Naturopathic and Integrative Consultation: What to Expect, Medication Review, Coordination and Evaluating a Care Plan

This page is general information, not medical advice, and it does not replace care from your own doctor. It gives an overview and points to detailed pages on each step. It does not list or recommend any practitioner.

Urgent symptoms come first

New chest pain, trouble breathing, signs of a stroke, a severe allergic reaction or a suspected poisoning need emergency care before any consultation. In the US call 911; for poisoning call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222. NCCIH advises against using an unproven approach to postpone seeing your health care provider about a problem. [1] See urgent symptoms to take to a doctor first.

Who you might see

"Naturopathic" and "integrative" are used for several different kinds of practitioner, so the first question is who is seeing you and what they are trained and permitted to do. NCCIH describes three main groups in the United States: licensed naturopathic physicians, traditional naturopaths, and other health care providers who offer some of the same treatments. [2] The table sets out what NCCIH says, side by side, without ranking anyone.

NCCIH adds that regulations, licenses or certificates do not guarantee safe, effective treatment from any health care provider, conventional or complementary. [2] It also says there is no standardized national system for credentialing complementary health practitioners and that states decide the credentials required. [3] Details are on credentials, licensing and scope of practice. In other countries the rules differ; this page does not cover them.

What the visit covers

NCCIH says licensed naturopathic doctors can diagnose, which may include a medical history, physical exam, lab tests and diagnostic imaging, and that scope varies by state. [2] Visit length, format and fees differ by practice, so ask when you book. A step-by-step walk-through is in your first visit.

Medicine and supplement review

Bring every medicine, supplement and herbal product. NCCIH warns that supplements may interact with medicines or pose risks with some medical problems or before surgery. [4] The NHS names medicine groups that may not mix well with herbal medicines, including statins, antidepressants, diabetes medicines, blood pressure medicines, blood thinners and hormonal contraception, and advises checking with a pharmacist. [5] Do not stop a prescribed medicine on anyone's advice without talking to the prescriber; the NHS lists this as a "don't." [5] More in medication and supplement review.

Lab tests

Some tests answer clear medical questions; others are sold as broad panels. MedlinePlus notes that lab tests do not give a complete picture of your health and are read alongside your history and exam. [6] See lab tests in integrative practice and the wider testing claims page.

Working with your other clinicians

NCCIH says that for safe, coordinated care all the professionals involved in your health should communicate and cooperate, and suggests asking whether a practitioner is willing to work with your conventional providers. [7] Tell all your providers about the approaches you use and everyone treating you. [7] If you have cancer, NCCIH says to consult your health care providers before using any complementary approach. [8] See coordinating complementary and medical care.

Judging a care plan

NCCIH suggests asking whether there is scientific evidence, not just personal stories, and who the source of the claims is. [1] A checklist is in evaluating a proposed treatment plan.

Costs

NCCIH advises not assuming your insurance will cover a practitioner; ask your insurer, because plans differ and restrictions may apply. [7] Ask the practice for a written fee list for visits, tests and any products it sells. This page quotes no prices because they vary and cannot be verified.