Frequently Asked Questions

Sharing Bloodwork

Please send your blood work to info@halifaxnaturopathic.ca.

If you are accessing your patient summary through the “Your Health NS” app, there are 2 ways to share your summary.

1. PREFERRED OPTION – Manually save your summary as a PDF. This can only be done on a laptop or desktop by using control-p (on a PC) or command-p (on a MAC) to bring up the print option, and changing it to save as a PDF.

2. If you don’t have a laptop or desktop, then go to “Patient Summary”, then “share Patient Summary” and choose a pin which expires in 24 hours. Please send during weekdays as this email isn’t monitored over the weekend.

Supplements

If more than six months have passed since your last naturopathic visit, we recommend that you book-in for a follow-up consult to review your health and supplement regime in order for changes to be made if necessary.

When can I pick up supplements?

You can pick up supplements after your visit or during reception hours (Please see below).

Can I come in and buy a supplement from your clinic, even though I am not a patient of the clinic?

We are prohibited under our medical licenses from dispensing supplements to people we have not had a visit with.

I opened the supplement I purchased from you, but I want to return it. Can I get a refund?

No, we cannot refund an open bottle or one that is past expiration.

Fees

Click here for our fee schedule.

Billing/Insurance Coverage

Can you direct bill my insurance for the visit cost?

Yes, we can in most cases if your plan allows – please check with your insurance provider (ex. Blue Cross) so you know how much coverage you have for each visit/year.

Is testing covered under my insurance plan?

Unless you have a “health spending account”, testing and supplements are not covered by your insurance.

Testing

I am going to see my Family Doctor before my Naturopathic visit. What tests should I have done?

Ideally, you see your Family Doctor AFTER you see your Naturopathic Doctor, so that your ND can adequately assess what they would like to see tested.

Hormone Testing

Can you test my hormones? How much does it cost?

We currently use private labs to test hormones in blood, saliva, or urine. The tests we order depend on the patient’s circumstances and health concerns (libido, fatigue, fertility, menopause, PMS, andropause, thyroid, etc).

The cost of hormone testing can vary widely between $40-$300 (and then there are some tests that are $600 – $700, which aren’t run very often).

This is decided between the practitioner and the patient during a visit.

Note – Family Doctors and Nurse Practitioners can order a blood test for some, not all, hormones that would be covered by your provincial health plan.

Can I come in and get a test for my hormones without a visit?

No, we are ethically obligated to have a medical visit with anyone we give a test to.

SIBO Testing For IBA

How much does SIBO testing cost?

The test kit is $180 – if you have a health spending account, you may be able to claim all of this on your insurance.

Can I pick up a test kit without talking to one of your Naturopathic Doctors first?

We require an Initial visit to determine if you are in need of SIBO testing, and to demonstrate how to do the test properly to avoid it being cancelled in the lab.

Allergy Testing

Do you offer allergy testing for hives or food allergies?

That type of allergy testing is offered by an Allergist, and by some local practitioners offering Skin Prick allergy testing.

Can you test for food sensitivities?

Yes, we test for food sensitivities using the IgG IgA food sensitivity test from US Biotek. Food sensitivities can cause skin reactions as well.

https://www.usbiotek.com/food-sensitivity-testing

Hormone Prescribing

Can your Nurse Practitioner prescribe hormones?

Yes

What kind of hormones can your NP prescribe?

Estrogen, Progesterone, Testosterone, and Thyroid hormone are typical hormones that are prescribed.

Can your Naturopathic Doctors prescribe hormones?

Our Naturopathic Doctors have years of experience with hormonal prescribing, although we cannot prescribe directly (we are anticipating this change with new provincial legislation). In the meantime, we are well equipped to help you access the hormones you need in the proper dose and delivery method from an MD, NP, walk-in clinic or virtually MD.

How do I book with your Nurse Practitioner, Lesley MacGregor?

CLICK HERE TO BOOK

How Do I Become A Patient At Halifax Naturopathic?

CLICK HERE TO BOOK

To book an appointment at Halifax Naturopathic Health Centre, please click here or call the office at 902-407-0808. All of our practitioners are currently accepting new patients, and we welcome referrals.

Does Halifax Naturopathic Have Parking Available?

Yes. There are a couple of parking spots behind the building, and street parking is also available.

What Can I Expect From My Initial Naturopathic Consultation?

New patients should account for 1 hour for their initial consultation. Your first visit will include an in-depth overview of your health history, a complete exploration of your chief complaint(s), and an evaluation of factors contributing to your wellness. Any recent bloodwork will be reviewed, and options for further testing will be discussed. Your Naturopathic Doctor may also perform a complaint-oriented physical exam. Once all of this information is gathered and explored, your Naturopathic Doctor will create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

I Am Unable To Make My Scheduled Appointment. What Is The Cancellation Policy?

We require 48 hours notice to cancel an initial appointment and 24 hours notice to cancel a follow-up, or a fee will be charged. The cancellation fee is the full amount of the booked appointment.