Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What qualifications does Dr. Peter Yam have?
A: Dr. Peter Yam, N.D., has been practicing as a Naturopathic Physician in British Columbia for about 20 years. He has extensive training in health sciences including various academic degrees in science, education and Naturopathic medicine. He also holds numerous diplomas in clinical acupuncture, nutrition, psychotherapy, addictions counselling and bio-energetic medicine. Dr. Yam is an excellent lecturer focusing on empowering individuals to take charge of their own health. In addition Dr. Yam is a member of the American Board of Anti-Aging Health Practitioners, which focuses on the clinical sciences of anti-aging medicine. He also holds a certificate from the World Anti-Aging Academy of Medicine, a society of physicians and scientists dedicated to enhancing the quality and length of human life. In 2010 Dr. Yam passed the exams for Drug Prescription privileges.
Q: What is the difference between a Naturopathic Doctor and a Medical Doctor?
A: Both Naturopathic and Medical Doctors are considered primary care physicians. The years of education are similar. The difference is in the goals for treatment. A Medical Doctor tends to focus on the specific symptom and typically utilizes drugs to resolve the symptoms. A Naturopathic Doctor looks at the health of the whole body and seeks to help the symptoms via resolving root causes of the health problems. This approach corrects current symptoms and helps to prevents future health issues.
Q: Are you able to treat my condition?
A: Dr. Yam has extensive experience treating a wide range of health issues. He is most likely able to help you with your health concerns.
Q: What is the cost of an appointment and how long will an appointment take?
A: An initial consult with Dr. Yam is $45 plus HST. A follow-up appointment is $30 plus HST. These consultation appointments typically take about 30 minutes. Sometimes Dr. Yam will recommend tests. These tests will vary in price and details of these tests can be viewed on the services page of the website. The length of time for testing and therapy appointments vary.
Q: Are Naturopathic services covered by MSP or Extended Health Care plans?
A: Most Extended Health Care plans cover Naturopathic Services. You can contact your plan provider to confirm to verify your yearly amount. MSP will cover a portion of a consultation for those who are classified as lower income and/or disability. MSP coverage can be determined during your initial visit.
Q: What is the wait time for an initial consultation?
A: The wait time to book an initial consultation is usually about 2 weeks. Sometimes appointments do come available sooner. Appointments may be booked up for about 1 month around holidays.
Q: Does Dr. Peter Yam have prescription privileges?
A: Yes, Dr Yam has drug prescription privileges. He passed the necessary exams in the summer of 2010.
Q: Are there benefits for using supplements from professional companies?
A: There are so many health products on the market today. It can be confusing trying to figure out the best ones to take. Some companies take short cuts and use ingredients of lower quality in order to make more money. The benefit in using professional products is that these companies use the best quality ingredients on the market and then charge whatever it costs to make them. In addition professional health product companies do testing to ensure that the products measure up to the higher standards that Naturopathic Doctors require.
Q: Is there enough parking?
A: We have plenty of parking in our parking lot as well as street parking. We have never had a problem where a client could not find a parking space. We are located in a quiet and less busy area of town.
Q: Are you located on a bus route?
A: Yes, we have a bus stop just across the street. Bus #27 is the best one to catch. Bus #28 stops about 3 blocks away.