The first visit to a ND may take an hour or longer because it includes a comprehensive medical history, physical examination, possible laboratory tets, and discussions about nutrition, lifestyle, emotions, exercise, stress, and other significant health factors. Your particular concerns will also be discussed. At the end of the visit, your ND will discuss treatment options, and develop an individualized course of therapy that is focused on addressing your health concerns.
There are many reasons to visit. Here are a few:
To address symptoms you do not wish to have controlled with pharmaceuticals, or have not been effectively controlled by pharmaceuticals
To support a healthy lifestyle
To gather information and make an informed decision about your own health
To check if the supplements you are taking are right for you
Yes. Safety records are monitored by state review boards. NDs most often use gentle therapies with low risk for side effects. A core principle of naturopathic medicine is to "first do no harm".
Naturopathic doctors must attend an accredited college that offers a 4 year post university program, which includes over 1200 hours of clinica experience and more than 3000 hours of classroom training. Biomedical science, clinical science, and naturopathic therapeutics are the three major study areas. To be licensed in Ontario by the College of Naturopaths of Ontario (CONO), an ND must pass the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examination (NPLEX) offered by the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners (NABNE).
Yes. Because NDs utilize a preventative approach that reduces the incidence of high-cost chronic conditions, naturopathic medicine reduces long-term health care costs.
We will work alongside your goals to integrate your naturopathic treatment with your current treatment. Your healthcare should involve a team of experts focused on achieving your best health.
Teamwork is the best work!
Yes, naturopathic doctors are able to requisition bloodwork, however, while some tests are covered by OHIP most must be paid for by the patient.
No, naturopathic visits are not covered by OHIP.
Yes, most insurance plans cover naturopathic services.
No. Naturopathic doctors are primary care physicians and general practitioners of natural medicine. Depending on a patient's health needs, an ND may include homeopathy in an individualized treatment plan, but it is only one of the main treatment methods NDs are trained to use. Homeopaths are trained solely in homeopathy and are not licensed to perform diagnostic tests or exams.