Frequently asked questions
Questions About Naturopathic Care
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What is a naturopathic doctor?
A naturopathic doctor (ND) is a regulated healthcare professional who specializes in identifying and treating the root causes of health conditions, rather than managing symptoms alone. In Ontario, NDs complete a four-year accredited graduate program in naturopathic medicine and are regulated by the College of Naturopaths of Ontario (CONO). Dr. Simone is a licensed ND with a focus on women's hormonal health.
Is naturopathic medicine evidence-based?
Yes. Naturopathic care draws on peer-reviewed research alongside established clinical practice. Dr. Simone uses science-based assessment and treatment — including functional lab testing, detailed health history, and evidence-informed protocols — to develop your care plan. The goal is care that is both grounded in evidence and individualized to your specific health picture.
How is a naturopathic doctor different from my family doctor?
Your family doctor and your ND serve different but complementary roles. Family doctors focus on diagnosing illness, prescribing medications, and managing acute or urgent conditions. Dr. Simone focuses on the deeper factors influencing your health — hormones, nutrition, lifestyle, gut function — and works with you over time to shift those patterns. Many patients see both. Naturopathic care doesn't replace your GP; it works alongside conventional medicine.
Can a naturopathic doctor order lab work?
Yes. In Ontario, licensed NDs can requisition standard blood tests and hormone panels. Dr. Simone can order labs through standard provincial channels and review existing results you bring from your family doctor. Functional testing — such as DUTCH hormone panels or GI mapping — is also available and can provide a more detailed picture than standard bloodwork.
Is naturopathic care covered by OHIP?
Naturopathic care is not covered by OHIP. However, many extended health benefit plans cover ND visits — check your plan for details. Receipts are provided for all appointments and can be submitted to your insurance provider or claimed as a medical expense on your tax return.
Do you prescribe medication?
In Ontario, NDs have prescribing authority for certain substances, including thyroid hormones and bio-identical hormones, subject to scope of practice regulations. Dr. Simone's primary approach uses nutrition, botanicals, and targeted supplementation. Where pharmaceutical prescribing is appropriate and within scope, it is discussed openly with you. She does not prescribe controlled substances.
What is a virtual appointment?
A virtual appointment is a video consultation conducted over a secure, PHIPA-compliant platform. It covers the same scope as an in-person visit — health history, assessment, lab review, and treatment planning. You don't need to travel or sit in a waiting room. You need a device with a camera and a reliable internet connection.
Is virtual care as effective as in-person?
For most concerns Dr. Simone sees — hormonal health, PCOS, fertility, acne, digestion — virtual care is fully effective. Assessment, lab review, and treatment planning do not require physical presence. Some physical examinations and in-person treatments are not possible virtually, but for the conditions she focuses on, virtual appointments provide the same quality of care.
Is the platform secure? What about my health information?
Yes. Appointments are conducted through a PHIPA-compliant video platform. Your health information is not stored or processed outside of Canada. Clinical records are kept within Jane App, which meets Ontario's health privacy standards. No health information is shared with third-party marketing tools.
What does an initial consultation cost?
Please see the Services page or contact us for current pricing.
How often will I need to come back?
This depends on what you're working on and how your body responds to treatment. Most patients begin with monthly follow-ups while a protocol is being established and adjusted. Over time, many patients move to less frequent check-ins as things stabilize. Dr. Simone will give you a realistic sense of the timeline for your specific situation during your initial consultation.
Do you offer direct billing to insurance?
No. Dr. Simone does not offer direct billing. Payment is collected at the time of your appointment, and a detailed receipt is issued immediately after. You can submit this receipt directly to your insurance provider for reimbursement.
Does my insurance cover naturopathic care?
Many extended health benefit plans include naturopathic coverage — but the amount varies significantly by plan and provider. Check your benefits booklet or contact your insurer directly to confirm your coverage amount, whether a referral is required, and whether virtual appointments are included. Dr. Simone cannot verify your coverage on your behalf.
How soon will I see results?
This depends on the condition being addressed and how long you've been experiencing it. Some patients notice changes within a few weeks; others are working on conditions that take several months to shift. Dr. Simone will give you realistic expectations based on your specific situation during your initial consultation. Naturopathic care requires consistency — results are cumulative rather than immediate.
Do I need a referral to see Dr. Simone?
No referral is required. You can book directly through this website. If your family doctor or another practitioner has referred you, that context is welcome and helpful, but it is not required to get started.
How is naturopathic care different from what my family doctor provides?
Naturopathic doctors focus on identifying and treating the root causes of health issues, not just managing symptoms. We use evidence-based natural therapies, nutrition, lifestyle changes, and functional testing to address the underlying imbalances affecting your hormones, digestion, and overall health.