Table 5 Characteristics of visits to naturopathic physicians in Connecticut (1998) and Washington (1999)

Diagnostics/Screen Services:

Examinations

   Vitals (BP, pulse, temp)

28

39

   HEENT

18

15

   Complete physical

13

9

   Mental Status

<5

6

Imaging

   x-ray

1

2

   ultrasound

1

1

Blood tests

   Complete blood count

7

10

   Serum chemistry

7

9

   Thyroid

3

7

   Lipids panel

4

5

   Allergy

4

2

Additional Tests

   Stool analysis

5

4

   Urine analysis

4

2

   Vitamin/Mineral

3

0

   Endocrine

2

3

   Allergy Skin test

1

1

   TB skin test

1

0

Therapeutics and Preventive Services:

Naturopathic Therapeutics

   Botanical medicine

51

43

   Vitamins

41

43

   Minerals

35

39

   Homeopathy

29

19

   Acupuncture

14

4

   Allergy treatment

11

13

   Glandular therapies

4

13

Physical Therapies

   Naturopathic manipulation

8

15

   Physiotherapy

1

13

   Hydrotherapy

4

10

   Ultrasound

2

9

   Mechanotherapy

2

7

Counseling/Education

   Therapeutic diet

26

36

   Self-care education

17

23

   Exercise therapy

9

12

   Mental Health

4

6

Visit disposition *

   No follow-up planned

5

4

   Return if needed

18

21

   Return at specified time

77

74

   Referred (% to an MD)

5 (4)

6 (4)

Visit Duration

   Mean, minutes

40

44

   <15 minutes

1

3

   15–29 minutes

14

20

   30 to 44 minutes

49

31

   45–59 minutes

15

18

   >/=60 minutes

20

28