Good questions, short answers

Yes, within naturopathic scope. In Ontario, communicating a naturopathic diagnosis is one of the acts an ND is authorized to perform. The ND refers you when something needs a medical doctor or nurse practitioner.

Only in a limited way. An Ontario ND may prescribe certain substances only after a College-approved course and exam. The public register shows whether an ND has met that standard.

Yes. When something needs a medical doctor or nurse practitioner, the ND tells you and refers you, and shares findings with your family doctor with your permission.

Not necessarily. Naturopathic Doctor is a protected title in Ontario, used only by registered members of the College of Naturopaths of Ontario. "Holistic" describes an approach, not a registration, so check the public register.

An ND assesses your health concerns and builds a plan with you, which may include diet, supplements, lifestyle changes and lab testing.

The College of Naturopaths of Ontario (CONO) regulates NDs. It registers NDs, sets the standards they practise by, and handles complaints from the public. Its authority comes from the Naturopathy Act, 2007 and the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991.

Both are regulated health professionals in Ontario, with different training, different colleges and a different scope of practice. Many people see both, and the ND works alongside your family doctor.

No, OHIP doesn't cover visits with a Naturopathic Doctor. Lab tests an ND orders are paid privately too, at lab cost. Many extended health plans cover naturopathic care, so check yours.

Many extended health plans in Ontario do. Plans differ in yearly amounts and rules. Look for "naturopath" or "naturopathic doctor" in your plan booklet, or ask your plan provider.

Every payment gets an itemized receipt with the ND's registration number. It lists the date, the service and the fee. Consultation fees are listed separately from any lab tests or supplements.

They may count toward the medical expense tax credit. The Canada Revenue Agency lists naturopaths in Ontario as authorized medical practitioners for that credit. Keep your receipts, and check with the CRA or your accountant for your own return.

A missed or late-cancelled visit has a fee, listed on the fee schedule.

Yes, Ontario NDs can requisition certain lab tests. Tests are paid privately, at lab cost, and you hear the price before anything is ordered. Recent results from your family doctor are welcome too.

No, you don't need a referral. You can book the free 10-minute call or an initial consultation directly.

Yes, the ND works alongside your family doctor. With your permission, the ND shares findings with them. If something needs a medical doctor or nurse practitioner, the ND will tell you and refer you.

Follow-ups after that are 30 or 60 minutes.

Bring your recent bloodwork or lab reports, even the normal ones. Bring your medications and supplements, or photos of the labels. Notes on sleep, your cycle or symptoms are useful if you keep them. Bring your extended health plan details for the receipt.

It depends on your plan, and the ND talks it through with you at the first visit. Follow-ups are 30 or 60 minutes, booked one at a time, with nothing to prepay.

When your results are normal and you still don't feel right, or you want sleep, food, stress, digestion and hormones looked at together. Anything new, severe or urgent goes to your family doctor first, or to 911 in an emergency.