A naturopathic assessment is more than just diagnosing the disturbing symptom or condition it involves three main aspects: identifying the current condition including the health risk and progression; determining the vitality or healing potential of the person involved; and equally important determining the causal factors that initiated or aggravate the condition(s).

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During a naturopathic assessment the importance of the therapeutic encounter is paramount. A naturopathic doctor takes the time to listen to the patient's story and to understand how their health concerns are impacting their life. There is a greater emphasis in naturopathic medicine on understanding symptoms in detail, paying attention to when they started and what makes them better and worse.

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A naturopathic assessment includes a detailed consultation, laboratory testing, and physical exam. The aim of the assessment process is to link the patient's subjective experiences and symptoms to what is happening on a physiological level. It is to determine not only the naturopathic diagnosis or what disease or condition the patient has, but why. It is determining the why, the causes of disease that influences the length and depth of a naturopathic assessment.

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Detailed Consultation

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It is common for the initial visit with a naturopathic doctor to be 1 to 2 hours in length and follow-up visits to be about 1/2 hour. It is through the verbal aspect of the assessment that the details behind the symptoms are revealed. In naturopathic medicine the patient-practitioner relationship is recognized as having an important assessment and therapeutic value. A naturopathic consultation may include:

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• review of family history

• past and present medical history

• detailed review of symptoms

• detailed information about nutrition, exercise and other lifestyle factors

• look at the impact of social relationships and dynamics

• discussion on the impact of emotional stressors and thought patterns

• look at a person's environment and their exposure to toxins and chemicals

• allergies and history of reactions to any medications or treatments

• listing of current prescription medications, supplements, herbs, remedies and other natural health products

• overview of different treatments

• questionnaires, as deemed necessary

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Laboratory Testing

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The laboratory testing that a naturopath / naturopathic doctor does is determined by the regulations of each jurisdiction and country.  Most naturopaths / naturopathic doctors perform basic laboratory testing, such as urine analysis. In many cases a naturopath/ naturopathic doctor will either requisition laboratory tests, request copies of lab tests that have been completed by a medical doctor or will recommend additional testing, if required. The breadth of laboratory testing that is completed or requested by naturopaths / naturopathic doctors varies by world region and can include:

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• standard blood and urine tests

• testing for food sensitivities

• salivary testing for hormones

• specialized testing for heavy metals and exposure to environmental toxins.

• detailed testing on metabolic processes

• X-ray examinations and/or scans

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Physical Exam

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Many naturopaths / naturopathic doctors are trained to do a standard physical examine. Most are also trained in additional examination procedures such as tongue and pulse assessment. Depending on the regulation of each jurisdiction, some exam procedures such as gynaecological exams may be restricted. Common aspects of a naturopathic physical exam include:

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• standard physical examination

• tongue and pulse assessment

• breathing style, as well as function

• postural assessment