Can a Naturopathic Doctor Order Blood Work in Nova Scotia?

Dr. Nicole Monk, ND, a licensed Naturopathic Doctor with the College of Naturopathic Doctors of Alberta, focuses on addressing the root causes of health concerns and preventing disease through evidence-based practices. 

Key takeaways

• Naturopathic Doctors usually order blood work through out-of-pocket private lab testing. Public insurance (MSI) usually does not apply.
• Public lab access requires the provider to be on the “Authorized Prescriber” list under Nova Scotia Health.
• New regulations are expected to clarify what naturopathic doctors can and cannot order.
• Lab results from family doctors and nurse practitioners can help coordinate care and avoid duplicate testing.
• Common lab tests used in naturopathic care include CBC, thyroid markers (TSH and free hormones), lipid profile, vitamin D, ferritin/iron studies, B12/folate, hormone and cortisol profiles.

How is naturopathic medicine making waves in a world dominated by Western Medicine?

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, demand for naturopathic services saw a resurgence as many recognized the importance of taking control of their healthcare through natural and preventive medicine, rather than relying solely on allopathic solutions.

So what can naturopathy really do? How is it regulated? What are its limitations? And can Naturopathic Doctors order blood work and specific lab tests?

Let’s find out! 

Can Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) Order Blood Work in Nova Scotia?

Yes, Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) can order blood work, and this isn’t uncommon. Blood work allows NDs to gain a better understanding of overall health, identify causes of symptoms, track chronic indicators, and make personalized treatment plans.

However, an ND cannot order conventional blood work covered by Nova Scotia Health. They can only order bloodwork and specialized functional tests, such as hormone or food sensitivity tests, through private labs that have to be paid out-of-pocket.

If they do require conventional lab tests covered by MSI, an ND will often work collaboratively with a Medical Doctor (MD) or a Nurse Practitioner (NP). 

Public Labs vs. Private Lab Testing

Private lab testing is common in naturopathic care as NDs believe in a holistic and preventative approach to health and healing. 

As such, an ND may request specialized tests like hormone panels, micronutrient panels, digestive or metabolic markers, and food sensitivity tests through private labs to get a deeper understanding of how to best support your mind, body, and spirit with nutrition, herbal medicine, and lifestyle changes. 

These types of tests often fall outside what the public system offers and thus aren’t always covered.

What Lab Work do NDs Typically Order?

In most cases, patients who see a naturopathic doctor (ND) already have some lab work completed through the public health care system. These results are accessible through the provincial health record system and can be used as a helpful starting point.

NDs are also able to order many of the same basic bloodwork profiles as a family physician. This can be especially helpful if you haven’t had recent labs done, don’t currently have a family GP, or would like a more comprehensive assessment.

In some situations, conventional lab tests may not provide enough detail. Based on your symptoms, diet, lifestyle, and supplement recommendations, an ND may also suggest additional private lab testing, such as:

• CBC and a complete metabolic panel test
• Thyroid markers (TSH, free T4/T3)
• A lipid profile and metabolic risk markers
• Test for Vitamin D and other nutrient levels (e.g. iron, ferritin, B12, folate)
• Hormone and/or cortisol profiles
• Micronutrient and wellness-oriented panels

Here is a table that breaks down what these tests are for and why they can be helpful:

Even though these tests aren’t always covered by MSI, they can be vital in helping NDs develop a personalized care plan that is right for you from a nutrition, lifestyle, stress, sleep, and supplement standpoint. 

If an ND finds something concerning, they will work with your family doctor or nurse practitioner to coordinate further care.

Changes in The Regulated Health Professions Act

Under the new Regulated Health Professions Act, which became law on November 9, 2023, all regulated health-care professions will eventually have their own regulations. 

For naturopathic doctors, this could mean clearer rules around diagnostic testing and lab ordering rights. But as of right now, naturopathic practices need to be transparent about which orders go to public labs (with MSI) and which are sent privately (patient-paid).

Private Lab Testing in Dartmouth, NS

In Nova Scotia, you have two main paths to get meaningful blood work. Either you go through public labs under MSI coverage (stricter rules and specific tests only) or private labs (which give broader testing options, but you have to pay).

Many naturopathic doctors often blend both: they review your existing public lab results, and if needed, they order additional private testing. 

At Spectrum Therapeutic Solutions, we offer functional and advanced laboratory testing options to help our clinicians uncover underlying health concerns. We always provide clear pricing and informed consent before ordering any private tests. 

Book an appointment or call 902-932-2395 for further details.

FAQs

Why might someone choose private testing?

Some specialized tests require private labs as they aren’t always offered or covered by public health. 

Can private test results help long-term care planning?

Yes. Detailed lab reports like hormone panels, nutrient levels, or metabolic markers can offer deeper insight, which helps determine causes of chronic fatigue, hormonal changes, thyroid issues or digestive concerns.

Is private testing available across Nova Scotia?

Yes. Many private labs and draw sites serve people across the province, including Halifax, Dartmouth, Truro, Sydney, and rural areas. Your naturopathic clinic should tell you the nearest collection site.

How long do results take?

Basic private tests usually return in 1–2 weeks. Specialty tests (like hormone panels or micronutrient assays) might take 2–4 weeks, depending on the lab.