What is naturopathic medicine?

Naturopathic medicine is a primary healthcare profession. Naturopathic doctors (NDs) look at the whole person, including mental, emotional, and physical concerns. The goal is to identify and treat the underlying cause of disease. Every patient is different, so their treatment plan will be unique and individualized to them. The focus is on prevention and the use of natural & less invasive therapies to stimulate the body’s innate ability to heal. Naturopathic doctors spend more time with patients to educate and empower them to make lifestyle changes.

What training is required to become a naturopathic doctor?

Naturopathic doctors are licensed healthcare professionals. NDs are required to complete a 4-year undergraduate university degree, including premedical sciences. This is followed by a 4-year naturopathic medical program at an accredited school in North America. Students have over 4500 hours of classroom training, and complete over 1500 hours of clinical experience under the supervision of licensed naturopathic doctors. In order to practice as an ND, they must pass 2 sets of Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Exams (NPLEX), as well as provincial regulatory board exams.

What can I expect from my first appointment?

Your initial naturopathic visit usually lasts 60 minutes, during which your detailed health history will be gathered, including your past medical history, current health concerns, and future goals. Before your initial visit, you will complete a detailed intake form which, we will review during the appointment. Lifestyle recommendations and supplements may be given; however, a more detailed treatment plan will typically be outlined during your second visit.

Please bring the following to your initial appointment:

• Completed intake forms (or submit online beforehand)

• Current supplements & medications (including dosages)

• Any recent lab results (ex: blood work, salivary tests, urine analysis, etc.) or diagnostic imaging results (ex: CT, MRI, ultrasound, X-ray, etc.)

What can I expect from my subsequent visits?

During your second appointment, we will go over a detailed treatment plan and follow up on your health progress. The length of subsequent visits depends on your individualized treatment plan, and may range from 30 to 60 minutes. It is common to have more frequent visits initially until improvements are seen, and then visits will be less frequent for maintenance. Acupuncture treatment will require more frequent appointments.

Is my visit covered by insurance?

Naturopathic medicine is not currently covered under OHIP. However, most extended healthcare plans cover a portion of naturopathic medical visits, so check with your provider to determine the extent of your coverage. Direct billing is available for most insurance providers. I am currently registered with Telus Health eClaims (Great West-Life/Canada Life, Manulife, Desjardins Insurance, Johnson Inc., Industrial Alliance, Johnston Group, ClaimSecure, etc.), Sun Life eClaims (manual submission only for policy # 055555), Medavie Blue Cross (Blue Cross, RCMP, VAC), providerConnect (Green Shield Canada, etc.), & theclaimsXchange (Co-operators).

PLEASE NOTE: We can’t always guarantee the Insurance company’s approval, please be prepared to pay if your claim does not go through properly. Coverage specifics (ex: how much a year you’re covered for, what you’re covered for, etc.) must be inquired by the plan member, to the insurance company.