Common questions about seeing a naturopathic doctor
How much does it cost to see a Naturopathic doctor? [ top ]
- Please click here for naturopathic appointment rates.
Are Naturopathic visits covered by insurance? [ top ]
- Many extended health insurance plans through employers or school benefit plans cover naturopathic appointments with a licensed naturopathic physician such as Dr. Lee. Acupuncture treatments performed by an ND may be covered. Insurance plans typically provide some coverage for visits, and possibly testing. Contact your health insurer to determine how much coverage you have per year and for both appointments and testing. Note that visits with Dr. Lee, N.D. fall under the “naturopathic visit” category with insurance providers, even if it is an acupuncture treatment.
What does a Naturopathic Doctor do? [ top ]
- ND’s are primary health care professionals. We treat all types of diseases & ailments, but we focus on using natural therapies such as acupuncture, Asian medicine, herbal medicine, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, nutrition, lifestyle counseling, Reiki (energy healing) and massage therapy.
How qualified are Naturopathic Doctors? [ top ]
- Registered naturopathic doctors have at least 7 years of post-secondary education – 3+ years in a recognized university & 4 years at one of 5 accredited naturopathic teaching institution in North America. Candidates for licensure must then pass rigorous medical & ethical licensing exams that are set by medical regulatory boards.
- Click to read more about Naturopathic Qualifications.
Can Naturopathic Medicine treat my condition? [ top ]
- Yes… but No. Naturopathic medicine is about treating people, not conditions. Naturopathic doctors take the time to get to know their patients, and to understand what the root cause is behind the illness. Then we determine what combination of treatments work best to help your body repair itself or maintain a healthy state (disease prevention).
- Click to see a list of commonly treated health concerns.
What can I expect on a Naturopathic visit? [ top ]
- The first visit is about gathering information, and will last approximately 1 hour. You will be asked to fill out intake forms, and provide details about your current & past health concerns. A general physical exam may be performed, including examination of your tongue and pulses (Chinese medical form of diagnosis). Lab testing may be asked of you in order to complete your health assessment; if you already have lab results, please bring them in to your first visit. These details are required in order to fully understand everything about you and your health; then, a treatment plan will be disccused on your second visit (45minutes). Subsequent visits are generally 30 minutes long; the number and frequency of subsequent visits depend on the severity of your condition, how long you have had it, and how quickly your body responds to the therapies. Follow-up visits are very important in order for your doctor to monitor your progress.
How do Naturopathic Doctors differ from Medical Doctors? [ top ]
- Medical doctors and specialists are experts in diagnosing diseases, and prescribe pharmaceutical drugs and surgery in order to treat these diseases and reduce the appearance of symptoms. Naturopaths are experts in diagnosing the root cause of illness, and treating people as a whole. The cause of the illness is addressed through alternative modalities such as acupuncture, Asian medicine, herbal medicine, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, nutrition, lifestyle counseling, and massage therapy.
How do Naturopathic doctors differ from homeopaths? [ top ]
- Naturopaths are trained in homeopathy, but we are also trained in many other modalities, such as acupuncture, Asian medicine, herbal medicine, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, nutrition, lifestyle counseling, and Reiki (energy healing). Our goals, as naturopathic doctors, are to address the whole person, treat each patient as an individual, and treat the root cause of their concerns. Naturopathic medicine is therefore a branch of medicine that includes homeopathy as part of a holistic approach to health.
Do you have questions that we have not answered? Feel free to contact us!