What To Expect From Your First Naturopathic Appointment

Hi, I’m Dr. Jean-Jacques Dugoua. Most people call me Dr. JJ.

Your first appointment with a naturopathic doctor might be one of the longest healthcare appointments you’ve ever had.

There are a lot of forms, and there’s a lot going on.

But there’s a good reason for it.

Your naturopathic doctor wants to give you a personalized treatment plan, and the only way to do that is to paint as full a picture of your health as possible.

Watch this video to better understand what your first appointment with me will look like.

Or, if you like, read the following article.

First, The Forms

I know, the forms are a little bit long, but there’s a good reason for it.

Before we get started, it’s important for me to know as much as possible about your current state of health, your health goals, and any current health conditions you’re dealing with.

It’s also helpful if you bring any lab work or imaging you’ve recently gotten done.

That includes MRI reports, x ray reports, blood work, or anything else.

The more information you bring with you, the more you arm me with what I need to build a plan that’s tailored to you.

Your Health Goals

With that out of the way, let’s take a look at what you can expect when you actually visit for your first appointment.

Of course, I’ll need to know what brought you here in the first place.

We’ll talk about your current health goals, and whether you’ve been diagnosed with any diseases.

From there, we’ll talk some more about what your conditions are, and what you can expect from treatment.

After all, some conditions are fixable – like nutrient deficiencies.

Others, like many digestive issues, can be put into remission.

Still others can only be managed, or I can only play a supporting role, like in adjunctive cancer care

We’ll talk about the medications, vitamins, and supplements you’re currently taking, and we’ll take a look at what’s doing what for you.

We’ll also take a look at any allergies, your family history, or accidents, and your sleep and energy levels.

The Review Of Systems

From there, we’ll do what’s called a review of systems.

That’s where we cover your body from head to toe.

We’ll look at any issues with your hair or skin, your eyes, your ears, your mouth, your lungs, your heart, breathing, urination, joint pain, and much more.

We’ll also consider your lifestyle.

Do you smoke?

Are you a coffee drinker?

How much water do you drink?

Are you dealing with chronic stress or anxiety?

These are all important questions to answer to get a full picture of your health.

The Physical

Next comes the physical.

It’s not too much different than a physical you’d get from a medical doctor.

I’ll take a look at your blood pressure, your eyes, your abdomen, your reflexes, and more.

The abdomen in particular is important – by palpating it, we can find out if you’re bloated.

I’ve also unfortunately found masses in patients in their abdomen before.

The Plan

This is why you’re here, and it’s usually the most exciting part for people.

You want some natural solutions for your health, so I’m here to give it to you.

What you’ll get is an outline. This may include:

• Supplements to take
• Medications to take (desiccated thyroid hormone or bioidentical hormones)
• Lifestyle improvements
• Exercise recommendations
• Diet recommendations
• Stress management techniques
• Referrals to other healthcare practitioners as needed
• Recommendations for blood work or imaging as needed

Questions? Ask Dr. JJ

Everyone has questions when you’re starting something new.

It’s natural.

But just know that when you work with a naturopathic doctor, you’ll get access to natural care that’s personalized to your needs.

My goal as a practitioner is to accept people as they are, and work with them to reach their health goals.

No matter who you are, if you have health concerns, you’re welcome at my clinic.

Contact me, Dr. JJ, today, and let’s book an appointment to get you moving toward your health goals.

Contact me today, and I’ll help you find a program that’s personalized for you.