Simply put, NDs can treat most medical conditions. Naturopathic Doctors are medically trained and graduate from accredited four-year naturopathic medical schools with in-residence, hands on clinical experience. Eligible ND candidates must first have graduated from an accredited four-year Bachelors (pre-medical) degree and have over 1,000 hours of qualified training in a previous medical field. During their additional training in naturopathic medical school, NDs spend a minimum of 4,100 classroom and clinical hours learning to diagnose and treat illnesses; prescribe medications; perform diagnostic tests and order lab work much like MDs and DOs. In addition, NDs are trained in nutritional counseling, botanical and herbal medicines, traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, physical medicine, lifestyle counseling, minor surgery and pharmaceuticals. In the state of New York, NDs are not licensed to diagnose or treat patients despite our qualifications. NDs in New York offer naturopathic consulting services until the bill to license naturopathic doctors passes.
Insurance companies have for too long dictated what conventional doctors can and can not do. Most MD’s made a decision to become a doctor because they wanted to help people. Many, many MDs I have spoken to quickly admit that they’d practice differently if they were not dependent on insurance coverage for their patients. This means that sometimes medicine is practiced without the best interest of patients in mind. With that said, Naturopathic doctors that do not rely on insurance companies have greater freedoms to spend 3-4x the amount of time with clients as an average MD or DO. This is an out-of-pocket investment in your future health. Currently, in unlicensed states, insurance payments are not even an option. However, Dr. Sonia can accept select insurances in Vermont.
If 2020 taught us anything, it was how we need to do business differently. Many, many NDs turned to virtual consulting to continue to provide care for their clients. Since we are offering naturopathic consulting services only, virtual sessions are a huge convenience as having an in-person appointment is not necessary. This saves time and money for the client since there are no expenses involved with traveling. Also, with virtual appointments, the ability for other unlicensed states to have access to naturopathic care increases. The only requirement is a working laptop and internet service right from the comfort of your own home! In the event a computer or laptop are not available, phone visits are also possible. Call 802-884-8293 to book a virtual or in-person visit today.