Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

1. Are Naturopathic Physicians a regulated health care profession in BC?

Yes.  Naturopathic physician is a self-regulated profession like medical doctors, and the regulatory body is The College of Naturopathic Physicians of BC (CNPBC, formerly ANPBC). Naturopathic Physicians are required complete strict medical education and to pass licensing exams in order to practice in BC. They are also required to obtain regular continuing education hours in order to maintain their license.

2. What is Dr. Kwok's educational background?

Dr. Kwok received his Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) and Master of Science in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (MSAOM) from Bastyr University in Seattle. He was one of the only two graduates who finished both degrees in four years. Dr. Kwok did his undergraduate studies in Cell Biology and received his Bachelor of Science (pre-med) degree from the University of British Columbia

3. How does Dr. Kwok's training and background vary from other naturopathic physicians?

Currently Dr. Kwok is the only doctor in BC that has both naturopathic physician license and doctor of traditional Chinese medicine license. In addition, Dr. Kwok also has clinical training in Chelation therapy, Ozone Therapy, NAET allergy treatment, and other intravenous treatments.

4. Is Dr. Kwok also an MD?

No. Dr. Kwok is a naturopathic doctor (ND), not a medical doctor (MD).

5. Is naturopathic medicine covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP)?

Provincial subsidies for naturopathic medicine were cut by the liberal government on January 1, 2002. At present there is no MSP coverage available for visits to an ND unless you are on premium assistance. Please also know that there is only limited coverage for premium assistance patients.

6. Will my extended health care plan pay for my visit, medication or treatments?

This varies depending on which extended health care insurance company your employer has chosen and the particular plan you are under. Please carefully read the fine print.  Most plans are particular about what they will reimburse to their clients. In general, most plans will reimburse 80% of the consultation charge, some laboratory costs; but specific treatment (e.g. chelation, iv treatment) and natural medicine are usually not covered.

7. What can I expect in my first consultation with Dr. Kwok?

Dr. Kwok is a Naturopathic Physician and a traditional Chinese medicine doctor.  Dr. Kwok believes in a holistic medical model, and looks at every aspect of your health from your diet, lifestyle, environmental factors, stress factors, past medical history, family history, and current medications and symptoms. Dr. Kwok would perform necessary physical exams and also traditional Chinese medical tongue and pulse diagnoses. After having all the pertinent information, Dr. Kwok would then formulate a treatment plan that is specific to you, including dietary/lifestyle suggestion, natural medicine/treatment, or further tests.  The very first visit is intended for you to tell the doctor your complete medical history and for the doctor to gather necessary information in order to formulate the most effective treatment plan for you.

8. If I go to Dr. Martin Kwok, can he guarantee that he can help me?  

A Naturopathic Physician, like medical doctors or any other practitioners, will do all they can within their medical knowledge to help you.  No practitioner can nor will promise the patient a cure (not merely symptom relief).

How many visits would I need for my condition?

In general, you can assume a fast recovery for acute illnesses, and a longer treatment period for chronic ones. However, every patient is unique and may respond differently to the treatment. Therefore, the length of treatment and prognosis are best left to be discussed between the individual patient and the doctor.

9. Is it safe to combine my prescription drugs with naturopathic or traditional Chinese medicines?

This is an area that still requires a lot of research. In general, it is safe to combine natural medicines with prescription drugs when it is done under a physician’s guidance.  It is important to let Dr. Kwok know of all the prescription drugs and supplements you are currently taking during your initial consult.  You should also inform the doctor if there are any medicine changes in subsequent visits. Often as the body systems start to regain their health/balance and be able to function on their own, the need for pharmaceutical drug intervention may be decreased.

10. What if I have a question regarding the visit or treatment plan?

Patients are encouraged to contact the clinic if they have any question regarding the fees, medication or the treatment plan.  If you have a complaint, also don't hesitate to let us know.  We want to hear from you and find out what the concerns are, so that we may provide you and future patients with better communication and services.