Frequently Asked Questions

What to expect on the first visit of seeing a Naturopathic Doctor?
You can expect the ND to take a thorough history,  and conduct a complaint orientated physical exam. Additional diagnostic testing may be recommended during this appointment.  Treatment plans and options will be presented at this appointment  and you will have time by the next visit to decide which options will work best for you.

How are the visits?
The first appointment with a naturopathic doctor is 75 minutes long. Subsequent appointments can range from 15 to 45 minutes in length depending on your specific health concerns, and the requirement of the followup.What diagnostic testing and assessment is done by a Naturopathic doctor?
The foundation of naturopathic diagnosis is an extensive patient history, physical examination, review of medications, and evaluation of appropriate laboratory tests and diagnostic imaging. Naturopathic doctors use the conventional medical diagnostic framework.  They are also able to order testing that is outside of Ontario, which has been accepted and verified by the Ministry of Health regulations.  In addition,  NDs are trained in Chinese medical diagnostic skills.  Patient’s lifestyle, habits, attitudes and constitution are also taken into account.

How is the cost of a visit to see a Naturopathic doctor covered?
Most extended health insurance plans in Canada cover naturopathic treatments. We encourage  patients to contact their employer or individual insurance brokers to determine if they are covered. Naturopathic medicine is currently not covered by any of the provincial health plans.

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.

How are naturopathic doctors educated, trained, and licensed?
Accredited naturopathic medical schools are four-year, in-residence, hands on medical programs consisting of class and clinical training. During naturopathic medical school, students are educated in the biomedical sciences as well as the latest advances in science in combination with natural approaches to therapy. They study disease prevention and clinical techniques. In addition to a standard medical curriculum, schools require their graduates to complete four years of training in disciplines such as clinical nutrition, acupuncture, homeopathic medicine, botanical medicine, physical medicine, and counseling. For at least the final two years of their medical program, naturopathic medical students intern in clinical settings under the close supervision of licensed professionals. In order to obtain their license the student must pass the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations (NPLEX) that are standardized across North America ( Canada and USA).

Is Naturopathic Medicine scientific?
There is evidence-based support for naturopathic medicine.  Universities, institutions and the pharmaceutical industry are continuously conducting research on the advancements of natural therapies. The main difference is our desire to get to the root of what’s causing your health concerns–to find that functional imbalance in your individual biochemistry.

Is Naturopathic Medicine safe?
The safety record for naturopathic medicine is remarkable. The therapies are natural, gentle, non-toxic medicines, and non-invasive.  Naturopathic doctors are knowledgeable about contraindications between naturopathic remedies and conventional medicines. They are  trained to recognize conditions which are outside their scope of practice and to refer to other health practitioners when it is appropriate to do so.