Naturopathic doctors often combine different therapies such as massage, herbal medicine, and/or diet to help the body heal itself and stay well.
Tips & Links
A naturopathic doctor (ND) attends a graduate-level naturopathic medical school. An ND studies basic sciences along with alternative approaches to therapy, such as herbal medicine, homeopathy, and bodywork. These therapies can be beneficial to people living with chronic and or autoimmune conditions.
Learn About
- A naturopath is licensed by the College of Complimentary Health Professionals in BC (CCHPBC).
- In BC, naturopaths with the proper certifications, can prescribe medications and perform minor surgeries that do not involve the use of anesthesia or respiratory assistance. In addition, they can order lab work and refer to a medical physician or specialist when needed.
- Learn more about Naturopathy at Healthlink BC.
- Know that not all licensed naturopath doctor’s services are covered by your medical services plan (MSP). In some cases, government supplementary benefits may be available to you. Private extended health care benefits may provide some coverage, or it is fee for service and you are required to pay at the time of the treatment.
- Learn how to make your physician or healthcare visit more effective and productive from Healthlink BC.
Things You Can Do
- Ensure your physician or nurse practitioner is aware of your guidance by a naturopath, the treatments offered to you, and the results.
- Learn how to make your physician or healthcare visit more effective and productive from Healthlink BC.
- Learn about what medications are covered or not by Fair PharmaCare. You can ask your naturopath if the drugs, herb, vitamins or supplements being prescribed are covered.
- Be aware that supplements can interact with your medications and in some cases, these interactions can make your medications less effective or even harmful to your health.
- Review your complete medication list every year with your pharmacist, physician, or nurse practitioner, including all over the counter drugs, supplements, herbs, and vitamins. Remember, you are the only one that knows all the substances you are taking.
- Know how to participate in your health care visits and record your health information or have your health advocate present to do this.
- Know about your patient rights including informed consent, privacy and confidentiality, and the right to refuse or accept care.
- Develop your self-advocacy skills to ensure your questions are answered and your needs and decisions are heard.
- Ask questions of all your health care providers and seek clarification on anything you do not understand.
- Learn about ‘Patients as Partners’ from the Government of BC.
Add your Naturopath to your My Health Care & Business Professionals PDF tool found in My People. Include their contact information and any questions you have for them. Update your Medication List and/ or Health Profile fillable PDF tool(s) both found in My Health Information with all supplements, vitamins and herbs you are taking. Save all to digital and print files.