What is a Naturopathic Physician?

            A Naturopathic Physician (Naturopath) is a trained Primary Care Physician.  The Naturopathic medical program includes all traditional medical school courses as well as additional training in Botanical (herbs), Homeopathy, Nutritional and Physical medicines.  A Naturopathic Physician has completed a 4 year accredited graduate program, passed national board exams and received a license from the State Public Health Department.

        Naturopathic Physicians (NDs) believe the body has an innate power to heal itself and it is their job to assist the body. In this vain, NDs look for and treat the cause of the problem so the patient can have a lasting cure. To do this effectively NDs look at the mental, emotional and spiritual levels as well as the physical level. The first goal is to prevent disease before it happens through preventative treatments, education and healthy life-style habits.  NDs employ safe and effective treatments to treat disease and/or maintain optimal physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being.

What is Naturopathic Medicine?

            Naturopathic Medicine includes a number of different alternative modalities including botanical, nutritional, homeopathic, physical and counseling therapies.  An ND uses these modalities within the founding principles of Naturopathy:

       

        First Do No Harm

        The Healing Power of Nature

        Identify and Treat the Cause

        Treat the Whole Person

        Doctor as Teacher

        Prevention

What is Homeopathy?

            Homeopathy is a field of medicine that was established in the early 1800s.  It is founded on the principle of “like cures like” (homeo = like or similar, pathos = disease).  Another foundation principles of homeopathy is the theory that the body has an innate ability to heal itself, termed the “vital force.”  This vital force expresses disease of the organism in symptoms (fever, hives, vomiting).  All of these symptoms are methods of eliminating the disturbance of the organism.

            When an individual is sick, the disease usually runs a natural course to resolution.  Sometimes the vital force “gets stuck” in the rhythm of a particular disease - symptoms do not resolve but continue longer than usual.  Modern medicine treats this disturbance by administering a substance that will stop or suppress those symptoms (congestion - decongestant, vomiting - antiemtic).  Homeopathy’s theory of “like cures like” administers a substance (remedy) that will mimic the symptom picture.  Because it is a minimal and limited dose the production of similar symptoms are brief.  The remedy creates an avenue for discharge of the disease, an exit from the rhythm (disturbance) in which it is “stuck.”  So as the remedy’s symptoms fade the original symptoms will also cease - cleared rather than suppressed.

            Treatment with homeopathic remedies is very safe because the doses are small and the effect on the body is brief.

Is Naturopathic Medicine covered by my insurance plan?

            All insurance plans are different.  Each patient will need to check with his/her provider to determine if Naturopathic Medicine is a covered benefit.

            We participate in the following insurance companies:

Aetna                                                                Health New England

Anthem BC/BS of CT                                      Medical Resource, LLC

CIGNA                                                             Premera Blue Cross

Great-West Healthcare                                     United Healthcare

Health Allies

            Most insurance plans will cover some portions of fees.  We can provide you with a copy of your invoice with all the information needed to bill your insurance company if necessary.  We advise that you check with your insurance provider before scheduling an appointment.

Can the physician at NNHC order lab tests?

            Yes.  Dr. Stratford is licensed physician in the state of Connecticut.  He is able to order lab tests and other diagnostic examinations.

What can I expect during my first office visit?

            The initial office visit can be different for each person. Typically you will spend approximately one hour with Dr. Stratford.  During that hour you will discuss your current health complaint, your medical history, family history, and lifestyle history.  He will also perform any necessary physical examination.  Usually treatment will begin during this first visit.

Can I use Dr. Stratford as my primary care provider?

            Dr. Stratford can effectively treat both acute and chronic illnesses.  In this way he can function as your primary care provider.  It is recommended that you maintain a relationship with your MD.

Will I get a prescription such as an antibiotic from my doctor at NNHC?

            No.  NDs are not licensed to prescribe medications in the state of Connecticut.  Dr. Stratford does have extensive training in pharmacology and is able to discuss and recommend a course of treatment using conventional therapies.  Often, there are very effective naturopathic treatments that can be used instead.  Though it is often safe to use natural therapies in conjunction with drug therapy, it is imperative that you consult with a physician before combining or implementing any alternative/naturopathic medical protocol with drug therapy.

Does NNHC have naturopathic medicines available on site?

            Yes.  NNHC has a naturopathic medicinary stocked with herbal, homeopathic and nutritional remedies.  We stock only the highest quality products, most of which can not be purchased outside a physicians office or pharmacy.

More questions?  Give us a call, (203) 816-0326.  We look forward to speaking with you!