General FAQs
The Centre for Health Innovation (CHI) is here to serve as a model interdisciplinary healthcare and research centre providing whole-person complementary and integrative care to the community. Originally named the Ottawa Integrative Cancer Centre (OICC), the CHI has expanded care to other chronic conditions that are well suited for the application of integrative medicine.
Today, our services include both Supportive Cancer Care and General Health Care with an exceptional multidisciplinary team of practitioners.
We offer whole-person, patient-centered care for our patients interested in receiving complementary support alongside conventional medicine.
In more depth, the care that the CHI provides is:
- For the whole person –our approach addresses the “whole-person”, not just a specific disease that an individual may have. This means that our therapies recognize that every individual is biochemically unique. We believe that one’s overall wellbeing includes their physical, emotional and spiritual wellness. We also consider the role that lifestyle factors (such as diet) contribute to one’s health and wellness.
- Patient-centered – our philosophy is to put the patient, their family and their priorities at the heart of every decision while considering them to be genuine partners in their care. Patients are empowered to choose their treatment options and are encouraged to take an active role in their healing process through the adoption of these self-care practices.
- Complementary – our therapies (such as acupuncture, naturopathic medicine, massage therapy, yoga therapy, etc.) are not currently considered to be part of conventional medicine. These therapies are called “complementary” care because it is practiced alongside conventional medicine in a supportive way.
Integrative care is an approach to care that believes a number of therapies can and should be provided in a collaborative way to give a patient the best means possible to heal themselves physically, mentally and emotionally.
The ideal of integrative care sees the best of conventional medicine combined with the best of complementary medicine provided in a seamless and safe manner.
We invite you to read more about the complementary therapies that the CHI provides as supportive Supportive Cancer Care as well as the General Services available to all patients by clicking on these options.
Yes. We are committed to working with the other health professionals outside of the CHI who provide care for our patients to develop complementary therapeutic programs that will not interfere with standard medical treatments but instead, will help to optimize patient care.
Upon an individual patient’s request, we are happy facilitate communication with the practitioner(s) a patient would like in order to keep them up-to-date regarding your care at the CHI. We are also able to provide patients with consent forms to allow their medical records to be released to their CHI practitioner(s).
At the CHI we encourage open communication with all conventional practitioners in order to help our patients achieve the best possible outcome.
Give us a call – our Intake Coordinator would be happy to speak with you, provide you with more information, and answer any questions!
- Phone Number: 613-792-1222
- More information can be found on our Become a Patient Page.
New patients are welcome with or without a referral to see any of our naturopathic doctors and therapists – barring appointments with our Integrative Medical Doctor as our one exception.
A referral from a medical doctor is required to have a consultation with CHI’s Integrative Medical Doctor. You can read more about this service here, and by reading the “Integrative Medical Doctor FAQs” section below.
While a referral is not required to see our other practitioners, information from you other care providers is very helpful.
You can read more about becoming a patient on our Become a Patient Page.
Patients are empowered to take an active role in their healing process through to choosing their treatment options. New patients are able to book appointments for the therapie(s) they feel would best suit their needs. Our clinic does not require that patients book with any particular therapy first or to become a patient at the CHI.
To learn about the complementary therapies that the CHI provides as supportive Supportive Cancer Care as well as the General Services available to all patients by clicking on these options under Our Services.
While not required, many of our patients opt to make their first appointment with one of our naturopathic doctors (NDs). As a cornerstone of the CHI, naturopathic doctors consider all factors that influence one’s health – physical (including diet and lifestyle), emotional, spiritual. As our NDs will inquire about many aspects of your life, they are able to make recommendations regarding other CHI therapies that could be of help to you.
Absolutely! Family, friends, and caregivers of patients are also invited to access CHI services. At the CHI, we recognize the importance of ensuring and maintaining the well being of caregivers who often put the needs of their loved one before their own. As the saying goes, “you cannot pour from an empty cup.”
Therapies are available to patients at any stage of their cancer journey. The complementary care provided by CHI practitioners meets patients where they are at and is unique to each individual. Our therapies can be supportive when:
- Recently diagnosed with cancer
- Undergoing hospital-based treatments
- Before & after treatments
- Seeking care for family, friends, and caregivers of patients with cancer
- Looking to prevent recurrence of cancer
- Looking to prevent cancer due to a family history
Absolutely! Our services are available to those interested in the prevention of cancer as well as the prevention of a cancer recurrence.
CHI therapies are not covered by OHIP. The CHI is a fee-for-service clinic. A full list of fees can be found our Fees Page.
Many of the CHI’s therapies are covered under private and employer health insurance plans. Please consult your individual health insurance provider to inquire about the coverages provided under your individual plan. Some of the fees may also be claimed as medical expenses on your tax return.
Many of the CHI’s therapies are covered under private and employer health insurance plans. The portion of each visit covered, the number of visits covered, and the type of services covered vary from plan to plan.
In general:
- The majority of health care benefit plans will include a $300-500 towards:
- Naturopathic Medical care,
- Registered Massage Therapy,
- Physiotherapy, and
- Acupuncture
- In most cases, 80-100% of your initial visit should be covered.
Please consult your individual health insurance provider to inquire about the coverage provided under your individual plan. Some of the fees may also be claimed as medical expenses on your tax return.
Our research is based on two main pillars: the conduct of clinical trials for promising complementary therapies and the evaluation of integrative whole-systems of care. Our research enables us to address significant research gaps in regards to the safety, clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of complementary therapies and integrative oncology and is a fundamental part of the vision and mission of the CHI.
You can find a list of Current Research Studies and of Research Publications under our Research Page.
Yes! We offer online workshops, classes, support groups and more to patients of the CHI, their family, friends, caregivers, and to members of the community.
You can find a list of all of the CHI’s offerings, their costs, as well as a calendar of these events under our Programs & Events Page.
Give us a call – we’d be to speak with you, provide you with more information, and answer any questions! Our reception will gladly connect you with the CHI employee best able to answer your questions.
- Phone Number: 613-792-1222
- You also have the option to email us with any questions at info@thechi.ca
Kindly note that if you are looking to make an appointment, a phone call is the preferred method to do this.