Naturopathic and Integrative Consultation: What to Expect, Medication Review, Coordination and Evaluating a Care Plan

What to expect

Visit length and style vary by practice, so ask the practice how long a first visit lasts and what it includes. NCCIH says licensed naturopathic doctors can diagnose, which may include medical history, a physical exam, lab tests and diagnostic imaging, and that this distinguishes them from traditional naturopaths; scope varies by state. [1] Before booking, check who the person is and what they may do.

Health history and goal setting

Expect questions about your symptoms, past illnesses, medicines, diet, sleep, stress and goals. Tell the practitioner about every health condition you have. NCCIH advises explaining all your conditions and asking about the practitioner's training and experience with people who have them, because health conditions can change whether an approach is safe. [2] Bring recent test results and a written list of your concerns.

Medication and supplement review

This is the safety step. Bring every medicine, supplement and herbal product, in their bottles or as a photographed list, including over-the-counter ones. NCCIH warns that supplements may interact with medicines or pose risks with some medical problems or before surgery. [3] The NHS names medicine groups that may not mix well with herbal medicines, including blood thinners such as warfarin, antidepressants, statins, diabetes medicines and hormonal contraception, and advises checking with a pharmacist. [4] A practitioner who does not ask what you already take is a concern. See medication interactions and supplements before surgery.

Coordinating with other clinicians

NCCIH says it is important that all professionals involved in your health communicate and cooperate, and suggests asking whether the practitioner is willing to work with your conventional providers. [2] Tell each of your providers about every practitioner and approach you use. [2] If a practitioner discourages you from telling your doctor, treat that as a red flag. See talking with a health professional.

Evaluating a proposed care plan

NCCIH suggests asking these questions before starting.

• Is there scientific evidence, not just personal stories, to back up the statements? [5]
• Who is the source of the claims? Promoters' statements may be based on a biased view of the evidence. [5]
• How does the provider describe the approach? NCCIH advises caution about phrases like "miracle cure" or "secret ingredient," and says claims that something cures a disease or works for a variety of ailments are usually too good to be true. [5]

Also ask: what is each test or product for, what will the result change, how will we know if it is working, and when would we stop? Do not use an unproven approach to postpone seeing your doctor about a problem. [5] Tests sold in this setting are examined in broad testing claims, and warning signs in red flags and informed consent.

Costs and financial transparency

NCCIH advises not assuming your health insurance will cover a practitioner, and contacting the insurer to ask, since plans differ greatly in what they cover and restrictions may apply. [2] Ask for a written fee list covering visits, tests and any products sold, whether the practice sells the supplements it recommends, and what happens if you stop. This page does not quote prices, because they vary and cannot be verified.

When to get urgent care

New chest pain, trouble breathing, signs of a stroke, severe allergic reaction or suspected poisoning need emergency care first. In the US call 911; for poisoning call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 (see poison help by country).