What should one expect on the first visit?
The first visit to a naturopathic doctor (N.D.) may take one hour or longer, and include an extensive medical history, a physical examination and discussions on diet, emotions, lifestyle, exercise, stress and environmental hazards. Your particular concerns will be discussed. Your N.D. may request lab tests. Before you leave, your N.D. will make sure you understand any treatment options, the costs and perhaps start you on a course of therapy.

Are there follow up visits?
Follow up is extremely important for both you and your ND so that your treatments can be assessed and any adjustments made. The number of subsequent visits will depend on the complexity of health problems you are dealing with. It is important for the patient to make a commitment to their health and work closely with their ND.

What illnesses and conditions can be helped using naturopathic medicine?
Almost all health problems can be helped, including:

.Do naturopathic doctors use drugs or major surgery?
No, N.D.'s use natural substances and methods to stimulate the body's own healing response. They refer to medical doctors cases where drugs or surgery appear appropriate. Many patients undergoing prescription drug treatment or surgery can benefit from complementary naturopathic treatment.

What is the cost?
The fee guideline set out by the Alberta Association of Naturopathic Practitioners suggests an hourly rate starting at $125. However some N.D.'s charge less and some charge more. When you make your inquiries, ask how much. Most accept credit and debit cards.

Does government health insurance cover the cost?
At this time, the government of Alberta does not cover visits to naturopathic doctors. Most extended health plans do offer coverage. Checking with your insurer will tell you how much is covered.

What's the Difference Between a Naturopathic Doctor and my Family Physician?
Family physicians (and specialists) are trained to recognize diseases. They focus on diagnosing and treating disease by removing a single causative agent (e.g. with antibiotics) or by providing a deficient substance (e.g. hormones) or by relieving symptoms (e.g. painkillers.) Naturopathic doctors focus on treating the whole person and finding the cause of the symptoms or the root of the condition.

Do naturopathic doctors and medical doctors work together?
Medical doctors may work with naturopathic doctors and are becoming more familiar with the benefits of naturopathic medicine to their patients. Naturopathic doctors refer a patient to a medical doctor, but the reverse does not often occur as many medical doctors are still not well versed in such treatments as their training does not cover it.

How do I find a naturopathic doctor ?
A list of all registered naturopathic doctors in your area can be found in the Yellow pages under "naturopathic doctors". You can link to the Canadian Naturopathic Association or the Alberta Association of Naturopathic Practitioners to find a doctor near you. By phoning and asking questions, you will be able to choose the right naturopathic doctor for you.

How does naturopathic medicine fit into today's health care system?
With the advent of modern sophisticated drugs, tests, and medical procedures, people began to hand over responsibility for their health to their doctors. Now, with high health care costs, long waiting lists for tests, procedures and surgeries, and people still feeling sick and tired, there is a growing interest in alternative and complementary treatment. Since N.D.'s co-operate with other physicians and practitioners, people are starting to choose naturopathic physicians as their primary health care providers.---

Why do naturopathic doctors also sell products? Is this not a conflict of interest?
It may appear so to some people. However it would be impossible to treat patients without supplying the recommended remedies, many of which can be obtained only from a licensed naturopathic doctor. Patients are always free to "shop around" and buy elsewhere if they wish. Naturopathic doctors have no objection to this as long as the product is the same or comparable in quality, purity and effectiveness. Supplying remedies is a convenience to the patient.