Frequently Asked Questions
What is naturopathic medicine?
Naturopathic Medicine is medicine that treats the underlying cause of disease; it is the art and science of supporting the natural healing processes of the patient through the removal of any obstacles to these processes. It is the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of physical, mental and emotional conditions; and it is the promotion of well-being using therapeutics that support or enhance a patient’s overall health.
In BC, naturopathic physicians (NDs) are licensed to provide primary care. They are trained as general practitioners in complementary medicine, providing a full range of diagnostic tests and therapies as described below.
What can I expect on my first visit with Dr. Fox?
The initial visit lasts 90 minutes and addresses your primary health concerns. A great deal of this time is used to identify the most immediate medical issues while gathering a thorough health history. Physical exams relevant to the areas of concern will be performed in office. In addition, any clinically relevant lab tests will be run in order to help better guide and manage your unique case. Treatment can begin in the first visit, with follow up appointments scheduled in the following 1-4 weeks depending on the health concern being treated.
What do I need to bring to my first appointment?
What type of training does a naturopathic doctor receive?
Naturopathic physicians have a minimum of 7 years of post-secondary education. Training requires four years of Naturopathic medical education from one of seven board-certified & recognized schools in North America. Dr. Fox received her training from the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine in Vancouver, BC. Her training at BINM included 3500 classroom hours divided between the topics of the Health Sciences and our core modalities (Acupuncture/Traditional Asian medicine, Nutrition, Counselling, Homeopathy, Physical Medicine, Osseous manipulation, and Orthomolecular medicine). Similar to the curriculum at a conventional medical school – the first two years of Naturopathic Medical school are focused on gaining an in-depth understanding of the science of the human body. Upon completion of this education, Naturopathic Physicians are qualified to work as primary care physicians.
After 4 years of training at BINM, Dr. Fox completed over 1200 hours as a student intern in the teaching clinic – treating patients under the supervision of a licensed Naturopathic Physician and over 300 hours observing Naturopathic Doctors in their own offices.
Prior to her training at BINM, Dr. Fox completed her undergraduate degree: a Bachelors of Kinesiology - from the University of the Fraser Valley.
After booking your initial appointment, reception will email you an intake and consent form. This can be electronically submitted or printed and filled out. If there are any technical issues, a hard copy of both can be provided to you at the front test. We also ask that you bring in any recent lab work or diagnostic testing results you have that pertain to your health concerns. If possible, bring any current medications and supplements you are taking.
Does my health insurance cover the cost of my visit?
Most extended health care plans will cover a portion of the cost of your visit, supplements and diagnostic testing. With that said each and every insurance company offers different types of benefits, so be sure to inquire about the details of your coverage. For example, some companies will cover lab and diagnostic testing, while others will cover a portion or none at all. Because naturopathic medicine is not covered by MSP, it is especially important to make these inquiries. The good news is that at Restorative Health we process all of this for you, so you don't have to worry about sending in receipts. Your insurance coverage is applied instantly to the cost of your visit.
How do I know if Dr. Fox and I will work well together?
Before booking in for your initial visit, Dr. Fox welcomes you stop by for a free 15 minute consult to see if naturopathic medicine along with Dr. Fox's unique personal and professional attributes are right for you.