While longer than a typical doctor's appointment, a visit with your Naturopathic Doctor will have many common themes.  You will be expected to fill out a patient information and health history form.  You will be seen in a private room and have the undivided attention of your doctor.  The doctor will ask you questions about your present and past health.   Once a full health history is taken, pertinent physical exams will be conducted, such as temperature, blood pressure, or reflexes.  The doctor will conduct a thorough review of past laboratory reports or findings, and if necessary, laboratory tests may be ordered to fill any gaps in the information.  Then your doctor may make recommendations, such as lifestyle changes, therapeutic exercises, herbs or supplements, or hydrotherapy techniques - preferably in cooperation with your primary care provider.

The differences will become apparent in the holistic way in which your Naturopathic Doctor views your health.  Mind, Body, and Spirit are all considered - the Whole Person philosophy.  The health history questions include a complete review of your body from head to toe, inside and out.  Patients of Naturopathic Doctors become accustomed to answering questions that range from sleep habits to bowel movements.  They know that based on the philosophy of Treat the Cause, their Naturopathic Doctor will work tirelessly to investigate, and if possible identify, any morbid influences on the body.  Treatments are targeted at removing those influences to ease current symptoms and Prevent further "dis-ease".  During your appointment, you may receive some form of physical medicine if indicated, such as therapeutic massage, myofascial release technique, soft-tissue manipulation, frequency-specific microcurrent, or touch therapy.

At the close of your appointment, you will be given any recommendations in writing on a form, a "Wellness Plan".  Based on the philosophy of Doctor As Teacher, this has been developed so that you can begin to develop a resource manual of your personal health journey.  Your doctor will make every attempt to educate you about your body and return the control of your health to your own hands.  Educational hand-outs may be provided, or hydrotherapy instructions.  Many patients choose to keep these in a binder or folder with the Wellness Plan.