what to expect at your first naturopath consultation in calgary

Looking to book with Dr. Nadia Mawji Calgary Naturopath, but don’t know what to expect at your first consultation? Then, this is the blog post for you! Signing up as a new patient can come with questions. Let’s try to answer them!

What is the Initial Consultation and How long is it?

The first naturopathic visit primarily involves a thorough health intake. An intake is one component involving personal health information that Dr. Nadia Mawji ND will collect in order to help create an individualized naturopathic plan for you.

The Initial Naturopathic Consultation is typically 60 minutes in duration. It is available in-person and virtually via secure video session.

Please note that initial virtual visits must be followed up with an in-person follow-up visit, so that Dr. Mawji ND is able to assess the case thoroughly and provide recommendations, accordingly.

The health intake is of utmost importance as this provides a detailed overview of your health, not only what your concerns are, but also how other bodily systems might be impacting your overall health. The health intake will review:  your main reasons for seeking out naturopathic care, past & current medical history and a review of bodily systems including - gastrointestinal health, cardiovascular health, neurological/brain health, hormone & reproductive health, respiratory health, urological health, ears/eyes/nose/throat, skin health, mental health/mood, nutrition & lifestyle (exercise, sleep, energy, stress) and more!

After the completion of the intake, a physical examination and review of most recent lab work & diagnostic imaging might also be completed at the initial visit (time-permitting only). Given the detailed intake, the physical examination & review of laboratory assessments are might be completed in the follow up visit. In rare cases, the intake might span more than 1 visit depending on the volume of information covered. On the contrary, in some cases, the initial intake, physical examination, review of results can all be completed in the first naturopath visit here in Calgary. This varies depending on the individual case.

The intake, physical examination & review of most recent/relevant lab tests and diagnostic imaging reports – all provide information so that Dr. Nadia Mawji, ND can create your fluid naturopathic plan. Of course, virtual initial visits are limited to the health intake only. Physical examination, review of lab reports and naturopathic recommendations would be discussed during the in-person follow up appointment.

What can I expect when I leave the first naturopathic consultation?

You can expect to leave your first naturopathic consultation with take home guidance, preliminary recommendations and further information to help move the naturopathic process forward.

Typically, new patients can expect to discuss some of the naturopathic plan at the first visit and this plan might be amended and re-evaluated at each follow up visit as new laboratory findings come up and/or symptoms change.

An important point to remember is that our bodies and systems within it are all fluid & everchanging. This means the individualized support you receive through naturopathic medicine might also change with that as well. Naturopathic medicine takes time and is not a quick fix. It takes time to learn years of a health history and what works for each patient case.

Can Dr. Nadia Mawji, ND get a copy of my lab results?

Yes.  However, Naturopathic doctors are considered private health professionals, Dr. Mawji ND does not have access to Alberta Netcare, and therefore, cannot access your lab results directly. There are two ways that Dr. Nadia Mawji, ND might be able to review certain results with you:

1)    You access your health records online and bring in a printed copy to your initial and/or follow up appointment. Alternatively, you can send in a copy electronically through the secure messaging system. Emailing results is discouraged.

This process is free of charge, if you have access.

OR

2)    At the end of the initial visit, once an established patient, you could choose to sign a Release of Records Authorization form to fax over to the medical doctor’s office to obtain results. Some clinics have started charging for reports to be faxed over and these charges would need to be fulfilled by the patient if they decide to take this route.

Does Dr. Nadia Mawji, ND need to review my lab results in order to make naturopathic recommendations?

Yes. Lab results help guide naturopathic recommendations and help to track progress and changes over time.

Is direct billing available?

Yes. Direct Billing is available to most major insurers. Please contact the clinic if you have specific questions regarding direct billing. Please contact your insurer to check if you have naturopathic coverage before your initial consultation. Dr. Nadia Mawji ND is unable to determine the specifics of your plan.

Are you ready to book your first naturopathic visit?

Hopefully, this post has helped to answer your questions regarding the first naturopathic visit.

Click here to learn more about the symptoms & conditions that Dr. Nadia Mawji ND has clinical experience in supporting. She has a Practice Interest in:

-       Hormone Health Symptoms & Conditions

-       Autoimmune Disease

-       Adjunctive Cancer Care

To explore Calgary Naturopathic Services with Dr. Nadia Mawji, ND - Get Started Here.

Dr. Nadia Mawji, ND also offers a Complimentary Discovery Call for you to determine if her clinical practice process & style is a good fit for you.

Dr. Nadia Mawji, ND

Calgary Naturopathic Doctor  

naturopathic consultation Calgary

first visit naturopath

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**Any information provided in these posts are intended for information purposes only and not to be considered naturopathic medical advice. See your naturopathic doctor for individualized support & guidance