Can a Naturopathic Doctor (ND) be my Primary Care Provider (PCP)?

In the state of Louisiana, a Naturopathic Doctor (ND) cannot be your PCP. Louisiana is an unlicensed state for NDs. Therefore, you will be required to have an MD or DO on board with your care and serve as your PCP. The state of Louisiana does not allow NDs to legally “diagnose” or “treat” an illness, prescribe pharmaceutical medications, or perform minor dermatological surgery as other licensed states allow. Those 22 states that are licensed for NDs are Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Washington, DC, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Washington state, and US territories including Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands.

Despite having to relinquish all of her medical tools, her ability to perform pertinent physical exams, and write pharmaceutical scripts, etc. as your regular doctor could do, she is happy to be back home and bring a whole different type of medicine to Louisiana.

“In other words, if I were to relate this situation to you going to a fancy restaurant, your main course would be equivalent to an MD or DO. Because I’m practicing in an unlicensed state, I’m like dessert. :) It’s nice to have it. It’s extra, but it’s absolutely fabulous!” — Dr. Sola