Naturopathic Medicine*

No. You do not need a referral to see a Naturopathic Doctor.

Naturopathic Doctors are not covered by OHIP. Naturopathic visits are covered by most extended health insurance plans and range from $300-$800. Please contact your insurance company for more information.

Naturopathic Doctors work with Medical Doctors to provide comprehensive care for patients requiring integrative treatment. Naturopathic Doctors can request medical records, diagnostic or other laboratory testing from a patients’ family doctor. Some Medical Doctors are more open to working with Naturopathic Doctors than others.

In Ontario, Naturopathic Doctors can requisition blood work to be completed through an authorized laboratory such as Lifelabs or Gamma Dynacare. Blood work requisitioned by a naturopath is not covered by OHIP and patients are required to pay out of pocket. To reduce costs, many Naturopathic Doctors work collaboratively with Medical Doctors.

Naturopathic Doctors are primary care physicians trained to assess, diagnose and provide treatment to patients with various health conditions. They are able to use homeopathy as a sole therapy or as part of a comprehensive treatment plan with other natural modalities. Homeopaths are trained specifically in the therapy of homeopathy, a medicine based on the philosophy that like cures like. While Homeopaths are not regulated in Ontario, naturopathic medicine is a self-regulated profession. Naturopathic medicine is often covered by extended health insurance whereas homeopathy is not.

You should expect to lose 1-2Lbs every week if you strictly follow Dr. Shelly Reitkop, N.D’s weight loss guidelines.