If you have trouble seeing a doctor, you’re not alone. According to Consumer Reports, there is a shortage of primary care physicians.
With a shortage of primary care physicians, patients may seek alternative doctors, such as naturopathic doctors. However, Consumer Reports says there is some confusion between the natural remedies used by naturopathic doctors and the traditional medicine used by doctors.
Naturopathic doctors treat patients using so-called “natural remedies,” but some practitioners are considered naturopathic doctors, meaning they have special training and licensure.
“So that means someone who has also completed a four-year naturopathic training program and passed the licensing exam,” says Jenny Interlandi, Consumer Reports health editor.
There are also unqualified people who are simply called naturopaths. Doctors can practice as long as they follow basic lifestyle advice, but even a qualified doctor has limitations.
“In some states, people who pass the licensing exam again can write prescriptions for things like hormone therapy,” Interlandi said. “In other states you can’t do that, and in some states you can’t write prescriptions at all.”
North Carolina currently has no laws regulating this practice. The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians says it wants all 50 states to recognize NDs as qualified medical professionals who can prescribe medications and diagnose illnesses. But critics say they don’t actually go to medical school.
“So what you’re effectively doing by giving them a blanket license is allowing them to practice medicine without actually having any medical training,” Interlandi said. Ta.
Consumer Reports warns that treatments such as vitamin drips and botanical medicines are not supported by scientific evidence.
“Some of these things are actually unsafe, people can be harmed, or have been harmed by them, and they’re not necessarily as safe and natural as you think.” No,” Interlandi said.
Consumer Reports also said that vitamins and supplements are typically not covered by insurance, so patients may end up paying more out of pocket than expected.
Consumer Reports recommends that people who choose to see a naturopathic doctor do so with a primary care provider, someone who has undergone rigorous medical training.
