Dr. Maggie Ackert
Naturopathic Doctor
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Being informed is the most important thing you can do for your health.
Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have anything else to ask!
1) WHAT IS NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE?
Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) are trained as primary care providers and are governed under the Regulated Health Professions Act of Ontario – the same laws that regulate medical doctors, midwives, nurses, dentists and other regulated health care professionals.
As with any form of medicine, Naturopathic Medicine is the art and science of healing, which includes diagnosing, treating and preventing disease. The approach focuses on attaining a deep understanding of each individual patient, taking into account physical, mental, emotional, environmental and any other factors that might be affecting someone’s health.
Naturopathic Doctors combine traditional forms of natural medicine with the most recent health research
in order to treat the root cause of an illness.
Their aim is to optimize health with a minimally invasive approach.
2) WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM A VISIT?
Firstly, Naturopaths ask a lot of questions! This is necessary to connect the dots and get to the bottom of what is going on. They are equipped to perform full physical exams if needed including, but not limited to; gynecological health exams (Pap smears and cultures), breast exams and general wellness screenings. Additionally, if necessary, lab testing can be ordered or requisitioned to get the most comprehensive look at your health.
Next, it is your doctor’s responsibility to ensure you understand your body and to clarify any questions you have around health. We will take our time going through how your treatment plan will address each of your concerns.
We want you to not only recover, but to know what to do the next time the same concern arises or how to prevent recurrences.
3) WHAT CONDITIONS CAN NATUROPATHIC DOCTORS TREAT?
As primary healthcare providers, Naturopathic Doctors can treat the same conditions as a family doctor. Naturopaths address each patient as an individual. Hours of research and thought go into each patient’s case and in the event that an aspect of your care is outside of our scope of practice, you will be referred appropriately.
As a member of your health care team, I am happy to communicate with your family physician and any other healthcare practitioner you are seeing to provide a truly integrative approach to health.
4) WHAT TYPE OF TREATMENTS CAN I EXPECT?
My goal is to meet each patient where they are at. By taking the time to get to know you, I can recommend treatments that are manageable and suit your lifestyle while still meeting your health goals.
You can expect variation in treatment. A question I have asked every patient is “what have you already tried”. My goal is not to send you home with an armful of supplements but rather provide a clear, straightforward and affordable plan for health. With long term goals in mind, we work through your concerns systematically and if something isn’t working we switch it up.
Naturopathic services can include (but are not limited to):
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Botanical (herbal) Medicine
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Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Acupuncture
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Clinical Nutrition and use of Natural Health Products
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Lifestyle Management
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Hydrotherapy and Physical Medicine
5) IS NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE COVERED BY OHIP OR YOUR HEALTH INSURANCE PROVIDER?
Naturopathy is not covered under OHIP at this time. It is however, covered under most
private insurance companies so touch base with your insurance provider to find out more.
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