New
Patient Information
IMPORTANT: Please click on link below to dowload our patient intake
package. Review this entire 17 page package and complete the
new patient forms: You'll see that these are probably the most
comprehensive forms you've ever completed for a doctor's
visit. This is because our approach will be highly
comprehensive, and the more data we have, the better we can
fine-tune the treatment plan and help you accomplish your
health goals.
PREPARATION: Bring copies of your previous/recent laboratory tests for your
file: If you have copies of your previous/recent lab tests,
bring these so that we can review them and put them in your
file. Bring a copy to leave with Dr Fox--we will not have time
to go through the process of copying these during your visit.
Bring a copy that you can leave. We will use your previous
results to determine which new tests need to be performed or
repeated. Bring your current medications and nutritional
supplements: We will need to review your current intake of
medications and supplements.
How much does it cost to see Dr.
Heather Fox?
The
fees for Natural Medicine visits are as follows:• $155 for the
initial 1-1 1/2 -hour visit (which includes a thorough case-taking) • $85 for subsequent . Telephone consultations will be billed based on time. Emails will be billed at the rate of $25 per communication.
Therapies performed during the visit
(such as electro-acupuncture or other protocols) are not
included in these prices, which will be effective April 1st,
2008, and do not include the cost of supplements or herbal
products. Payment can be made via cash, cheque or credit card.
Are Natural Medicine visits covered by government
health insurance?
In Saskatchewan public health
insurance does not cover visits with Doctors of Natural
Medicine, but many private health insurance plans (e.g.
through your employer or school benefits plan) provide
coverage for naturopathic visits as well as acupuncture
treatments. Plans typically provide coverage for natural
medicine practiced by a licensed Doctor of Natural Medicine,
and acupuncture by a registered acupuncturist or Doctor of
Natural Medicine. Contact your health insurer to find out what
services are covered for you, and how much coverage you have
per year. If you do not have private insurance coverage, we
can create a treatment plan that takes your budget into
consideration.
What does a Doctor of Natural
Medicine do?
DNM's are primary health care
professionals. We focus on removing barriers to healing and
wellness and we rely on using natural therapies such as
electro-acupuncture, Ayurvedic medicine, herbal medicine,
homeopathy, hydrotherapy, nutrition, lifestyle counselling,
electronic medicine and massage therapy, and more.
How qualified are Doctors of Natural Medicine?
Registered Doctors of Natural Medicine have at least 7
years of post-secondary education - 3+ years in a recognized
university & 4 years at an accredited teaching institution
in North America. Candidates for licensure must then pass
rigorous medical & ethical licensing exams that are set by
medical regulatory boards.
Can Natural Medicine treat my
condition?
Yes... but No. Natural Medicine is about
treating people, not conditions. Natural Medicine is about
removing barriers to wellness. Doctors of Natural Medicine
take the time to get to know their patients, and to understand
what the root cause is behind the illness. Then we determine
what combination of treatments work best to help your body
repair itself or maintain a healthy state (disease
prevention).
What can I expect on a Natural
Medicine visit?
The first visit with Dr. Fox is about
gathering information, and will last approximately 1 hour. You
will have filled out the attached health questionnaire found
in this package, and provided details about your current &
past health concerns. If you already have lab results, please
bring them in to your first visit. These details are required
in order to fully understand everything about you and your
health. Subsequent visits are 30-45 minutes long, and
treatments usually start on the second visit. The number and
frequency of subsequent visits depend on the severity of your
condition, how long you have had it, and how quickly your body
responds to the therapies. Follow-up visits are very important
in order for your doctor to monitor your progress.
How are Doctors of Natural Medicine different from
my medical doctor (MD)?
Medical doctors and
specialists are experts in diagnosing diseases, and prescribe
pharmaceutical drugs and surgery in order to treat these
diseases and reduce the appearance of symptoms. Doctors of
Natural Medicine are experts in diagnosing the root cause of
illness, and treating people as a whole. The cause of the
illness is addressed through alternative modalities such as
electro-acupuncture, Ayurvedic medicine, herbal medicine,
homeopathy, hydrotherapy, nutrition, lifestyle counselling,
electronic medicine and massage therapy, and more.
Do Doctors of Natural Medicine prescribe drugs or
use surgery?
The natural medicine philosophy is based
on using natural therapies to stimulate the body's own healing
response. In cases when drugs & major surgery are
required, patients are referred to medical doctors. Patients
undergoing surgery or on prescription medication can benefit
from concurrent natural medicine wellness care plans.
