Visiting a new healthcare provider can be nerve wracking. If you have never seen a Naturopathic Doctor (ND) before, you may have questions around what to expect at an appointment, and what treatment options are available. To put your mind at ease, we’ve compiled a shortlist of frequently asked questions about Naturopathic Medicine, so you can feel confident that seeing a Naturopath is the right fit for you.
What services do Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) provide?
Naturopathic Doctors are primary health care providers, just as general practitioners (GPs) are, meaning they provide diagnosis and treatment for a wide variety of health concerns. Their practices have an emphasis on natural and integrative medicine, meaning they integrate standard medical diagnosis (ie. medical history, physical exams and lab work) with a wide range of natural therapies. This includes Diet & Lifestyle Counselling, Vitamin & Mineral Supplementation, Herbal Medicine, Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, Intravenous Nutrient Therapy, and Bioidentical Hormone Therapy. NDs in British Columbia and Ontario can also prescribe pharmaceutical medications.
Can a Naturopath order lab tests?
Yes, NDs are able to use private laboratory services to provide a wide range of functional laboratory tests for their patients. In BC they also have access to conventional medical labs (ie. Life Labs), and can provide Pap testing.
Do I need a referral to see a Naturopathic Doctor?
Naturopathic Doctors are primary health care providers, so you do NOT need a medical doctor’s referral to see a ND. To book an appointment with one of our Naturopathic Doctors at Juniper Family Health click here.
How do Naturopathic Doctors approach patient care?
Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) take a holistic approach to medicine - they consider the whole person (physical, mental and emotional health), their environment and their lifestyle when compiling a diagnosis and recommending treatments. NDs practise in a patient first manner, provide consent, and strive to treat the underlying cause of disease. Treatments are tailored to long-term goals, disease prevention, health promotion, and improving quality of life.
How long are appointments with Naturopathic Doctors?
ND visits vary between 15-60 minutes. Typically initial consultations are 1 hour in length, and follow-up visits range between 15 and 45 minutes. At an appointment with a Naturopath you are asked various questions about your main health concerns, diet, lifestyle, prior health history, family medical history, medications & supplements you are taking, as well as anything else pertinent to your health goals.
Are Naturopathic services covered through the public health care system?
No, at this time Naturopathic services are not covered through the public health care system, however most extended medical insurance plans provide coverage for Naturopathic Medicine.
Can I see a Naturopath and a conventional Family Doctor (GP) at the same time?
Yes, many individuals see both a GP and a ND for their health care needs. NDs work in partnership with other health care providers to ensure patients receive the best care possible.
How much does an appointment with a Naturopath cost?
The first visit with a Naturopathic Doctor is typically 1 hour and costs between $150-200. Follow-up visits range between 15-45 minutes in length and will typically cost between $60-145. Appointments are covered through extended insurance. To learn about Juniper Family Health's Direct Billing program, click here.
Do you need to bring anything to the first appointment?
Yes, it's a great idea to write down your medical history and current health concerns before your first appointment (this is often done through an intake form provided to you by the Naturopath). Collecting recent lab work from your GP or specialist to bring into the appointment is also very helpful.
To book an appointment at Juniper Family Health please contact the clinic at 778-265-8340 or info@juniperfamilyhealth.com or click here to book online.