What is naturopathic medicine?
Naturopathic medicine is a distinct primary health care profession, emphasizing prevention, treatment, and optimal health through the use of therapeutic methods and substances that encourage individuals’ inherent self-healing process. The practice of naturopathic medicine includes modern and traditional, scientific, and empirical methods.
Should I see a naturopathic doctor?
Whether someone is seeking preventive health or has an acute or chronic condition, everyone can benefit from working with a naturopathic doctor and/or having a naturopathic doctor as part of their healthcare team.
Do naturopathic doctors accept insurance?
Due to the lack of licensure in the state of Ohio Dr. Jessica is unable to accept insurance at this time. However, supplement, labs, and consultation costs may be reimbursed through health savings accounts (HSA), flexible spending accounts (FSA), and some health shares. It is helpful to call your insurance provider for more specific information.
How long would I typically work with a naturopathic doctor?
Most patients work with Dr. Jessica for a minimum of 3 months and up to a year depending on their individual situation. Often, patients stay with her long-term, checking in annually or on an as-needed basis when problems arise.
Do naturopathic doctors work with my other healthcare providers?
Dr. Jessica is happy to work with all of your healthcare providers. Due to the complex challenges confronting all of us who seek health and well-being, we believe that everyone can benefit from having a naturopathic doctor on their healthcare team. We also understand the complexity of disease and are knowledgeable about when to refer to specialists when a situation is outside of our training or scope of practice. Additionally, being that we are not providing primary care at this time in the state of Ohio, it is essential that you continue working with your primary care provider (MD, DO, NP, PA, etc.) for the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. Additionally, Dr. Jessica often refers to other providers such as acupuncturists, chiropractors, and physical therapists.
Can naturopathic doctors prescribe pharmaceutical drugs or order labs?
Although Dr. Jessica has training and experience in both areas, naturopathic doctors are not currently licensed to prescribe medications in Ohio. She can order many functional medicine tests and other labs. Additionally, she will often suggest that you order specific labs from your primary care doctor and bring in your results for review.
What kind of training do naturopathic doctors receive?
In order to become a licensed naturopathic doctor, two things must take place: 1) the doctor has a naturopathic medical degree that they earned from an accredited, four-year, in-residence, naturopathic medical school and 2) has passed rigorous professional board exams, Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations (NPLEX) as part of the licensing process.
It is important to know that in states that do not have a pathway for licensure (like Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky) the terms ‘naturopath’ and ‘naturopathic doctor’ do not have any regulation or protection and anyone can call themselves a naturopathic doctor or naturopath. Due to this, unlicensed naturopaths can have varied levels of education and experience which are often solely online or correspondence format. Because these programs are not often accredited, graduates from these programs are not eligible to take the NPLEX examination or apply for licensure in any regulated jurisdiction in North America. See below for a further breakdown between licensed NDs and unlicensed ND/naturopaths.
Accredited naturopathic medical schools can be viewed here.
The exam required to qualify for naturopathic doctor licensure is administered by the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners (NABNE). The Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations (NPLEX) is a two-part examination. Only students and graduates from accredited naturopathic medical schools are eligible to sit for the NPLEX examination.
Dr. Jessica is a licensed naturopathic doctor, has passed her board exams, carries her license as a Naturopathic Physician in the state of Vermont, and plans to get her license in Ohio when one becomes available.
Please visit the following link for a comprehensive list of questions and answers prepared by the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians: http://www.naturopathic.org/natfaqs