What is a Naturopathic Doctor? Naturopathic doctors (NDs) are regulated and licensed primary healthcare providers who combine the latest evidence-based medical knowledge with the best of traditional natural therapies based on clinical experience. They aim to find the root cause(s) of your condition so that you can experience long-lasting and sustainable improvement to your health. They have at least 7 years of postsecondary education, including 4 years at an accredited school of naturopathic medicine, followed by rigorous North American and provincial board examinations.
What can I expect on my first visit? Prior to your first visit, you will be asked to fill out a detailed questionnaire about your health history and present concerns. The questionnaire is available online at both locations, but you can also arrive 30 minutes before your first appointment to fill it out. The first visit is usually 1.5 hours, during which Dr. Tamar will discuss the questionnaire with you, go over your chief concerns and medical history, and conduct a complaint-oriented physical exam. Additional lab tests may be ordered if required. Some recommendations may be made on the first visit, but a thorough treatment plan will be put together and discussed with you in the second visit.
How long and how frequent are follow-up visits? The first follow-up visit is 45 minutes long, and is usually scheduled 1-3 weeks following the first visit. During this time, Dr. Tamar will discuss your treatment plan with you. Short 20 minute check-ins may be sufficient in certain cases, depending on the condition and health goals. As a general rule, the longer you have had a certain condition, the longer it will take to treat.
Are naturopathic visits covered by OHIP? Naturopathic visits are not covered by OHIP. However, most extended health insurance plans cover the cost of visits. Check with your insurance provider to find out what is included under your particular plan. In addition, some drug plans may cover the cost of high dose Vitamin D, bio-identical hormones, desiccated thyroid, or sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) drops, so check your coverage. Some insurance companies cover select testing as well. We offer direct billing to most insurance companies - give us a call to find out if we can submit your claim for you!