Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Naturopathic Medicine Exactly?
The term 'Naturopathic Medicine' refers to a distinct system of health care that utilizes both natural methods and substances or supplements to support and stimulate the body's inherent self-healing process. As Hippocrates once stated, "The natural healing force within each one of us is the greatest force in getting well" - and this is the naturopathic foundation. A naturopathic practitioner views the individual as an integral whole, a collection of all of the systems that integrate to make the body function. Symptoms of disease (i.e. low energy, headaches, etc.) are seen as warning signals of improper function and potentially unfavourable lifestyle habits. The primary goal in Naturopathic Medicine is to treat the underlying cause of disease.
What Can I Expect in the Visit?
Naturopathic doctors are registered health care professionals. Their training consists of at least three years in a science based pre-med program followed by a four-year doctorate degree from an accredited Naturopathic Medical College. Naturopathic doctors are required to complete 2 years of clinical experience before passing extensive board exams to be granted a license to practice. They are regulated by a provincial and national association and are required to complete continuing education hours yearly in order for their practice and methods to remain current. They are competent in evaluating standard medical bloodwork and diagnostic tests and although they do not use pharmaceuticals, they are trained in how they function and what the side effects might be.
What Happens in the Visit?
The initial assessment consists of an in-depth interview process to collect important information such as current and prior health concerns, diet, stress, lifestyle, exercise, past illness, and environmental exposure to identify the cause of any symptoms currently being presented. Following this, the patient will undergo a quick physical exam (without an internal), followed by additional testing to detect underlying causes and imbalances. The patient is then educated as to what might be causing the imbalances and what protocols are required to bring them back to a state of health. The patient's understanding and compliance are the most important components in the healing process, therefore, each visit is designed to create an atmosphere of trust and interaction to ensure the patient fully reaches their optimum potential.
Why Would You Choose a Naturopathic Doctor?
People are sick and tired of being 'sick and tired'. They are becoming increasingly aware that although drugs and surgery are valuable tools for resolving many issues, they are not always the best answer nor always address underlying causes. Many individuals do not feel well and yet after seeing their medical doctors, are told that the physical exams and blood tests indicate they are in perfect health. A naturopathic doctor sees an individual's symptoms as the body's way of expressing imbalances. The overall goal is to remove the cause of the illness rather than just treat the symptoms. Naturopathic medicine strives to not only alleviate symptoms, but also address why those symptoms arose initially. In supporting rather than over-riding the body's natural mechanisms, often the body will return itself to a healthy state if given the right conditions to do so.
Does Alberta Health Care Cover the Visit?
No, AHC does not cover Naturopathic Doctors, however, most extended insurance plans will cover the visit if the Naturopathic Doctor is a registered member of the Alberta Association of Naturopathic Practitioners (AANP) – both Dr. Drobot and Dr. Manning are registered members. At the completion of the visit, a receipt with the name and registration number of the doctor along with the clinic information will be provided to the patient which can then be sent in to extended insurance for visit reimbursement.
What Are Your Fees?
Initial Visit: $195.00
This is typically a one hour visit in which testing and other diagnostic procedures are employed to determine the fastest and most efficient methods of attaining your goals.
Follow up Visit: $125.00
Typically a 30 minute follow-up visit to evaluate the success of the program to date and the changes that should be made for the future. The first follow-up visit is usually one month after the initial visit and subsequent follow up visits are in three to six months depending on the condition and the protocol for wellness.
Specialized Testing
Our clinic offers a variety of specialized testing, which are not included in the price of a regular naturopathic visit. For the fee structure for our specialized testing services, please visit their individual service pages.
› Specialized Urinalysis
› Food Sensitivity / Allergy Testing & Nutritional Counselling
› Salivary Hormone Testing