Diagnose and treat ADHD

Trained GPs are now able to diagnose and treat ADHD in people over 18 years.

Papamoa Beach Family Practice will not be offering this service at this time.

We have made this decision to ensure our patients receive accurate diagnoses and safe, effective care. Some of the reasoning behind this decision is explained below.

Specialist Expertise

Significant training and experience are required to safely diagnose and treat ADHD, which is not within a GP’s standard scope of practice.

Time and Cost

Assessment usually takes a minimum of 90 minutes over at least two appointments, with further time required to score the testing. This would reduce the number of patients we are able to see for routine medical care each week, in a time when appointment availability is already stretched. Unlike routine GP appointments, there is no funding support towards the cost of providing an ADHD diagnosis. This would mean that GP diagnosis of ADHD would still cost several hundred dollars.

Safety and Follow-up

Treatment decisions require careful baseline assessment, monitoring plans, and specialist oversight. This level of monitoring is best provided within a service specifically for ADHD care.

If you would like to pursue an ADHD assessment, many clinics accept self-referral. When choosing a clinic, be sure to ask if they are able to start you on medication as well, or if you will require referral to a psychiatrist separately. Compare wait times, costs and processes. Your doctor can refer you to the clinic of your choice if required. Please make a routine appointment to discuss this with them.