- What is a Naturopathic Doctor? And how are they different from a medical doctor?
- How will I know if the Naturopathic Doctor is licensed?
- Is Naturopathic Medicine covered by OHIP?
- What is a typical visit with a Naturopathic Doctor like?
- What does a physical exam involve?
- How long will it take to see results?
- Does a Naturopathic Doctor take people off of their prescribed medications?
- How is a Naturopathic Doctor different from a Homeopath?
- How is a Naturopathic Doctor different from a “Doctor of Natural Medicine”?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What is a Naturopathic Doctor? And how are they different from a medical doctor?
A Naturopathic Doctor (ND) is a highly competent and qualified primary care giver who is able to examine, diagnose, treat and even prevent disease by means of natural therapies. An ND finds the root cause of the patient’s ailment and treats the whole person by helping the patient remove their obstacles to good health. The patient is encouraged to be an active participant in their healing. Unlike a Medical Doctor, a Naturopathic Doctor can spend ample time getting to know you and develop a treatment plan that works for you. Individual care and attention are given to each patient. Invasive medical techniques or prescription medications to simply remove or hide the symptoms of disease are not used.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How will I know if the Naturopathic Doctor is licensed?
Naturopathic Doctor’s in Ontario are required to pass a North American Licensing Exam (NPLEX) and Ontario Board Exams with a minimum score of 75. After completing this requirement, they are eligible to register with the Board of Director’s of Drugless Therapy-Naturopathy (BDDT-N). Once registered, they are given a license number that is required to be displayed. If you are unsure about your ND, I would encourage you to phone the BDDT-N at 416-866-8383 or toll free 1-877-361-1925.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Is Naturopathic Medicine covered by OHIP?
No, OHIP does not cover any part of the cost of a Naturopathic visit. However, most extended health plans cover a portion, or up to a certain amount per year. Check with your insurance provider to determine the details of your coverage. Good health is an investment in your quality of life.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What is a typical visit with a Naturopathic Doctor like?
The Naturopathic Doctor makes the patient their top priority, in order to get to the root cause of their disease. The Naturopathic doctor spends 1 ½ hours on the initial visit, gathering information about their health and lifestyle, with a thorough history and a complaint oriented physical exam. Then she will decide what, if any, lab tests are needed, and after thorough research, a treatment plan is developed.
It is important that the patient come back for a ½ hour follow-up visit within 7-10 days of the initial consult in order to go over the individualized treatment plan and take the necessary steps to improve their health and wellness.
Further ½ hour follow up appointments will address how the patient has adopted the treatment plan, as well as either acupuncture, Bowen, hydrotherapy or other treatment options.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What does a physical exam involve?
A physical exam involves a thorough look at your heart, lungs, abdomen, head, neck, skin, musculoskeletal and nervous systems. The results from this set of screening tests can reveal health concerns and aid in the treatment paradigm. N.D.’s are also fully trained to perform breast, gynecological and prostate exams, which are recommended as a screening done once per year.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How long will it take to see results?
Each patient has an individualized treatment plan that addresses the root cause, rather than just simply treating symptoms. The time it takes to see results depends on the patient’s health, vitality and compliance with their health plan. Most people feel changes right away, although restoring health to its optimal level may take months or even years. The patients who benefit the most from naturopathic medicine are those who view it as long term lifestyle changes, rather than a quick fix to a longstanding condition.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Does a Naturopathic Doctor take people off of their prescribed medications?
Quite often patients are taking some form of pharmaceutical medication. NDs study pharmacology and the potentially harmful interactions between drugs, herbs and nutrients. It is not typical that a patient can be easily removed from prescribed medications, but that is not to say that it wouldn’t be a goal.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How is a Naturopathic Doctor different from a Homeopath?
NDs use a broad range of treatment modalities, and homeopathy is one example. (Please refer to ‘Services’ for an explanation of homeopathy)
Homeopaths use only homeopathy to treat their patients. They are not required to have a university degree. In Ontario, Homeopaths are not licensed, and do not fall under the governing of the Drugless Practitioners Act.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How is a Naturopathic Doctor different from a “Doctor of Natural Medicine”?
Not all "naturopaths" with initials after their name have competent training or the necessary expertise. They have had possibly no clinical training and significantly fewer hours of education, than required of graduates of the accredited naturopathic medical colleges. Knowing your practitioner is a well-trained, licensed N.D. assures a dependable level of competence. When looking for a professional in natural therapies, it is important to know whether your practitioner is licensed and therefore regulated under either the Drugless Practitioners Act (DPA) or the Regulated Health Practitioners Act (RHPA). This guarantees that these professionals have been well educated and extensively trained in their field, and are recognized by the government and the healthcare community. Someone who does not have that background can certainly be a risky choice and must be thoroughly investigated before beginning treatment.
