Naturopathic medicine
Can a naturopathic doctor order lab tests in Manitoba? Costs, coverage and what to ask
By Natura Integrative Care Clinic · Updated · 3 min read
The short answer
Yes. A licensed naturopathic doctor can order lab tests in Manitoba. Manitoba Health doesn’t cover ND-ordered testing, so you pay for the tests. Prices vary widely depending on what’s tested, but generally start around $75. Your ND reviews the results with you.
People often ask whether a naturopathic doctor can order lab tests in Manitoba, usually because they’re waiting for a family doctor or want to look for more in-depth testing. They can. But it’s private-pay testing, and so testing is selected with cost in mind.
Here’s how it works, what it costs, and how it fits with the public system.
Can a naturopathic doctor order lab tests in Manitoba?
Yes. A naturopathic doctor can order lab testing as part of an assessment. For conventional lab testing you take the requisition to Dynacare on a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday, pay the lab for the tests, and go over the results with your ND at a follow-up visit.
If a medical doctor were to order these tests it would be covered by Manitoba Health. Sometimes it’s hard for someone to get in to see the medical doctor, or the doctor is unwilling to run certain tests due to their restrictions from MB Health.
Naturopathic doctors also offer testing that is not commonly offered by medical doctors. Examples of these tests include but are not limited to:
- Food sensitivity testing
- Comprehensive testing for Lyme disease
- Mold
- Heavy metals
- Environmental toxins
- Parasites
- In depth stool testing
- SIBO
These prices vary too but tend to be in the $300-600 range. Often for these tests you pay the clinic directly and then the clinic pays the lab, but the different labs do vary in their procedures.
How much does private lab testing cost in Manitoba?
Each test has its own fee, and the fees for everything ordered are added together. At Natura, prices vary widely depending on what’s tested, but the pricing is communicated and you can choose what you want to do. Sometimes testing isn’t an option and we work with that too.
Which tests will a naturopathic doctor order?
That depends on why you came in. Tests are chosen from your history and symptoms, not from a one-size-fits-all panel. Your ND explains what each test is for, and roughly what the fee is, and you get to decide if you want to test or not.
Here’s a summary of types of lab testing typically offered by MDs vs NDs.
| Type of test | Medical Doctors | Naturopathic Doctors |
|---|---|---|
| Basic lab testing (CBC, iron panel, TSH, B12, lipids, kidney and liver panel etc.) | Yes | Yes |
| Mold testing | No | Yes |
| Extensive Lyme testing beyond western blot | No | Yes |
| Parasites | Yes | Yes |
| SIBO | No | Yes |
| Comprehensive microbiome stool testing | No | Yes |
| Hormones | Yes | Yes |
| Heavy metals | Typically not except through blood if suspecting acute poisoning | Yes |
| Environmental toxins | No | Yes |
| Imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT, ultrasound) | Yes | No |
Laboratory testing at Natura
At Natura, a first visit with Dr. Erin Esau, ND is an assessment of 60 to 90 minutes that may include ordering testing and a physical exam.
Follow-ups are where you go over results, do any further work-up and make changes to the plan. If you already have recent results, or imaging reports, please bring them. Learn more about naturopathic medicine at Natura or, if tiredness is what brought you here, read why am I always tired?
Common questions
Do I need to see the naturopathic doctor before getting lab tests?
Yes. The ND chooses tests based on your history and symptoms, so testing is ordered as part of an assessment, usually at or after your first visit. At Natura an initial visit is $300 for 60 to 90 minutes. Bring any recent results you already have so tests aren’t repeated unnecessarily.
Will Manitoba Health cover the tests if my naturopathic doctor orders them?
No.
Can I have my tests done in Winnipeg if I see a naturopathic doctor in Steinbach?
Dynacare has a variety of locations across the province. Accessing any of these locations on a Monday to Wednesday (holidays excepted) is suitable.
Can my naturopathic doctor share results with my family doctor?
Absolutely, just ask.
This article is general information, not medical advice for your situation. If you're unwell or worried, talk to your doctor or call Health Links – Info Santé, Manitoba’s free 24-hour nurse line, at 1-888-315-9257. In an emergency, call 911.
