Table 4 Characteristics of visits to naturopathic physicians in Connecticut (1999) and Washington (1998)

Gender

   female

76

74

Age

   Median

43 years

42 years

   0–15 years

12.8

10.9

   16–34 years

16.4

20.9

   35–64 years

63.0

58.5

   65 years+

7.8

9.7

Race

   White

97

96

Smoking status:

   non-smokers

95

94

Type of major problem^a

   Acute problem

22

23

   Chronic problem, routine

53

56

   Chronic problem, flare up

20

18

   Pre/post-surgery/injury

1

1

   Non-illness care

5

6

Primary reason for visit^b

   Fatigue

6.1

6.0

   Headache

4.4

3.8

   Back symptoms

4.4

6.5

   Skin rashes

4.2

2.5

   Menopausal symptoms

3.7

2.0

   Bowel function changes

3.5

2.0

   Anxiety or Depression

3.2

5.1

   Allergies to food, milk

3.0

3.6

   Sinus symptoms

2.8

<2

   Upper respiratory symptoms

2.6

<2

   Cough

2.4

<2

   Neck symptoms

2.3

3.3

   Infectious disease

2.2

<2

   Ear infection symptoms

2.2

<2

   Abdominal pain/cramps

2.2

2.7

   Menstrual problems

<2

2.1

Diagnosis by naturopathic physician^c

   Menopausal disorders

4.9

3.1

   Allergies

4.6

6.3

   Back conditions

3.5

5.8

   Fibromyalgia

3.0

2.0

   Sinusitis

2.9

<2

   Fatigue

2.4

2.7

   Headache

2.2

3.1

   Upper respiratory infections

2.0

<2

   Neck conditions

<2

3.3

   Depression

<2

2.6

   Asthma

<2

2.2

   Anxiety

<2

2.1

   Dermatitis

<2

2.0

New patients

22

22

Payment

   Private insurance

60

43

   Worker's compensation

0

3

   Personal injury

0

3

   Self-pay

37

48

   Other

3

3