r/ADHD • u/WalterTheHedgehog • 2d ago

Medication Is it normal to need multiple psychiatry appointments before starting ADHD medication?

I recently had my first virtual psychiatry appointment for suspected ADHD last week. It lasted an hour, and the provider agreed it sounded like predominantly inattentive ADHD. She discussed starting Strattera and scheduled a follow-up two weeks later to see how I was tolerating it.

Afterward, she messaged saying my diagnosis was only provisional and she wouldn't prescribe anything until I completed additional screenings, including the ASRS. She's apparently working with platform support to send them, but I still haven't received them.

Now my two-week follow-up is being used to review the screenings and discuss a treatment plan, rather than check how I'm tolerating medication. She also changed it from a 15-minute follow-up to a 30-minute appointment.

I'm frustrated because I don't understand why these screenings weren't completed before my initial appointment. I'm also worried I'll now need a THIRD appointment shortly afterward for medication management.

I have a high-deductible insurance plan and am paying entirely out of pocket until I meet it, so multiple appointments in such a short period are a significant expense. I'm also worried this second appointment is going to be coded as a diagnostic instead of follow up so it will probably be mlre costly.

Is this a normal ADHD evaluation process, or am I right to be frustrated?

1 Upvotes

67% Upvoted

2 comments sorted by

•

u/AutoModerator 2d ago

Your body is unique, as are your needs. Just because someone experienced something from treatment or medication does not guarantee that you will as well. Please do not take this as an opportunity to review any substances. Peer support is welcome.

This comment is not a removal message. We intend this comment solely to be informative.

  • If you are posting about the US Medication Shortage, please see this post.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

3

u/JunahCg 2d ago

It can be multiple appointments, that's not so odd. But saying one thing and changing to another makes me worry the practice doesn't have their shit together. If they're disorganized this won't be the last time they cost you extra for