ADHD Care in New South Wales
In New South Wales, waits for ADHD check-ups with psychiatrists are getting longer, sometimes even more than eight months. If ADHD is not diagnosed or treated, it can seriously affect all parts of a person's life, like their work, studies, and relationships.
At Epsychiatry, we have three psychiatrists who handle ADHD check-ups and give out ADHD medication in New South Wales. Usually, people have to wait between 4 to 6 weeks to see a psychiatrist at our clinic.
Getting Referrals from GPs in New South Wales
If you think you're dealing with ADHD and it's affecting your daily life, you can ask your GP for a referral. Your GP can send us the referral either by fax at 03 9005 8363 or email at s[email protected].
We recommend that you request a copy of your referral from your GP because sometimes referrals sent by GPs don't always reach us. To avoid any hold-up in starting your treatment, get in touch with us the next day to ensure we have received your referral.
We handle ADHD assessments on a first-come, first-serve basis. Therefore, confirming that we have your referral means that you'll likely be seen quicker.
Pricing for ADHD Assessments
ADHD evaluations typically require 1 to 2 appointments. For a thorough evaluation, we recommend getting a comprehensive letter from your GP detailing your present symptoms and issues. Additionally, please complete the questionnaires we provide you and forward any previous reports from psychologists before your appointment.
The initial consultation is priced at $700. Depending on whether you've hit the Medicare Safety Net Threshold, your out-of-pocket expenses (gap) may range from $90 to $454.
If you're uncertain about whether you've reached your Medicare Safety Net Threshold, don't hesitate to consult with us.
Arranging your ADHD Evaluation with Epsychiatry
Our aim is to ensure a seamless and prompt onboarding process for you. Once we have your referral, we verify the costs with you, assign you to one of our psychiatrists who is accepting ADHD referrals in NSW, and request that you complete a registration form and an online call with us.
Being a digital platform, we provide services exclusively via telehealth. This format offers you savings in travel expenses and time, along with the benefit of flexible scheduling. However, it also presents its own unique challenges. For instance, we've encountered cases where clients have consulted with our psychiatrists without settling their appointment fees.
Each of our psychiatrists adheres to their own billing procedures. Depending on the psychiatrist who receives your referral, you might be required to enter your credit card details into a third-party billing platform or perform a bank transfer prior. With the global rise in telehealth services, these billing practices are increasingly becoming the norm. You'll find similar policies in place with your GP in Sydney, Newcastle or where you are located.
Steps to Prepare for Your ADHD Check
Here are some simple steps to get ready for your meeting with the doctor:
- Write down all the medicines you're currently taking. Make sure this list matches with what your doctor has put in your referral.
- If you've taken ADHD medicine before, try to remember its name and how much you took.
- ADHD can sometimes mix up with sleep problems. If you've had a sleep test before, you might want to send us the results. Also, if you've had a heart check (ECG) or blood test in the past three months, ask your doctor to send us the results.
- If you've seen a psychologist before, they might have some notes or tests that could help our doctor with your ADHD check. You might want to ask your psychologist for these notes before your appointment.
- Knowing the name and address of your pharmacy can make sure your medicine scripts are sent quickly. Our team sometimes has to email clients to ask for their pharmacy details, which can slow things down. This is especially important for people who work away from home (FIFO work) or live in the countryside of NSW. Having your pharmacy's name, address, and email ready can really help.
- Also, be sure to fill out any questionnaires that we send you beforehand. These forms can help us better understand your situation and ensure that your doctor has all the necessary information for your assessment. It's an important step in preparing for your ADHD assessment with one of our NSW psychiatrist.
Once we get your referral, one of our team members will take care of it. Like we mentioned before, we want to make joining us as easy and quick as possible. These team members have helped hundreds of clients and know our process and how to set up ADHD checks in NSW really well.
ADHD medications in NSW pharmacies
Here are some frequent questions clients have about the their medication
- Can I get prescription repeats? Yes, you can get repeats on your prescriptions. This depends on factors such as how long you've been on the medication, whether any changes are being made to your treatment, and when your next appointment is scheduled. It's crucial to discuss this with your psychiatrist.
- Can this be substituted with a generic drug? Yes, generic drugs are typically cheaper than brand-name drugs but are equally effective. Some ADHD medications, like immediate-release Ritalin and atomoxetine, are available as generic versions.
- Is it safe to drive or operate heavy machinery while taking this medication? If your work involves operating heavy machinery, you may need clearance to be on these medications while performing your duties. It's vital to discuss this with your psychiatrist.
- Can I get this prescription filled early? If you're planning a trip or if your schedule makes it difficult to pick up a prescription when it's due, you might want to know if it's possible to get it filled early. However, this will require discussion with your psychiatrist. Keep in mind that most ADHD medications are heavily regulated, and early refills are generally discouraged.
Always remember that your psychiatrist is there to support you and answer any questions you may have. They want to ensure that your treatment is effective and fits with your lifestyle, so don't hesitate to bring up any concerns or inquiries you have.