What can you expect on your first visit with Dr. Jessica?
Your first visit is typically 60 minutes and includes a comprehensive intake focusing on your health history, current medical concerns, and lifestyle habits such as dietary habits, emotional stress, sleep, exercise and exposure to environmental hazards. You may be surprised by the level of information Dr. Jessica takes interest in. This visit also involves relevant physical exams, functional testing, and laboratory tests as needed. If you’ve had recent bloodwork and/or imaging, it’s helpful to bring it with you to your first visit. Treatment plans are then developed together; often utilizing a combination of lifestyle modifications, biotherapeutic drainage, nutraceuticals, pharmaceutical prescriptions, manual therapies, bioelectricmagnetic energy therapies, intravenous therapies, and regenerative injection therapies.
Subsequent visits are scheduled based on your health concerns, availability and budget. Some concerns require more frequent visits, while others may not.
What conditions or illnesses can Dr. Jessica treat?
Most acute and chronic health concerns can be addressed or supported by Dr. Jessica. This includes but is not limited to:
- Acute and Chronic Pain
- Autoimmune Conditions (Graves, Hashimotos, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis), Multiple Sclerosis, Psoriasis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, SLE/Lupus, Vitiligo).
- Digestive Health complaints including heartburn and reflux, nausea and vomiting, bad breath, belching, bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, intestinal bleeding, blood or mucous in stool, and food reactions.
- Mental Health and Cognitive Function including ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, anxiety, depression, fatigue, poor memory, and sleep problems.
- Respiratory complaints including seasonal allergies, asthma, acute and chronic coughs.
- Skin concerns including acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, and hives.
- Sports and Performance Support
- Women’s Health concerns including menstrual symptoms (painful periods, absent period, irregular cycles), peri, menopausal and post-menopausal concerns (Mood changes, fatigue, insomnia, cognitive changes, hot flashes and/or night sweats, breast changes, decreased libido, urinary incontinence and chronic recurring urinary tract infections, vaginal pain or dryness, weight gain).
- Weight Management
- Pediatric Care including well child care and developmental support, acute care for respiratory infections, ear infections, digestive concerns such as colic, constipation, diarrhea, reflux, skin rashes, sleep problems, behavioural and mood problems.
Does insurance cover naturopathic care?
Most extended health care plans cover naturopathic doctors, usually between $200-500 per year. Some plans also include lab or diagnostic testing. You can clarify coverage with your benefits manager. In respect to the provincial MSP plan, there is a limited coverage for individuals on premium assistance or social assistance only.
All eligible medical expenses (e.g., visits, laboratory services) can be claimed on your Tax Form. In cases where medical expenses are reimbursed by an insurance plan, the portion not reimbursed can be claimed. For more information on allowable medical claims, please click here. Note: Natural medicines are not claimable, but pharmaceutical prescription medications are.
Can I still see my family doctor if I see Dr. Jessica?
Absolutely! In fact, it’s encouraged to have a family doctor if possible. Naturopathic medicine is not a replacement for conventional medicine, but a complement. Consider the two, the “best of both worlds.” Though naturopathic doctors have a large scope of practice in the province of BC, there are limitations such as referral to specialists and imaging which require a medical doctor’s care. Dr. Jessica regularly collaborates family doctors and is happy to be a part of your healthcare team.
Have more questions?
Please click the button below and contact the nearest clinic to you.
Dr. Jessica recommends booking a phone consultation before booking an initial visit. A phone consult is a great way to ask more questions and determine if Dr. Jessica would be a good fit for you.