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If you have ADHD & this list scares you let me be the first to tell you: I love your stories, that leaf deserved it, you got snacks, it can't be simple if it's a struggle, new discoveries are magical, friendship flow is customizable, no one welcomes rejection, eat hot chip & try https://twitter.com/shiraisinspired/status/1322721240289869824
Getting diagnosed later in life can be a little scary. I used to work at a psychiatry office & even then it took me a good 5 years before I scheduled an appointment.
Mental Health insurance is a mess, but I'll tell you what to expect: https://twitter.com/Megacherv/status/1323385038201913344?s=20
Mental Health insurance is a mess, but I'll tell you what to expect: https://twitter.com/Megacherv/status/1323385038201913344?s=20
Schedule an appointment with PsychiaTRIST (MD), not a PsyhcoloGIST (Psy.d) While they both can give you a diagnosis, only the MD can prescribe meds. The Psychologist will see you for 45-60min therapy sessions, while (most) Psychiatrists will see you for 20-30min Medication visits
The first visit with the MD is usually about an hour and will cost anywhere from $250-$400 (follow ups $100-$200). I recommend calling places and asking the receptionist or billing dept. Don't go to a place that won't tell you their price.
Mental Health benefits work differently than Medical Insurance. Your medical card says BCBS but there's a chance your mental health coverage is a different company.
Call the number on the back of your card & ask for your mental health benefits. They might give you a different #
Call the number on the back of your card & ask for your mental health benefits. They might give you a different #
You're calling because mental health websites are behind the times too. You might not be able to look this up online.
Once you call great! Ask them the following:
- List of Local providers
- Coverage
- If a pre auth is necessary
Once you call great! Ask them the following:
- List of Local providers
- Coverage
- If a pre auth is necessary
They might say a bunch of stuff you don't understand. Write it down and look it up later but most importantly ask them this:
"How much do you cover for a Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation with medical services (CPT Code 90792) and for follow up med visits (99213, 99214, 99215)
"How much do you cover for a Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation with medical services (CPT Code 90792) and for follow up med visits (99213, 99214, 99215)
These are the codes the MD will bill to your insurance before billing you, so you should have no surprises.
Some doctors offices sometimes have people that look up this info and tell you. Some don't. Ask the office.
Some doctors offices sometimes have people that look up this info and tell you. Some don't. Ask the office.
If this amount is a lot and you're scared about paying this price for the rest of your life DON'T WORRY!
With an ADHD diagnosis from a psychiatrist, a lot of primary care doctors feel comfortable taking over your medication management. Ask your primary if that's cool.
With an ADHD diagnosis from a psychiatrist, a lot of primary care doctors feel comfortable taking over your medication management. Ask your primary if that's cool.
At your first visit the doctor will ask you a bunch of question about your life, how you work, what's troubling you. Stuff like that. They might have some written tests as well. It's all very easy.
DON'T LIE.
I can't stress this enough.
DON'T LIE.
I can't stress this enough.
Its easy to self diagnosis but ADHD is often misdiagnosed as depression so don't try to sway your diagnosis either. You came here for answers so be open and honest.
There are a BUNCH of different treatments and your plan DOES NOT have to be medication.
There are a BUNCH of different treatments and your plan DOES NOT have to be medication.
You can do therapy or even Neurofeedback. Work on a plan that you feel comfortable with.
Talk about the meds with the doctor. Talk about the side effects, the withdrawals, ask what the RARE side effects are, ask for drug comparisons, stimulant alternatives, etc
Talk about the meds with the doctor. Talk about the side effects, the withdrawals, ask what the RARE side effects are, ask for drug comparisons, stimulant alternatives, etc
If medication is prescribed they'll want to see you in a month or so to see how you're doing on the meds. That follow up visit is usually shorter, and if its good you might be able to transfer to your Primary Care Physician
All this stuff is super scary & almost designed that way. All these companies have their own way of doing things so DON'T FEEL DUMB. I swear to god, it's incredibly confusing & while the office staff or Insurance company might make you feel insecure, I can tell you NO ONE KNOWS
