Primary Care
Naturopathic doctors provide ongoing care for many British Columbians, including prevention, chronic disease management, and support for complex health concerns. Ensuring that patients who receive care from naturopathic doctors can move efficiently through the healthcare system is an important part of improving access to care and supporting coordination between providers.
Many patients who receive ongoing care from a naturopathic doctor must currently schedule an additional appointment with a medical doctor solely to obtain a referral to a specialist. From a system perspective, this creates an unnecessary step in the care pathway, adding time for patients and additional pressure on already stretched primary care resources. Allowing naturopathic doctors to refer directly to appropriate specialists would help streamline patient care, reduce duplication of appointments, and improve continuity for patients who already rely on naturopathic doctors as a primary point of care.
Yet despite this role in patient care, naturopathic doctors remain largely absent from provincial strategies aimed at addressing the primary care shortage. Efforts to expand access have focused primarily on traditional models of care, often overlooking regulated health professionals who are already supporting patients and helping relieve pressure on the system.
What Needs to Change
If BC is serious about solving the primary care crisis, it must include all qualified providers in its strategy. Naturopathic doctors are a ready and willing part of the solution. Recognizing and integrating NDs as part of BC’s primary care framework would expand access for thousands of British Columbians—immediately.
BCND’s Advocacy Priorities in Primary Care
- Recognition of NDs as Primary Care Providers-NDs are trained, regulated health professionals providing front-line care. It’s time provincial policy formally acknowledges the role NDs play in delivering primary care services.
- Inclusion in Primary Care Initiatives and Team-Based Care Models– BCND is advocating for naturopathic doctors to be integrated into team-based primary care networks, urgent and primary care centres (UPCCs), and other provincial healthcare initiatives.
- Equitable Access to Diagnostic and Treatment Resources-Expanding NDs’ access to publicly funded laboratory and diagnostic services is essential for providing complete, patient-centred primary care.
- Utilization of the Existing ND Workforce-At a time when BC is streamlining credentialing for U.S.-trained medical doctors and nurses to address healthcare shortages, we are calling on government to also recognize and leverage the fully trained, licensed naturopathic doctors who are already working in communities across BC.
A Collaborative Approach, with Room for Improvement
BCND continues to work collaboratively with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to advocate for practical solutions that improve access to care. However, the current approach to primary care reform must evolve to include all qualified providers if we hope to build a sustainable healthcare system that meets the needs of all British Columbians.
Naturopathic doctors are ready to help. We look forward to continued dialogue with government, grounded in a shared commitment to accessible, patient-centred care.
Saskia Karlen is a third-generation insurance broker specializing in life and health insurance, financial planning, and employee benefits. With a BA from the University of British Columbia, Saskia transitioned from a successful career in marketing to the insurance and financial services industry. She provides personalized insurance solutions and financial planning strategies to individuals and businesses, helping them achieve long-term financial security.
