What can I expect when I visit a naturopathic doctor?
Naturopathic medicine is about becoming an active participant in your own health. Before the first visit you will be required to fill out a comprehensive intake form (available to download in the “New Patients” section). During your first visit you will be asked further questions in order to help the ND fully understand all of the factors influencing your life. In addition, relevant lab tests may be performed to help formulate the treatment plan.
The first visit lasts 75-90 minutes. The fee for the initial visit also includes approximately 2-3 hours of research after the visit by the naturopathic doctor to formulate your individual treatment protocol.
The second visit includes the physical exam, which lasts approximately one hour.
Subsequent visits last about 30 minutes. This time may include nutrition counseling, homeopathic assessment, hands on treatment such as myo-fascial release or acupuncture treatment depending on your case.
The number and frequency of visits will depend on how long you have had a condition and its severity.
Can I get naturopathic treatments if I already see a medical doctor or if I take prescription medications?
Yes. Quite often patients are taking some form of pharmaceutical medication. NDs study pharmacology and the potentially harmful interactions between drugs, herbs and nutrients. As NDs we will work with your Medical Doctor and other healthcare specialists to provide you with the best care possible.
Are treatments covered by OHIP?
Naturopathic services are not covered by OHIP.
Are treatments covered by insurance?
Most extended health insurance plans have coverage for naturopathic medicine. Contact your insurance company to find out what services are included in your plan.
How do I make an appointment? Do I need a referral from my medical doctor to become a patient at your clinic?
You do not need to go through your medical doctor to make an appointment with a Naturopathic Doctor, although many of our patients have come to us through their MD’s referral. We can work together with your MD to provide the most comprehensive care.
The office is open Monday to Friday. Please see left-hand side bar for office hours. You can call us directly at 416-640-8477 to book an appointment.
A few insurance programs require a MD’s referral letter in order for your claim to be processed, so please check the details of your insurance coverage and ask if this is necessary.
What are the differences between a naturopathic doctor, homeopath and medical doctor?
Naturopathic Doctor:
Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) are primary healthcare professionals trained in the medical sciences and diagnosis, who have specialization in the use of a wide range of natural treatment methods throughout their medical training. Emphasis is placed on preventative medicine and treating the whole person not just the disease. In order to achieve optimal health NDs focus on identifying and removing obstacles to health, teaching people how to stay healthy, and facilitating the body’s innate self-healing ability using a wide range of natural therapies. These may include: clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine, lifestyle counselling, physical medicine and homeopathy. Naturopathic Doctors treat current disease conditions by looking at the underlying cause and look to prevent future disease.
Homeopath:
A homeopath is a specialist in one form of natural medicine – homeopathy. Homeopathy is a powerful energetic form of medicine that stimulates the body’s vital force in order to facilitate health. Naturopathic doctors are ALSO trained in homeopathy.
Medical Doctor:
Medical doctors are specialists in disease diagnosis. In most cases the focus is centered on the elimination of disease once it is already present. Treatments include: pharmacological agents to control the body with drugs, or surgery / radiation to destroy or remove diseased body tissue.
What kind of training do NDs receive? How can I be sure the practitioner I want to see meets these standards?
A licensed naturopathic doctor undergoes rigorous training including four years of post-graduate education from a recognized school of naturopathic medicine. Training includes clinical and medical sciences, natural therapeutics and extensive clinical training as interns. After completion of these four years of schooling, a ND must pass a set of North American licensing exams (NPLEx) and then be registered with the provincial regulating body. In Ontario, Naturopathic Doctors in good standing will be registrants of the BDDT-N and should also be members of the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors and the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors.
How does the approach of naturopathic medicine differ from family doctor visits?
Our approach differs from what you may have previously experienced in visiting your medical doctor in that:
We spend more time with you so that you are able to fully explain the condition and your concerns about your health history and particular concerns (most appointment are at least 30 minutes).
We encourage questions and discussion of treatment with our patients.
We do not prescribe drugs and we work with our patients to understand how the medications they currently take may impact their overall health.
We do not perform surgery. We believe that with early diagnosis and the use of preventative therapies, surgery can be avoided in most cases.
Our methods are non-invasive and do not have harmful side effects.
We work together with you as a partner to enhance your overall health.
Can naturopathic medicine help my condition?
The approach of naturopathic medicine can work for everyone. NDs treat the whole person, beginning with a comprehensive assessment of every patient. This information helps us to determine the root cause of your imbalances that contribute to your current condition. Many people seek naturopathic care before they develop a disease or condition, in order to stay optimally healthy.