The following are a few of the most frequently asked questions about Naturopathic Medicine. If you cannot find the answers to the questions you were looking for, please feel free to contact me and I will do the best to answer your questions.
1. What happens on the first visit?
Your first visit to a Naturopathic Doctor will take one hour. It includes a comprehensive medical history and intake, physical examination, possible laboratory testing, and a discussion of your health concerns. Treatment options will be presented and an individualized plan of therapy will be developed to address your health issues.
2. What training do licensed naturopathic doctors go through?
Naturopathic Doctors go through an extensive training period before they are licensed. A N.D. must complete a minimum of 3 years of pre-medical study at a recognized university (although most have a Bachelors degree). This is followed by a four-year, full-time Naturopathic Medical Degree program at one of five accredited teaching institutions in North America. The first two years of the program follow a standard medical school curriculum, branching thereafter into naturopathic disciplines. The last year is dedicated to an internship at the college's Clinic. Before licensure, government-appointed boards require candidates to pass comprehensive exams, at which point they can practice.
3. Are Naturopathic visits covered by B.C. medical?
At this time, B.C. Health does not cover visits to Naturopathic Doctors. However, most people who have extended health plans through work have naturopathic health care coverage. Check your medical plan to find out what services are covered.
4. How many times should I expect to see a Naturopathic Doctor in order to get better?
Every individual is different. The number and frequency of follow-up visits will depend on the severity of the condition, how long you have had it, your vitality, and your dedication to getting better. Subsequent visits are extremely important so that your Naturopathic Doctor can monitor your progress, update your treatment protocol, and discuss any concerns as they come up. Take the time to get better now. Look at it as an investment in your health for years to come.
5. Can I still see a M.D. if I decide to also see a N.D.?
Absolutely. Naturopathic Doctors are primary healthcare physicians who work to complement other health providers, such as medical doctors, rather than work against them. We have been trained to know all drug-nutrient interactions, to communicate with other doctors and specialists, and to know when to refer.
6. Can N.D.'s treat the same diseases as M.D.'s?
Naturopathic Doctors are trained to diagnose the same as Medical Doctors. The difference lies in the treatment plan - M.D.'s primarily use pharmaceuticals and surgery to treat diseases and relieve symptoms; N.D.'s focus on treating the whole person, using a number of different modalities (nutrition, acupuncture, homeopathy, etc) to treat the causes of disease and support the healing power of the body.
Appointments
Initial consultations are one hour long. They include a thorough case history, physical exam, and any relevant tests. Labwork may be required in order to complete the assessment. At the end of the visit an individualized treatment plan will be discussed with the patient and options given.
Follow-up visits are anywhere from weekly to monthly to quarterly depending on the treatment.
Many Extended Medical Plans cover Naturopathic visits. Consult your employer to find out your coverage.
There is a 24 hour cancellation policy in effect for all patients.