What is a Naturopathic Doctor?
Naturopathic Doctors (NDs), who are licensed to practice medicine in the state of Connecticut,are trained at four-year, post graduate, medical colleges. The first two years of a four year naturopathic college program are very similar to that of a “traditional” Medical Doctor(MD) program. Just like MDs, an ND student begins their education with basic medical sciences covering anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, pathology, pharmacology, immunology, histology, diagnostic imaging, gynecology, oncology, gastroenterology, urology, minor surgery, neuroscience and genetics. In the final two years of their program, ND students focus more intently on naturopathic therapies including clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy, Chinese medicine theory,environmental medicine, spinal assessmentand manipulation, hydrotherapy, and more.An NDs education also includes more than 1200 hours of hands on clinical education and 264 hours of preceptoring with N.D.s, M.D.s, D.O.s.
What can I expect from a visit with Doctor Gariepy?
First office visits are 1.5 hours to allow plenty of time for you to discuss your health concerns with Doctor Gariepy. He will review with you your current state of health, your complete medical history, order labwork if needed, and do pertinent physical exams. Because an NDs treatment goals are to use natural therapies to help address the underlying cause of disease and help the body to heal itself, your treatment plan may include: Dietary and lifestyle education, botanical medicine, nutritional medicine (vitamins and minerals), homeopathic remedies, and/or counseling. As an ND, Doctor Gariepy is highly trained in drug/herb interactions. With the increase in numbers of people taking both prescription medication and dietary supplements, it is important for you to come to your appointment with a complete listof medications you are currently taking.
Are Naturopathic Doctors covered by insurance?
It depends on your insurance plan. Most plans have an alternative medicine clause which will cover up to a designated amount for various alternative medicine therapies each year. Dr. Gariepy currently participates with Cigna, Connecticare, United Healthcare & Oxford Health. More will be coming soon!
Dr. Joseph Gariepy
