services    ::    benefits    ::    research    ::    success stories    ::   articles    ::   downloads


BENEFITS OF THE PARADIGM SHIFT IN HEALTHCARE


"The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease."  - Thomas Edison


Naturopathic Physicians embody a paradigm shift in the practice of medicine. Imagine healthcare that treats you, a whole person, and not simply the disease you possess. Imagine healthcare that focuses on discovering the root causes of disease and not simply the suppression of symptoms. Imagine a doctor who takes the time to truly listen to your story and not simply writes you a prescription. 

No need to imagine ... a Naturopathic Physician provides that system of healthcare. 

Natural and Holistic healthcare:

• Use gentle, non-toxic therapies
• Provide patients with an alternative - a reliable, trustworthy and effective healthcare choice  
• Focus on preventive medicine
• Address the whole person - physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects
• Provide effective treatment for chronic illnesses and long-standing conditions
• Compliment conventional medical treatments
• Integrates therapies from various modalities to provide individualized treatment plans
• Educate patients and emphasize the patient's responsibility in his/her own healing process

What are the main benefits of Natural and Holistic Medicine?

The main benefits of natural medicine are that the central role of the patient's lifestyle, beliefs, observations and habits is honored. Natural and holistic medicine recognizes the person who has the illness to be more important that the type of illness that person is manifesting. Treatment methods which are least likely to do harm are used first in Natural Medicine. These are often also more cost effective than conventional drugs or surgery.

What is Natural Medicine?

Natural Medicine is the art and science of healing that addresses care of the whole person – body, mind, and spirit. The practice of natural medicine integrates conventional and complementary therapies to promote optimal health and to prevent and treat disease by addressing contributing factors.

In practice, this means that every person is seen as a unique individual, rather than an example of a particular disease. Disease is understood to be the result of physical, emotional, spiritual, social and environmental imbalance. Healing, therefore, takes place naturally when these aspects of life are brought into proper balance. The role of the practitioner is a teacher and mentor; the patient must do the work - changing lifestyle, beliefs and old habits in order to facilitate healing.

What is a Naturopathic Physician?

A Naturopathic Physician: 1) views the patient as being ultimately responsible for his/her well being; 2) fosters and maintains a partnership with the patient, using therapies which feel comfortable; 3) evaluates and recommends treatment options that address the cause of an illness, as well as the symptoms.

The natural and holistic practitioner may choose or recommend from a variety of both conventional and alternative treatments and therapies. Together, the physician and patient work to develop an optimal course of treatment. This partnership is a powerful approach to healing and is the cornerstone of the holistic philosophy.

Will a Naturopathic Physician fix my problem?

Dr. Minette will work with you to develop a treatment program designed to assist you in healing. The idea that anyone else can "fix" your problem is not a part of the holistic model. Most illnesses and disabilities are the result of a complex interaction of events, habits, and choices and are not amenable to band aids or "sweeping it under the drug" therapies which do not address the underlying causes.

What will be the natural and holistic approach to my problem?

Dr. Minette will begin with a thorough evaluation of your diet, exercise habits, health history, occupation, family and life history. Since each person is unique, the development of a treatment program is individualized.

What is my role in a holistic treatment approach?

Accepting responsibility for your lifestyle choices is important in working with a natural practitioner. Illness can be seen as a messenger – an indication that one or more aspects of your life may be out of harmony. The natural and holistic approach can serve as a guide to assist you in this process of self-evaluation.

Reasons for turning to natural medicine:

There has been a real shift in the way people think about their health. Rising health care cost is a factor in the recent surge of interest in alternative medicine. Many people are attracted to the natural physician's emphasis on treating the whole person - body, mind and spirit. Most importantly, some physicians use intensive counseling to help patients find out whether aspects of their daily lives, such as job stress, marital problems, diet or sleeping habits might be behind their symptoms. In this age of managed care and impersonal group practices, patients find this individualized approach of alternative medicine particularly appealing.

Will I get reimbursed by health care insurance when seeing a holistic doctor?

Reimbursement will depend on what type of insurance plan you have. Most natural doctors cannot practice under the HMO model; however there are some insurance plans that offer a wellness benefit and will reimburse you a percentage of the physician's fee. Be sure to check with your provider and see if your plan offers a wellness benefit.

The money you spend on a Naturopathic Physician's services can be thought of as your real health insurance. Don't let dependence on an insurance plan keep you from getting the help you need. If your car needed a tune up, who would you ask to pay? Likewise, if you have recurrent or chronic health problems, and are not happy with the care you are receiving in the current system, don't limit your thinking to what your insurance company will cover. Insurance companies are slow to change, but asking if they cover holistic services will at least serve to notify them that you, the customer, are interested in something different.

One option to consider is increasing the deductible on your policy (keeping your coverage in the event of serious illness) and using your premium savings to cover the cost of preventative holistic health care.

Preventing illness and following wellness plans are ultimately the most cost effective in any long-term healthcare arrangement.



>> Learn more about Dr. Minette

>> Contact Dr. Minette

 << previous   next >>