What to expect at your first visit
Dr. Jola’s appointment booking and initial intake forms are available online to complete before our first meeting to help us use our time together as efficiently as possible. During our first visit, we spend approximately an hour exploring your main concerns and health goals, discussing your medical history, and reviewing your current medication and supplement regime. We do a focused physical exam pertaining to your concerns. When possible, it can be helpful to bring along pertinent blood work, lab reports, imaging, previous testing, or list of medications.
Follow-up visits
Our second visit is two to four weeks after our first visit and lasts 50 minutes. At this point we will follow up on recommendations from the initial visit and discuss a short and long-term treatment plan, establishing a timeline to expect change, how often to see each other, and an approximate idea of how to budget your care over the year. We will also review dietary and nutritional recommendations, discuss lifestyle modifications, and explore additional testing if necessary. Subsequent follow up visits are usually 25 minutes and may include revisions to your treatment plan, exploring new or past concerns, and ongoing care like acupuncture.
Telemedicine Follow-up
You’ve got a busy schedule, but you still need to take care of yourself! Depending on your concerns, you may be eligible for follow-up remotely on the same fee schedule as in-person visits. Contact Dr. Jola to inquire if this is a good option for you. *Please note, all initial visits and physical exam must be done in person*
Communication
Due to a large volume of phone calls and emails, Dr. Jola asks that whenever possible, patients compile their questions and bring them to upcoming scheduled appointments. Dr. Jola is always happy to address your questions and values giving patients undivided attention in face-to-face visits to ensure the best possible health care. Please schedule a follow-up appointment (through the receptionist or through the on-line booking system) or wait until your next visit if one has already been scheduled if your inquiries or concerns include, but are not limited to: questions regarding products Dr. Jola has not recommended or advice on a new health concern.
PLEASE NOTE: Dr. Jola cannot give specific recommendations regarding friends and family members. Complimentary 10-minute consultations are available for potential patients to see if we would be a good fit for their health care needs. Please call the clinic and the receptionist will be happy to set this up. Dr. Jola is appreciative of referrals and the trust you place in her as a member of your healthcare team.
Payment
Payment is due at the end of each visit. Payment options are cash, EMT, Visa, Mastercard, or debit. Dr. Jola’s clinics will provide a receipt upon payment that you can submit for insurance and tax purposes.
Insurance
Currently, Naturopathic Medicine is not covered by OHIP. Most health care packages and extended benefits from employers and school provide some coverage for care by a licensed naturopathic doctor. Check your plan to see what coverage you are entitled to! Naturopathic medicine is complimentary to, but does not replace, the services of your medical doctor and specialists. Patients are encouraged to maintain all regular medical procedures, check-ups and testing as suggested by your medical doctor.
Cancellation Policy
Appointments may be cancelled without charge up to 2 business days before the scheduled visit. This allows us time to reallocate the time slot to other patients on the wait list.Cancellations with only one day’s notice will result in a $50 cancellation fee. Missed appointments will be billed to the patient at 50% of the scheduled visit fee. Patients who are more than 15 minutes late will be considered as a missed appointment. In the event of an unforeseeable emergency, late cancellation fees will not apply. Due to the ever-changing nature of Ottawa weather, please wait until the day of your appointment to call regarding bad weather. Dr. Jola will do her best to keep your appointment via phone as wait times to re-book can be long. Cancellations due to bad weather with less than 2 business days’ notice and prior to the day of the appointment will result in a $50 cancellation fee.