The following are a few of the most frequently asked questions regarding Naturopathic Medicine. If you are unable to find what you are looking for on this website, please feel free to contact us and we will certainly do our best to provide you with answers.
What training do licensed naturopathic doctors have?
Licensed naturopathic doctors have a minimum of 8 years post-graduate education. This education includes four years of pre-medical study at college or university, four-years of full-time program at a recognized naturopathic medical college, and successfully completing the Naturopathic Medical Examination Board exams. Presently, there are only six teaching naturopathic medicine schools in North America (two are located in Canada) which are fully accredited by naturopathic medical regulatory boards. These government-appointed boards require candidates to pass comprehensive examinations before licensing them to practice.
What should I expect on the first visit?
Your first visit with a naturopathic doctor may take between 60-90 minutes because it includes a comprehensive medical history, physical examination, possible laboratory tests, and discussions about nutrition, lifestyle, emotions, exercise, stress and other significant health factors. Your particular concerns will be discussed. At the end of the visit, your naturopathic doctor will discuss treatment options, costs, and develop an individualized course of therapy that is focused on addressing your health concerns.
What should I expect on my follow-up visits?
Follow-up is extremely important so that your naturopathic doctor can monitor your progress, provide necessary treatments, and guide you towards lasting lifestyle changes that will result in optimal health. The number and frequency of subsequent visits will depend largely upon the severity and chronicity of your condition. Without good health, we can not enjoy life to the fullest, so that it is a good idea to invest in your health now so that you can enjoy it for many years to come.
Is naturopathic medicine covered by health insurance plans?
At this time, the cost of treatment visits to naturopathic doctors is not covered by most insurance companies. However, some patients which have extended health coverage for services such as therapeutic massage and chiropractic care, may also have naturopathic health care coverage. Contact your health insurer to find out what services are covered by your plan. We will provide a tax-receipt with a medical diagnosis that you will submit to your insurance company.
Is naturopathic medicine the same as homeopathy?
No. Homeopathy is a subtle, yet powerful energetic healing modality which stimulates the body's vital force to improve health. Naturopathic Medicine is a coordinated health care approach which uses recognized methods of diagnosis and several gentle and effective therapies - including homeopathy - to treat the causes of disease and support the body's innate healing ability. Because of their qualifications, treatments by licensed naturopathic doctors are covered by many health insurance plans.
What is the difference between a naturopathic doctor (ND) and a medical doctor (MD)?
Medical doctors and specialists have extensive training in the primarily use of pharmaceutical and surgical interventions to treat disease or relieve symptoms. Naturopathic doctors focus on treating the whole person using methods such as clinical nutrition and lifestyle counseling in order to treat the causes of disease and support the body.
Do naturopathic doctors use drugs or major surgery?
No. Naturopathic doctors are trained in the philosophy of the "Vis Medicatrix Naturae" or "Healing Power of Nature" and use natural substances and methods to stimulate the body's own healing response. Naturopathic doctors refer to medical doctors in cases where drugs or surgery are appropriate. Patients undergoing surgery or prescription drug treatment under the care of a medical doctor can also benefit from concurrent naturopathic health care.
How does Naturopathic Medicine fit into today's health care system?
Health care is at the heart of every American and everyone has an opinion of what our health care system should entail. The reality is that even with the significant resources that are devoted to our health care system there is an alarming number of people who find themselves chronically "unwell". Yet, despite being sick, tired, or in pain these people are usually given drugs to mask their symptoms or told to live with their condition because nothing is wrong. Recognizing that they must claim responsibility for their own health, more and more people are choosing naturopathic doctors as their primary care providers because health means more to them than not having a disease. Naturopathic medicine helps patients to nurture body, mind, and spirit towards vitality and optimum health.
