What do naturopathic doctors offer that is different from regular doctors?
Naturopathic doctors see health in a different way than conventional doctors do. Health is not just the absence of disease, it is feeling and looking well, having energy and purpose, and being fit in mental and emotional as well as physical areas. Naturopathic doctors are trained to look at the person first and the disease second. They assess whole body functioning and find the root cause to a group of unrelated symptoms. They recommend treatments that not only combat diseases, but support the body to perform optimally.
Can I still use conventional medicine and see my regular doctor if I am seeing a naturopathic doctor?
Absolutely. In fact, in the state of Illinois, I cannot be your primary care provider legally, because I am not licensed to diagnose or treat diseases. So I always encourage you to continue your relationship with your PCP, and use naturopathic treatment in addition.
Naturopathic medicine cannot completely replace allopathic medicine, because there are simply sometimes you need treatment such as medications or surgery. I am a firm believer in allopathic medicine when it is indicated; however, I think there are many conditions that allopathic medicine does not address well, that are well-treated with naturopathic medicine in addition to or sometimes instead of allopathic medicine.
A big problem with our healthcare system is lack of choices. I believe that all types of medicine have their place in creating health, but our healthcare system is dominated by one paradigm of care. You have the right to use whatever type of medicine you want; it is always your choice. I would not require you discontinue care with any provider, because I strongly believe that I nor any other provider should dictate what you can use or who you should see.
Why aren't visits to naturopathic doctors covered by insurance?
In some states, there is excellent coverage for naturopathic and other complementary medicines. In Illinois, there is no official coverage, because there are few naturopathic doctors, and licensing for naturopathic medicine is not regulated or offered. Without licensing, it is very difficult to become a provider with an insurance company; however, I can provide the information that you can submit to your insurance company. Sometimes people are able to get reimbursed that way.
If you'd like to see this change, start by asking your insurance provider about naturopathic medicine coverage, and contact your state government representatives about licensing of naturopathic physicians. For more information on how to do this, please visit the Illinois Association of Naturopathic Physicians website at www.ilanp.org. When enough people (patients and supporters) demand naturopathic medicine be recognized and accesible, the current state of naturopathic medicine will change.
Did Dr. Conner go to a real medical school?
Just as osteopathic and chiropractic doctors attend different schools than allopathic (conventional) doctors, so do naturopathic doctors. Dr. Conner attended a real medical school, but a real naturopathic medical school. The training in all types of medical schools is similar in the first two years, with training in basic sciences like anatomy and biochemistry, and diagnostic skills. In naturopathic medical schools, there are additional classes in naturopathic philosophy, nutrition, homeopathy, herbal medicine, hydrotherapy, manipulation, counseling, and naturopathic assessment. The bigger difference lies in patient care training. In naturopathic schools, the third and fourth years of training are dedicated to clinical sciences like oncology, gynecology, and pediatrics, as well as patient care. Because few naturopathic doctors work in hospitals, they do not train in them. Instead, they see patients in outpatient clinical settings only. There are differences in schools, but programs in all medical schools, naturopathic included, are rigorous, extensive, and competitive, in order to adequately train physicians. If you would like more information about naturopathic schools or training, please visit the Links page.