What does a physical exam involve?
The physical exam involves investigation of the heart, lungs, abdomen, musculoskeletal system, head and neck, skin, hair and nails. This reveals information regarding your general health and nutritional status, and serves as a screening for a number of medical conditions that may otherwise be undiagnosed.
How often will I have to come back?
Follow up frequency will vary for every patient, but are often booked every four to six weeks. If your ND recommends a series of acupuncture treatments, these are booked once or twice a week for a series of six to eight weeks.
If I have any questions about my treatment plan, can I call my ND?
Yes, your ND is available for telephone consultations. For telephone consults longer than 5 minutes, a fee may be charged, or he/she will suggest booking an appointment in order to better address your questions.
Can an ND only treat chronic conditions?
No, Naturopathic Doctors can also treat acute conditions such as colds, flus, ear infections, sports injuries, etc. After an acute treatment, your ND will often recommend a follow up visit or phone consult within the first 48 hours in order to assess your progress.
What about supplements? Will they be expensive?
The cost of supplements will depend on the individual treatment plan for each patient. Your ND will recommend specific supplements which he/she knows to be of high quality, and to produce the most reliable results. The Village Naturopaths carry a dispensary of professional grade supplements, which are only available to their patients. Save your receipts – supplements may be eligible as a tax deduction if prescribed by an ND!
How are Naturopathic Doctors Trained?
Naturopathic Medicine is licensed under provincial law in Ontario, and is regulated The College of Naturopaths of Ontario, under the Registered Healthcare Practitioners Act. Registered Naturopathic Doctors must first complete a minimum of three years of pre-medical training at a recognized university. They then enter the Naturopathic Doctor Diploma program, a full-time four year program at an accredited Naturopathic College, which includes a year long clinical internship. At the present time there are only two such schools in Canada: The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto, and the Boucher Institute in Vancouver. After successfully completing the ND program, they must pass both North American and provincial board-licensing exams. At this time, NDs are eligible to be licensed by their regulating bodies. All NDs are required to carry malpractice insurance. Other holistic practitioners may not be trained, regulated or insured, and we encourage you to investigate this before choosing a practitioner.
How do I know if a Naturopathic Doctor is licensed?
In Ontario, Naturopathic Doctors are regulated by The College of Naturopaths of Ontario, under the Registered Healthcare Practitioners Act. To determine if an individual calling themselves an ND is licensed, call the College or the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors.