Frequently Asked Questions – Quick Links:
- What does Primary Care Provider mean?
- What is Naturopathic Medicine?
- What is the difference between a Naturopathic Doctor and a Naturopathic Physician?
- Is a Naturopathic Doctor a real, licensed doctor?
- Do I need a referral to see a Naturopathic Doctor?
- Is the Naturopathic Doctor accepting new patients?
- Where are you located?
- Can you direct bill to my extended health insurance?
- How much does my extended health insurance cover?
- How much does MSP (Medical Services Plan) cover?
Q: What does Primary Care Provider mean?
A: Our licensed Naturopathic Doctors are primary care providers who can treat the full range of health topics you may have. They are trained as general practitioners who are the primary (first) healthcare professional you go to as they have a general knowledge of all conditions.
Q: What is Naturopathic Medicine?
A: “In 1936, the Naturopathic Physicians Act became law in B.C. In the Act, “Naturopathy” was defined broadly as “the art to healing by natural methods.” Naturopathy (Naturopathic Medicine) continues today which, can include a variety of safe and effective methods such as; acupuncture, diet and meal planning, lifestyle counselling, laboratory testing, herbal (botanical) medicine, ayurveda, homeopathy, neutraceutical supplementation and pharmaceutical prescriptions from a licensed Naturopathic Doctor.
Q: What is the difference between a Naturopathic Doctor and a Naturopathic Physician?
A: In British Columbia, Canada, the titles Naturopathic Doctor and Naturopathic Physician are protected and used interchangeably. Each refers to the same healthcare professional who graduated from an accredited college or university and is licensed and regulated.
Q: Is a Naturopathic Doctor a real doctor?
A: Yes. As mentioned above, Naturopathic Medicine, in BC, is a licensed and regulated profession. Throughout Canada, the United States, and the rest of the world, Naturopathic Doctors are rightfully gaining regulation.
Q: Do I need a referral to see a Naturopathic Doctor?
A: No, you do not need a referral.
Q: Is the Naturopathic Doctor accepting new patients?
A: Yes, new patients are booked by appointment.
Q: Where are you located?
A: As of October 2022, we have closed our Surrey, BC location. In the meantime we are working virtually only. We will be reopening a new location soon.
Q: Can you bill directly to my extended health insurance?
A: Yes, we can ‘direct bill’ to most insurance companies.
Q: How much does my extended health insurance cover?
A: Your extended health insurance coverage can vary depending on your chosen plan. You can call your insurance provider to find out specific coverage and how much your family members are covered for. Most insurances cover 80-100% up to your annual amount total.
Q: How much does MSP (Medical Services Plan) cover?
“Those who may be eligible for MSP coverage of these supplementary benefit services include:
- MSP Premium Assistance Recipients;
- Income Assistance recipients;
- Convention refugees;
- Inmates of B.C. Correctional Facilities;
- Individuals enroled with MSP through the At Home Program;
- Residents of long term care facilities receiving the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS);
- Individuals enroled with MSP as Mental Health Clients; and
- First Nations individuals with valid B.C. Medical Plan coverage through the First Nations Health Authority.
For these MSP beneficiaries, MSP contributes $23 per visit for a combined annual limit of 10 visits each calendar year for the following services: acupuncture, chiropractic, massage therapy, naturopathy, physical therapy and non-surgical podiatry. MSP does not provide any coverage for supplementary benefits received outside of the province.” Click here for more details.
