Having a good relationship with your naturopath is crucial for your health. As a patient, you have to be confident and to feel safe when you ask for advice from your naturopath or other healthcare providers and in order to build a strong relationship with them, you have to make sure that all your questions are answered and all the things you need explanations for are explained.
If you are not sure how to determine if the neuropathy physician you plan to visit will have your best interest at heart and will be able to help you achieve your health goals, here are 5 questions to ask your naturopath:
-
What can a neuropathy physician can offer that a doctor may not?
Neuropaths usually take the time to listen to you and to learn about your problems and life in general not only your symptoms. A consultation with a neuropath usually lasts between 45 and 90 minutes and during a session the patient has a chance to tell everything about its problems and concerns. As opposed to medical doctors that only look at the symptoms, naturopaths understand what is going on in a patient’s life but also have more time to explain test results or other medical decisions. Patients receive personalized recommendations and tips and not general information.
In case you are looking for a neuropath, find one that will be able to offer you what we mentioned above.
-
What are your credentials and how you keep up to date with naturopathic knowledge?
It is important for a healthcare provider to be up to date with new studies, new medicine and new ways of treating patients so it is important for you to know that the naturopathy physicians you consult have a background in health science and that they keep educating themselves on new methods of treating patients, new testing options and other important information. Whether they rea medical journals, attend conferences or participate actively in the research field, your naturopath should be learning constantly and should be able to convince you of that.
-
How often do I have to see you?
This is a tricky question but most patients want to know how many times they have to go to a session with their neuropath and based on the initial session your neuropath might be able to answer your question and to create a timeline for your treatment or sessions. In general, the first month at a neuropath includes more visits than the next months. For example, a neuropath can tell you that they need at least 3-4 sessions during the first month in order to understand the issues you are facing and to determine the best treatment strategy for your health problems. After the first month, most naturopathy physicians will advise you to come in for a monthly check-up. However, the number of sessions recommended for you depend on your health problems.
-
How long will it take until I see improvement or results?
Another tricky question that depends on the issues you are facing and the problems you want to fix, but after the first sessions the neuropath should be able to estimate how long it will take to feel better. It is important for you as a patient to have an estimated answer to your question but in order to determine that your naturopath will need information about your lifestyle, diet, habits, work environment, family history and prior tests.
Do not trust a naturopath who can guarantee quick results especially if you have been feeling bad or ill for a while.
-
How much will you have to pay for a consultation?
Whether the cost of herbal supplements varies widely, the sessions usually have a fixed price. The first three-four sessions needed to determine the best course of treatment can cost more but usually last longer too. You can pay up to $400 for the first three-four sessions that last around 90 minutes and around $80 for the 30-45 minutes sessions.