If you believe you have adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), your primary goal is to get an accurate evaluation from an ADHD expert. A common myth is that you must start with your primary care physician (PCP) to get a referral. While that is one route, it’s often not the only one.
Many people can, and do, schedule appointments directly with ADHD specialists. Understanding your options is the first step to getting the diagnosis and support you need without unnecessary delays. This guide will walk you through both pathways.
The First and Most Important Step: Check Your Insurance
We accept almost all insurances. Check to see if we carry your insurance.
- PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) Plans: If you have a PPO, you typically do not need a referral. These plans offer more flexibility, allowing you to choose a specialist and schedule an appointment directly.
- HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) Plans: If you have an HMO, you may need a referral from your PCP before your insurance will cover a visit to a specialist. In this case, your PCP acts as a gatekeeper for your care.
- Other Plans (EPO, POS): The rules for other plan types can vary.
If you need help determining if we accept your insurance, please contact us and we’ll gladly confirm your benefits.
Pathway 1: Going Directly to a ADHD Specialist (If No Referral is Needed)
Going directly to an ADHD specialist is often the most efficient route.
1. Finding the Right Specialist: You are looking for a professional with deep experience in diagnosing and treating adult ADHD. You also want to find an ADHD Specialist that can prescribe medication if needed.
2. Schedule the Appointment: Scheduling an appointment with one of our ADHD providers is simple and easy. We can often see you within a week or sooner.
Pathway 2: Going Through Your PCP (If You Need a Referral)
If your insurance plan (like an HMO) requires a referral, your primary care doctor is a crucial partner in your journey. Your goal for this appointment is to present your concerns clearly to secure that referral.
1. Schedule a PCP Appointment: When you book it, you can mention the reason is to “discuss symptoms of poor focus and concentration and to request a referral to a specialist.”
2. Present Your Case: During the appointment, be direct and organized. Explain the symptoms you’ve been experiencing and, most importantly, the impact they have on your work, home life, and relationships.
3. Confidently Ask for the Referral: You are not asking your PCP to diagnose you, but to facilitate the next step. Say: “These challenges have been affecting me for a long time, and I believe it’s important I get a comprehensive evaluation. Could you please provide me with a referral to a psychiatrist who specializes in adult ADHD?”
Your PCP will likely conduct a basic health screening to rule out other medical causes for your symptoms before providing the referral to an in-network specialist.
How to Prepare for Your ADHD Evaluation (For Any Pathway)
Whether you’re seeing a PCP for a referral or have an appointment directly with a ADHD specialist, preparation can be helpful.
- Document Your Symptoms: If you can, keep a log of specific examples of your symptoms. For example, “I missed an important work deadline because I forgot where I saved the project files.”
- Gather Your History: ADHD is a lifelong condition. Try to recall or gather evidence of challenges from your childhood. Were there notes on old report cards about being a “daydreamer” or having trouble staying on task? This history can be helpful for a diagnosis.
Seeing a specialist is the gold standard for an accurate ADHD diagnosis. By first understanding your insurance requirements, you can take control of the process, choose the right path, and move confidently toward getting the answers and support you deserve.