Frequently Asked
Questions
Have questions? We’re here to help! Explore our FAQs to learn more about our clinic, services and what to expect during your visit. If you do not find your question listed or would like to discuss anything in more detail, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Find your topic or query
You can book an appointment in three different ways: contact our front desk staff via email at [email protected], call us at 604-987-1418 or by using our online booking platform on JaneApp.
No, we do not require a referral in order for you to book an initial appointment.
Dr. Rauscher, Dr. Dhindsa, Dr. Basra, and Yasmin Devji are all accepting new patients.
Unfortunately Dr. Dayal is not currently accepting new patients and does not maintain a new patient waitlist at this time. We encourage you to explore our other highly qualified practitioners. Visit our team page to review their biographies and areas of expertise. Additionally you can contact our front desk for guidance in choosing the right practitioner based on your needs and availability.
No specific preparations are required, but each patient must complete the necessary documents emailed to them, including an intake form and, if applicable, a consent form. These should be completed at least 24 hours before your appointment to allow your practitioner time for review. If you did not receive these forms, please contact our front desk, and we will be happy to resend them to you.
If you have recent blood work or lab results you’d like to discuss, we recommend bringing them with you. If you don’t have access to these, we can request them from the authorizing physician after your initial consultation for review.
Your first visit is focused on getting to know you and understanding your health concerns and goals. Your practitioner will conduct a thorough assessment, reviewing your medical and family history, lifestyle habits, diet, exercise, sleep, and stress levels.
Based on your assessment, your practitioner will outline a treatment plan, which may include dietary recommendations, supplements, lifestyle changes, or other therapies. Follow-up visits will also be scheduled as needed. If they feel that further testing is required, it will be arranged during your visit, with certain tests completed in-house by our Naturopathic Doctors.
We want you to feel informed and comfortable throughout the process. Please ask any questions during your appointment so we can address any concerns. By the end of your visit, you’ll have a clearer understanding of your health journey and the next steps to take toward achieving your wellness goals.
The number of appointments needed varies for each patient, as treatment plans are customised for each individual based on their health concerns.
During your initial appointment, your practitioner will outline your treatment plan and recommend when to schedule your next visit. Initially, new patients may have more frequent appointments before transitioning to a long-term plan. Consistency with visits is key to achieving the best health and wellbeing outcomes.
Yes, we offer remote consultations for patients who are physically located in BC. Our three naturopathic doctors all provide virtual appointments, offering you the flexibility and convenience to connect from home or while travelling. You can choose between a phone call or a video call based on your preference.
Patients requesting a video call appointment will receive an email with a link to join their appointment via JaneApp’s telemedicine platform. This will be emailed to you at least 30 minutes prior to the appointments start time. For the best experience, we recommend using Google Chrome.
Yes, we offer appointment reminders to help you stay on track. These include email and text (SMS) reminders 2 days and 3 hours before your appointment, as well as a phone call 24 hours prior. You will also receive email notifications for new, cancelled, and rescheduled appointments.
If you’d like to opt in or out of any reminders, please contact our front desk.
If a practitioner is fully booked, we can add you to their cancellation list for a specific date or date range. Once on the list, you will be contacted via text, email, or both when an appointment becomes available that matches your booking requirements. You can change your preferred contact method by either logging into your Jane account for the clinic or by contacting our front desk.
You can book the available appointment by clicking the link in the notification to our JaneApp booking site or by contacting the front desk directly. However, we recommend booking through JaneApp as it may not be possible for us to answer calls or emails immediately.
Please note that we cannot prioritize anyone on the cancellation list. If there are multiple people on the list, notifications will be sent to everyone at the same time. You must be the first to book the appointment to secure it. Appointments can be taken within minutes or seconds, so acting quickly is key. Your appointment is not confirmed until you receive an email confirmation.
If you haven’t been seen by a practitioner in over 18 months, you will need to book in for an extended appointment (if applicable). This is to ensure the practitioner is up-to-date on any new medical history and health concerns, allowing them to provide you with the best possible care.
Please contact our front desk for more information or if you are unsure when you were last in the clinic.
Lonsdale Naturopathic Clinic is located on the northeast corner of Lonsdale Avenue and East 12th Street. Enter the building through the entrance on East 12th Street, just next to the parkade entrance. Once inside, take the elevator or stairs to the 4th floor, and our clinic will be at the end of the corridor on the right-hand side.
Yes, paid parking is available under the building, accessible via East 12th Street. Additionally, free street parking is available on both Lonsdale Avenue and East 12th Street, with time limits ranging from 15 minutes to 2 hours.
Yes, Lonsdale Naturopathic Clinic is accessible by several main bus routes, including the 229, 230, 232, 240, and 255. You can also reach us via the Sea Bus from Waterfront Station. After arriving at the Sea Bus terminal in North Vancouver, you can take the 229 or 230 buses directly to the clinic.
Alternatively, the clinic is about a 30-minute walk from the Sea Bus terminal, though please note that the route is mostly uphill and can be quite steep in places.
Yes, our clinic at 1200 Lonsdale Avenue is wheelchair accessible. The building features an outdoor ramp, wheelchair-accessible parking, second-floor accessible restrooms, and elevator access. Additionally, Lonsdale Naturopathic Clinic has wide doorways to ensure a comfortable experience for all patients.
Yes, your practitioner can complete third-party forms for you. Please be aware that fees may apply for completing forms such as notes for work or school, insurance or legal letters, chart reviews, and chart copies.
We accept cash, cheques, as well as debit cards, MasterCard, Visa, and American Express.
Yes, we require a valid credit or debit card to be added to your file before we can confirm any booked appointments. This helps secure your appointment and streamline the booking process. You can provide your credit or debit card information by either contacting our front desk directly, or by inputting it in online through your Jane account.
We kindly ask that you observe our 24-hour cancellation policy. Cancellations made within 24 hours of your appointment will incur a charge of 50% of the treatment cost.
Missed appointments without prior notice will be charged the full treatment cost. This fee will be automatically charged to the card on file, and failure to pay may result in the inability to book future appointments. Additionally, a $50 deposit may be required for future appointments following a missed visit.
We recognize that insurance paperwork can be stressful, which is why we offer direct billing for most extended health plans, excluding Equitable Life. Please contact our front desk to confirm whether we work with your third-party insurance provider.
Direct billing responses are determined by your insurer. If your claim is ‘pending,’ ‘rejected,’ or ‘pay to member only,’ you will be responsible for the full balance.
Most extended health plans cover chiropractic, naturopathic, or acupuncture services, but coverage limits vary. We recommend checking with your insurance provider before your visit, as we do not have access to specific coverage information at the clinic level.
For most insurance plans, supplements are not covered. We do not have access to specific coverage details, so we recommend speaking directly with your insurance provider before your visit to confirm your plan coverage details.
If supplements are covered, you will need to pay the full cost at the clinic and manually submit the receipt to your insurance provider for reimbursement. Please note that we cannot direct bill any extended health plan for supplements.
In most cases, laboratory tests are covered to some extent if ordered by a licensed Naturopathic Doctor. However, coverage varies by plan, and we do not have access to specific policy details. We recommend contacting your insurance provider before your visit to confirm your coverage.
If your plan covers laboratory tests, you will need to pay the full cost upfront at the clinic and manually submit the receipt to your insurance provider for reimbursement. Please note that we are unable to direct bill any extended health plan for laboratory tests.
Appointments at our clinic are not typically covered by MSP. However, some coverage may be available if you are First Nations or on MSP income assistance. If eligible, MSP may cover up to $23 per visit, with a combined annual limit of 10 visits per calendar year for certain services.
We can submit your appointment cost to MSP on your behalf; however, Lonsdale Naturopathic Clinic is not registered for direct repayments with MSP. This means you will still be required to pay the full appointment cost at the clinic, and MSP will reimburse you directly, typically by mailing a cheque to your home address.
Please contact MSP directly to confirm your eligibility and for more information regarding this coverage.
No, MSP does not currently cover the cost of any supplements or laboratory tests ordered by your Naturopathic Doctor. However, if you meet the required threshold, you can submit the cost of your laboratory tests with your end-of-year taxes.
No, we do not bill directly through ICBC or WCB. You will need to submit your receipts manually to be reimbursed by either of these organizations.
Yes, acupuncture is safe when performed by a trained professional. However, certain health conditions may make acupuncture inadvisable. Your practitioner will review your health history to ensure it is a safe option for you and discuss any potential risks if necessary.
To prevent feeling faint, it is recommended that you eat something within two hours before your acupuncture session.
Acupuncture is generally not painful, as the needles used are very thin—about the thickness of a human hair. Unlike hypodermic needles used for injections, acupuncture needles are solid and designed to gently part the skin rather than cut tissue.
Most patients report little to no pain during treatment. If any discomfort is felt, it is usually a brief sensation at the moment of insertion that quickly subsides. The needles typically remain in place for 20 minutes or longer, depending on the condition being treated. After the removal of the needles, minor tenderness, bruising, or slight bleeding may occasionally occur.
Yes, not only is acupuncture generally safe during pregnancy, it can be effective in maintaining healthy hormonal balance, blood flow, and fetal growth. As certain acupoints are avoided during pregnancy, please inform your practitioner if you are pregnant or suspect you might be, to ensure a safe and appropriate treatment plan for you and your baby.
If you are seeking acupuncture to induce labour, a written referral from a Midwife or a doctor is required. Please contact our front desk before your appointment if you need to provide this.
If you have a pacemaker, please note that Yasmin Devji, RAc cannot provide treatment.
Acupuncture is generally well tolerated, but some patients may experience mild side effects. These can include minor bruising which typically resolves quickly, swelling, or temporary tenderness at the treatment site. Due to acupuncture’s systemic effects, some individuals may also temporarily experience fatigue, headaches, body aches, increased urination, or diarrhea as part of a detoxification response.
Your practitioner will review all potential side effects with you before your treatment to ensure a safe and informed experience. If you experience any post-treatment discomfort, we encourage you to contact the clinic. One of our practitioners will speak with you directly and help address any concerns, ensuring you’re comfortable and informed throughout the process.
Yes, acupuncture needles are sterile, single-use, and disposable. Each needle is used once and then safely discarded to ensure the highest level of hygiene and patient safety.
Yes, chiropractic adjustments are extremely safe when performed by a registered chiropractor. Your first visit will include a thorough examination to diagnose your condition and determine if chiropractic care is appropriate for you. A chiropractor will only proceed with adjustments if it is deemed safe and beneficial.
Chiropractic adjustments are highly refined manual techniques, developed through years of training and practice. They involve precise, controlled movements to adjust joints—especially in the spine—to reduce pain, restore balance, and improve mobility.
Treatments are tailored to the individual and may include mobilization, spinal manipulation, physical therapy, soft tissue work, exercises, and guidance on posture and overall health.
The popping or cracking sound you may hear during a chiropractic adjustment is completely normal and is called cavitation or tribonucleation. This sound occurs when gases shift inside the joint, typically from a change in pressure.
It’s important to note that the absence of this sound does not mean the adjustment was unsuccessful. The noise is not associated with pain and may not always be heard or felt during an adjustment. Regardless of whether the sound occurs, the adjustment is still effective and properly performed.
hiropractic adjustments are generally gentle and not painful. While most patients experience immediate relief, a small number may experience mild soreness or stiffness, particularly after the first few treatments. This is normal and usually resolves quickly.
If you experience any post-treatment discomfort, we encourage you to contact the clinic. One of our practitioners will speak with you directly and help address any concerns, ensuring you’re comfortable and informed throughout the process.
In most cases, custom orthotics are covered to some extent if ordered by a licensed Chiropractor. However, coverage varies by plan, and we do not have access to specific policy details. We recommend contacting your insurance provider before your visit to confirm your coverage.
If your plan covers custom orthotics, you will need to pay the full cost upfront at the clinic and manually submit the receipt to your insurance provider for reimbursement. Please note that we are unable to direct bill any extended health plan for custom orthotics.
It is normal to experience some mild discomfort when first wearing orthotics as your feet and body adjust to the new support and alignment. However, they should not cause significant pain.
To ease the transition, we recommend gradually increasing wear time—starting with a few hours a day and slowly working up to full-time use. If discomfort persists beyond a couple of weeks or becomes painful, it may indicate that adjustments are needed. In that case, please reach out to the clinic in order to schedule you in for an adjustment.
Custom orthotics typically last between one to five years, depending on factors such as usage and activity level. It’s important to monitor for signs of wear and tear, such as flattening, cracking, or discomfort while wearing them. If you notice these signs, or if your symptoms return, it may be time for a replacement. Regular check-ups with your practitioner can help ensure your orthotics continue to provide optimal support.
Yes, Naturopathic Doctors work closely with a wide range of healthcare professionals, including medical doctors, specialists, chiropractors, registered massage therapists, physiotherapists, and acupuncturists, to provide comprehensive care for patients.
Our goal is to help you achieve optimal health, and that is best supported through open collaboration with your other healthcare providers. Many of our patients work with both a Naturopathic Doctor and a Medical Doctor. We believe that integrating naturopathic medicine and conventional care offers the best outcomes for you.
Yes, Naturopathic Doctors in British Columbia are regulated. To practice in BC, Naturopathic Physicians must graduate from an accredited Naturopathic Medical School and successfully complete standardized board exams.
Yes, in British Columbia, many Naturopathic Physicians are educated and licensed to prescribe a wide range of pharmaceutical medications. However, Naturopathic Doctors can only prescribe medications that fall within their scope of practice. Because of this, it’s always important to discuss any concerns or questions about prescriptions directly with your Naturopathic Doctor.
Prescription refills can be requested during your appointment with your Naturopathic Doctor. If a refill request is made outside of an appointment, a $30 charge may apply.
For refills requested outside of an appointment, the fastest way to facilitate this is to contact your pharmacy and have them fax a medication refill request to us at 604-960-9648. Alternatively, you can reach out to our front desk via phone or email to request a refill.
Please note that prescription refills are processed only when the prescribing Naturopathic Doctor is available at the clinic. During holiday periods and weekends, we recommend planning ahead to ensure you don’t run out of medication.
If you need a refill of your supplements, you can either visit the clinic in person during office hours or contact our front desk to request a refill. It’s preferable to reach us via email to ensure we have the correct supplement details and quantities, as this information can sometimes be difficult to confirm over the phone.
You can choose to pick up your supplements directly from the clinic, or if it is more convenient, we can mail them to your address. We use Canada Post for shipping, and the patient is responsible for the full shipping cost. Please contact our front desk for more details on our supplement delivery service.
In British Columbia, Naturopathic Doctors can refer patients to LifeLabs for conventional tests, such as blood tests, urine panels, saliva testing, and digestive stool analyses, among others. Naturopathic Doctors also have access to a broader range of laboratory tests than Medical Doctors, offering more comprehensive options for patient care.
You can discuss any laboratory test requests directly with your Naturopathic Doctor. They will guide you through the process, recommend appropriate tests based on your health needs, and ensure you understand all necessary steps.
While Naturopathic Doctors can order a wide range of laboratory tests, we are not currently licensed in BC to refer patients to medical specialists or order imaging (such as ultrasounds, x-rays, etc.).
Typically, your Naturopathic Doctor will require specific blood tests before administering any vitamin injections or IV infusions. If you’ve recently had the required blood tests done with another healthcare provider, it may not be necessary to repeat them.
During your appointment, your Naturopathic Doctor will discuss which blood tests, if any, you need to have taken prior to proceeding with treatments. They will ensure that all tests are relevant to your health needs and treatment plan.
We offer customized IV infusions tailored to your specific health needs. These can help support a variety of concerns, such as stress management, recovery from cold and flu, fatigue, and more.
During your initial treatment, your Naturopathic Doctor will review your health history and determine the best combination of nutrients for your specific needs. Your IV cocktail will be created based on your health goals and is designed to deliver a blend of vitamins, amino acids, minerals, and other essential nutrients directly into your bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system for better absorption.
To prepare for your IV treatment, please make sure to:
- Wear clothing that can be rolled up above the elbow to allow easy access to your arm.
- Hydrate well before the treatment, as proper hydration helps with the process.
- Have something to eat before your IV. This is especially important as some patients can experience dizziness or nausea if they haven’t eaten prior to the treatment.
It’s also a good idea to bring a small snack with you, though if you forget, don’t worry—we have snacks available at the clinic. This helps ensure that you’re comfortable throughout the treatment.
During your IV treatment, you may experience sensations such as coldness, stiffness, or a pressure or tingling feeling that can travel from your fingertips and up your arm. It’s also common to taste or smell the vitamins, which are often described as being chalky or metallic. These sensations are normal and temporary, and they will subside once the treatment is complete.
To ensure the treatment is as comfortable as possible, it’s important to keep your arm still to prevent any discomfort or delay in the process. We want your IV experience to be pleasant, so please let us know if there’s anything we can do to make you feel more at ease during your treatment.
Before your treatment, your doctor will conduct a full review of potential side effects to ensure you’re informed and prepared. Typical common side effects of intravenous therapy or vitamin injections may include pain, swelling, and minor bruising at the site of insertion. These side effects are usually temporary and resolve quickly.
If you experience redness, swelling, or pain at the injection site or in your arm, please contact us immediately for further guidance and care.
Typical side effects may include swelling, pain at the injection site, mild bruising, stiffness, and a temporary reduction in range of motion. These effects are usually mild and resolve on their own within a short period.
Recovery time varies for each patient—some may return to normal activities immediately, while others may require a brief rest period, depending on the treatment area and individual response.
Your doctor will review all potential side effects with you before treatment to ensure you are fully informed. If you have any concerns, feel free to discuss them with your practitioner beforehand.
Iron infusions are recommended for patients with iron-deficiency anemia who have not responded to oral supplements or dietary changes.
Certain individuals, particularly those with malabsorption issues, gastrointestinal conditions, or chronic blood loss, may struggle to absorb enough iron through oral supplements alone. This can cause symptoms such as persistent fatigue, pale skin, weakness, decreased cognitive function and shortness of breath.
If you have been experiencing persistent symptoms, your naturopathic doctor can assess whether an iron infusion is necessary to effectively replenish your iron levels.
Yes, your Naturopathic Doctor will require specific blood tests before administering an iron infusion. If you’ve recently had the required blood tests done with another healthcare provider, it may not be necessary to repeat them.
Yes, iron infusions are safe during pregnancy. However, you will require a different type of iron infusion than usual. Pregnant patients receive Venofer Iron instead of the standard Monoferric formulation.
Your naturopathic doctor will discuss your options during your initial appointment and create a personalized treatment plan to ensure the infusion aligns with your health needs.
Yes, a prescription is required for the iron used in the infusion. The cost of the iron itself is separate from the administration fee for the appointment. Your naturopathic doctor will provide the necessary prescription during your initial consultation.
Some insurance plans cover infused iron, but coverage varies. You’ll need to contact your insurance provider to confirm if it is included in your plan. If covered, the pharmacy can process the cost through your extended health benefits. Be sure to pick up the iron from the pharmacy and bring it with you to your appointment.
If you do not have extended health benefits and will be paying out of pocket, you can opt to use the clinic’s stock for your infusion.
If you have not received a prescription or have questions about pricing, please contact our front desk for assistance.
Please make sure to complete the Iron IV Informed Consent form prior to your initial appointment at the clinic. To prepare for your iron infusion, make sure to:
- Wear clothing that can be rolled up above the elbow to allow easy access to your arm.
- Hydrate well before the treatment, as proper hydration helps with the process.
- Have something to eat before your IV. This is especially important as some patients can experience dizziness or nausea if they haven’t eaten prior to the treatment.
It’s also a good idea to bring a small snack with you, though if you forget, don’t worry—we have snacks available at the clinic. This helps ensure that you’re comfortable throughout the treatment.
Common side effects of an iron infusion include pain, swelling, and minor bruising at the insertion site. These effects are typically mild and temporary.
Your doctor will review all potential side effects with you before your treatment. If you experience redness, increased swelling, or persistent pain at the injection site, please contact us immediately.