The first appointment with a Naturopathic doctor is about 1 – 1.5 hours and subsequent appointments will be from 15 to 60 minutes in length depending on your specific health concerns. Typically during the initial visit, a detailed history of your current and past health concerns is taken, a full or partial physical exam is conducted, and necessary laboratory tests are performed. This information is used collectively to make an assessment and diagnosis. A personalized treatment plan will then be formulated to help facilitate the achievement of appropriate health goals.

Diagnostics and Examinations

The basis of Naturopathic diagnosis is an extensive patient history, physical examination, review of medica-tions, and evaluation of appropriate laboratory tests and diagnostic imaging. Naturopathic physicians use the conventional medical diagnostic framework, but are also trained in Chinese medical diagnostic skills and spend time looking for contributing factors in patient's lifestyle, habits, and constitution.

Referral

A referral is not required to see a Naturopathic doctor. NDs work well with conventional medical doctors, and are trained to refer patients to other health care practitioners when appropriate.

Health Insurance Coverage

Most extended health insurance plans in Canada cover all or partial cost of naturopathic treatments. Insured patients are encouraged to contact their employer or individual insurance brokers to determine if they are covered and/or to request that their policy be extended to include naturopathic services if it does not already do so. Naturopathic medicine is currently not covered by any of the provincial health plans.