At your first naturopathic visit, you can expect some similarities to a conventional medical visit. First, a naturopathic visit will consist of an interview, exam, and treatment. Our setting is a medical clinic, with multiple disciplines. There are both public and private areas in the clinic, and privacy is a priority.
Some of the differences are clear, as well. Expect to spend more time at a naturopathic visit, especially during the first few ones. Our first office visit is 90 minutes, and return visits are 60 or 30 minutes, with specific treatments (such as hydrotherapy) lasting 30 minutes or more. Why so much time? Primarily because naturopathic medicine takes a comprehensive view on health, and in order to do that effectively, I need to ask questions, and that takes time. This helps give me a good idea of no only the concern you are coming in for, but also your general health and lifestyle.
The other main reason we spend so much time during visits is because education is a large part of naturopathic care. It is important to not just give treatments but have the patient understand their condition and their treatment options. Naturopathic patients get the best results when they take an active part in their healing process, by education and lifestyle modification, the cornerstones of naturopathic treatment.
There are some other differences from conventional care. Of course, many of the treatment options are different: homeopathics, hydrotherapy, botanical medicines, and supplements are rarely used by MDs. Other topics like nutrition and exercise are discussed but in much less detail than a naturopathic doctor does.
Another difference is that unlike many medical settings, I do most of the work. There are not layers of assistants; I am spending most, if not all of this time with the patient. Again, this is because we place a large emphasis on knowing the patient well.
For many people, these differences are what they are looking for in a healthcare experience, and if you are one of them, consider choosing naturopathic care for a specific issue, or simply to maintain optimal health.