Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a Naturopathic Doctor (ND) and a Medical Doctor (MD)?
Both ND’s and MD’s are required to obtain at least a 3 year undergraduate degree in pre-medical sciences followed by 4 years of medical training in primary health care. The main difference is the course of treatment. MD’s are trained to use pharmaceutical agents and surgery to treat the patient’s individual symptoms where as a ND is trained to examine the patient as a whole and remove the root cause for the patient’s symptoms. That being said, ND’s and MD’s have the opportunity to integrate their therapies to provide the patient with the best course of action, whether it is alternative or conventional medicine. Both worlds are necessary for the patient’s best interest in optimal healthcare.
Is Naturopathy the same as Homeopathy?
Naturopathic Doctors are trained to use diet, nutrition, botanicals, acupuncture/Asian medicine, homeopathic medicine, lifestyle counselling, and physical therapy. Homeopathic Doctors are trained to use only homeopathic medicine.
Are Naturopathic Doctors Regulated in Ontario?
Naturopathic Doctors are the only regulated health professionals in the field of natural medicine in Ontario. Naturopathic Doctors are regulated in Ontario under the Regulated Health Practitioners Act (as of July 2015) and are registered (licensed) by the College of Naturopaths of Ontario (CONO). The CONO functions to ensure that Naturopathic Doctors are properly qualified to practise Naturopathic Medicine and that they follow the appropriate standards of practice.
The regulation of Naturopathic Doctors under the Regulated Health Professions Act, joins NDs with all other regulated health professions. The Naturopathy Act also confirms the current scope of NDs as primary care practitioners who are able to provide diagnoses and have access to key controlled acts.
The regulation of Naturopathic Doctors under the Regulated Health Professions Act, joins NDs with all other regulated health professions. The Naturopathy Act also confirms the current scope of NDs as primary care practitioners who are able to provide diagnoses and have access to key controlled acts.
What is a Doctor of Natural Medicine (DNM)?
A Doctor of Natural Medicine (DNM) is not regulated and licensed in the province of Ontario. Therefore there is no regulation on the qualifications, education, standards or guidelines for Doctors of Natural Medicine. Currently, anyone can call themselves a Doctor of Natural Medicine. However, for a person to use the title Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine or Naturopathic Doctor, one must be regulated and licensed in the province of Ontario.
How Do I Know If I am Seeing a Licensed ND?
In Ontario, the public can contact the College of Naturopaths of Ontario (CONO) to verify that a naturopathic doctor is registered to practice in the province. The CONO is the regulatory body that registers Naturopathic Doctors to practice in Ontario.
How Do I Pay for a Visit to a Naturopathic Doctor?
Visits to an ND are currently NOT covered by OHIP. Most extended health care plans do cover the cost of seeing an ND. It’s important to check with your extended health care provider to determine the amount of your naturopathic coverage. Direct billing may be possible based on your insurance provider and individual plan.
Are Naturopathic Visits Tax Deductible?
Yes, when care is provided by a registered and licensed Naturopathic Doctor, naturopathic visits and services are eligible for tax deduction. Naturopathic visits and services count as "medical expenses" that can be claimed in the "Medical Expense and Disability Tax Credits and Attendant Care Deduction" section of your tax returns. You do not need to complete any special forms in order to claim services as medical expenses for tax purposes. You only need to provide your official receipts for naturopathic visits and services.
However, products, including nutritional supplements, do NOT count as medical expenses for tax purposes, so you cannot claim amounts paid for products and supplements. Some extended health insurance providers do provide some coverage for supplements, often in a 'flex account,' when prescribed by a licensed Naturopathic Doctor. Check with your insurance provider to see if this applies to you!
However, products, including nutritional supplements, do NOT count as medical expenses for tax purposes, so you cannot claim amounts paid for products and supplements. Some extended health insurance providers do provide some coverage for supplements, often in a 'flex account,' when prescribed by a licensed Naturopathic Doctor. Check with your insurance provider to see if this applies to you!
Dr Jessica Gurske, Naturopathic Doctor Kitchener Waterloo
