Frequently Asked Questions
A: Naturopathic doctors are trained at 4 year medical institutions accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (www.CNME.org), recognized by the U.S Secretary of Education. Four years of classroom instruction begin with basic science classes, including anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry, and include extensive coursework in nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy, physical medicine and other alternative treatment modalities. Students are directly supervised by experienced physicians for over 700 hours of patient care. Two sets of board examinations, called the NPLEX (Naturopathic Physician Licensing Examination) administered by the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners (www.NABNE.org) must be passed before licensure is granted. Residencies are not required for naturopathic physicians.
Only 4 fully accredited medical institutions in the United States provide education that meets the above requirements. They are Bastyr University (www.bastyr.edu), National College of Naturopathic Medicine (www.ncnm.edu), Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine & Health Sciences (www.scnm.edu) and the University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine (www.bridgeport.edu/naturopathy).
More information is available via the national organization for licensed naturopathic physicians, the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (www.naturopathic.org).
A: Naturopathic doctors are trained as primary care physicians. Licensure for naturopaths is available in 15 states, the District of Columbia and the US territories. RI is not one of those states yet. In RI, ND's do not diagnose or treat disease. They are able to give advice on how to handle medical conditions naturally. Dr. Layton maintains her license in Washington state.
Because licensure is not regulated in this state, people who have not completed the training listed above can refer to themselves as naturopaths.
A: Until licensure laws are established in RI, naturopathic doctors are not able to take insurance.
A: Homeopathic doctors use homeopathic medicine to treat disease. Naturopathic doctors use homeopathy in practice, along with other modalities including nutrition, herbal medicine, and hydrotherapy, but they are not specialists in homeopathy unless they have pursued additional training.
A: First office visits cost $150 for a 60 minute visit. Follow up visits cost $75 for a 30 minute visit. Call 401-536-4327 for information about other services.
Not sure naturopathic medicine is right for you? Free 15 minute consultations are available at All That Matters or by phone. Call the front desk at 401-782-2126 for an in- office appointment or 401-536-4327 for a phone consult.