather than through insurance. Dr. Collins can walk you through what a personalized treatment plan would involve during a consultation.
Read more: Exosome Therapy in Bend
Can’t find your question? Contact the clinic or book an appointment.
Complete the form below to request an appointment with Dr. Drew Collins. You can also call the clinic at (858) 333-5196.
