Naturopathic & Functional Lab Testing
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Functional lab testing is the practice of analyzing samples of urine, blood, saliva, stool, and even hair to determine the underlying cause of health problems so appropriate and effective treatment can be implemented quickly. I use three main categories of assessment in my practice:
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Basic blood & urine testing
Basic blood & urine testing assesses many key health parameters including liver and kidney function, cellular health, immune function, nutritional status, blood sugar, hormones, electrolytes, inflammation, and more.
While these basic lab tests are covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC when ordered by a medical doctor, they are unfortunately an out-of-pocket expense when ordered by a naturopathic doctor. Anyone hoping to minimize cost of lab testing is invited to first discuss health concerns with a medical doctor so that appropriate diagnostic tests can be ordered at minimal cost to you. Additionally, there are a few other ways to make lab testing more affordable (see FAQ at bottom of this page for more info). Blood & urine tests are typically ordered through Valley Medical Lab and Life Labs in BC.
While these basic lab tests are covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC when ordered by a medical doctor, they are unfortunately an out-of-pocket expense when ordered by a naturopathic doctor. Anyone hoping to minimize cost of lab testing is invited to first discuss health concerns with a medical doctor so that appropriate diagnostic tests can be ordered at minimal cost to you. Additionally, there are a few other ways to make lab testing more affordable (see FAQ at bottom of this page for more info). Blood & urine tests are typically ordered through Valley Medical Lab and Life Labs in BC.
When is basic blood work best done through an ND?
Some people just want answers fast and aren't concerned about the cost. For individuals with limited access to a medical doctor or who have to wait a long time for an appointment, choosing to do lab testing through a naturopathic doctor is most efficient and provides a deep look into potential underlying factors so you can get answers right away. We decide together which tests to order and you get to ask for what you want.
NDs are able to order a wide variety of lab tests including some that are typically only ordered by specialists through referral.
Specialized lab testing
Specialized lab testing is often useful when basic blood and urine testing is insufficient and we need more information. The following are examples of specialized lab tests I frequently order:
Below are some of the labs I work with:
- Comprehensive digestive stool analysis
- Testing for SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth)
- Detailed male and female hormone analysis
- Mold (mycotoxin) testing
- Food sensitivity and allergy testing
- Heavy metal testing
- Adrenal (cortisol) testing
- Micronutrient testing
- Neurotransmitter testing
Below are some of the labs I work with:
DUTCH/
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Doctors DataTests I commonly order:
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US BiotekTests I commonly order:
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Bioresonance testing
Bioresonance testing is a safe, fast, gentle, and non-invasive way to gain insights into many aspects of your health including:
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How does the test work?
Electrodes are placed on the ankles, wrists, and forehead. Then a very small and painless electrical frequency is delivered via the electrodes through the body to measure the electrical frequency of 47 organs in the body. This is simple physics. At the end of the scan, the results are reviewed and you receive a digital copy of the 10-25+ page report. Learn more about the test here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of lab testing?
Cost varies depending on the test! Patients are always informed of the cost of any recommended lab testing in advance and given the opportunity to opt in or out. The cost varies depending on the tests being ordered. If financial resources are limited, see the Q&A below. Some people simply need to take time to save up for the lab testing they need or they may need to borrow the money or ask for help from a family member or loved one.
I can't afford testing. What are my options?
I understand. I remember my first appointment with a naturopathic doctor cost me $150 out of my own pocket for food sensitivity testing. That was a lot of money for a broke college student. But you know what? That lab test changed my life.
You are never forced to do lab testing, and if it is absolutely not possible, we can still develop a treatment plan –– we may just run the risk of choosing ineffective or inappropriate treatments that "miss the mark." Without lab testing, selecting treatments can be a bit of a guessing game, but your clinical history and symptoms already tells me a lot about what might be going on with you.
Lab testing can be costly, but you may want to ask yourself: what is the cost of NOT doing the testing? By not identifying the problem, are your symptoms affecting how well you function? Are you missing work? Are you suffering consistently? While lab testing can cost money, it is often a temporary pain for a long-term gain because lab testing is the fastest way to find out what's going on.
I do whatever I can to keep lab test costs as low as possible –– many of them are just plain expensive!
There are a few ways to make lab testing more affordable:
- If you have extended health benefits, find out in advance if you have coverage for lab testing through a naturopathic doctor. Many plans will cover at least some portion of lab testing.
- If you have a health spending account (HSA), this can be applied toward the cost of lab testing.
- Lab testing fees are tax deductible in Canada, so you can hold onto your receipts and submit them under health expenses on your tax return.
- In some cases, you may just need to save money for the lab tests you need. It can be helpful to look at other areas where you can possibly cut costs in order to afford the lab test you need, or consider asking for financial support from a family member or loved one.
What about the past lab tests I have already had through other providers?
A) Yes, I want them!
Whether we are just getting started, or whether we've been working together for a while, it is extremely helpful to review your past and present lab and imaging reports ordered by other doctors –– I definitely want to see them! This informs me of the evaluation you've already had so we don't order unnecessary tests. It also allows me to identify if there are any potentially significant and necessary lab tests or imaging studies that have not yet been done. Limited access to primary care can prevent many patients from accessing relevant and important diagnostic testing. I usually request that new patients send me any lab reports they have had from the last 2-5 years. I offer this review of past lab reports at no expense to you.
B) How to share lab reports with me
If you have previously registered for My E-Health (now called My Care Compass) you can log in to the website and download past reports as PDF files.
Another option for accessing past lab reports is to phone your doctor's office and request emailed copies of past or recent lab reports, for your records.
Once you have your lab reports in PDF format, you can forward them to me in several ways. Please note that screenshots are not an acceptable format for sharing lab reports unless they are easy to read and clearly indicate the date of testing along with your name and date of birth on every screenshot. Screenshots of lab reports that do not include this information will be rejected.
How to send lab reports:
- Send by email to [email protected]
- Fax to 844-991-3601
- Print and deliver hard copies by mail or in person to: 428-665 Cook Road, Kelowna, BC V1W 4T4
Another option is to complete a request for records form, send the completed form to me, and I can request your past lab reports directly from your doctor’s office. You can also request one of these forms by sending us an email or leaving a voicemail.