testing that cost alot

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Permalink Reply by Danielle on November 18, 2009 at 5:46pm

My previous doc put me on adderal by taking my history and asking question. He moved. I had to fight with my old insurance carrier for payment. They wanted me to try another drug. I won and they paid for adderal. I have a different insurance and doc. He wants me tested. Then he will treat me. If I have problems with him I do have a back up doc now. I typed up a history and gave it to me new doc today who wants me tested. I told him it was important to me that he understood women with ADHD whether I am diagnosed or not, because women need an understanding and compassionate doc with this issue. If he couldn't give me that I would not be offended ,just let me know. I did tell him I joined a support group that I love. I feel inspired by them. That interesting that someone mentioned history. I totally agree with that being very important. This doc may think I am crazy after today. I get irritated with the whole drug seeking, overuse and dependency comments by professional. He made a comment to me that he thinks adderal is too addictive and a dependency is developed. I addressed that in my letter to him also. I told him what it is like to live in my world and head. I tried to be tackful but I gave him a way out. I told him what adderal did for me.
Karen L said:

Oh gosh! You didn't offend me at all! It just irritates me that professionals say "I have to test you" when it's not the correct terminology or even the correct procedure for evaluating ADHD. So, patients are misinformed. Not your fault at all. The medical community needs to get on the same page and make sure patients understand exactly what they are doing. When professionals don't explain or use correct terminology, it makes me wonder about their abilities to diagnose me. I can understand your excitement about not having to pay $1000 or more but you shouldn't have to pay that kind of expense. In my opinion, "professionals" who charge these exorbitant fees are just out to make a buck. That's what I get upset and offended about. The fact that their patients are being taken advantage of. Lastly, if your insurance doesn't pay for ADHD evaluation for adults, chances are they may not pay for the treatment either (mine does not cover medications, which as we all know can be expensive). Just brace yourself for that. :)

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Permalink Reply by youseetherealme on November 18, 2009 at 6:39pm

Danielle: My Dr. referred me to the 3rd Psychiatrist (1st time 8yrs ago, 2nd time 4yrs ago) as year after year I would tell him that I WASN'T DEPRESSED! I told him that our Pediatrician recommended it. In Ontario we don't have to pay to see Psychiatrists and He didn't recommend additional testing. The Pediatrician didn't recommend "testing" for my kids either.

Danielle Smith said:

My doctor referred me to a psychologist with a doctorates degree. Her fee for ADHD testing and other related testing (she calls it ) is $160 with one visit. She does not bill insurance. She said I will be there an hour. The price seem low and the time short, but I plan on going. She said she has 25 years of experience. I see her Friday. My son's testing was about $2,000 our insurance paid for some of it. He had ADHD/ADD and many other test.He went to a clinical neuro forensic psychologist. He wasn't breathing for an extended amount of time at birth and I requested hypoxia related memory testing. He had an IQ test, and learning disabilities testing. He had 2 days of testing crammed into all a day session because we live so far away. I wonder if it depends on how many test you are given and the title of the person you go to. I would imagine a psychiatrist would charge more or someone with more initials behind there name.

Did the family doc tell you why he suggest another psychiatrist?

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Permalink Reply by C. on November 18, 2009 at 9:14pm

My understanding is that those extended neuropsych evaluations are very helpful in that they will help you really know whats going on and if you have any LD's. But the primary reason is that you need those if you are applying for disability, want testing accommodations or other academic accommodations, etc.

If you don't need that, then see if your psychiatrist/therapist will diagnose you. Mine had a "quiz" where you rated your symptoms and she diagnosed me based on that, but I've also had a long relationship with her so maybe it was easier for me. She did tell me that those tests weren't necessary right now if I didn't want/need any sort of disability support.

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Permalink Reply by Danielle on November 25, 2009 at 7:27pm

Karen, I had a Brown's ADD scales, personality Assessment Inventory, Clinical Interview and biopsychosocial -This is exactly what was written on my report. I was diagnosed with ADD. You was asking what the name of some of these test were. I had a very professionally written letter sent to my doubting doc. My doc put me on adderall 15mg xr. The insurance denied it. The cost was $175 for the generic I did not even ask how much for the reagular adderall I was prescribed. I did ask the doc if I could take what I have been taking for over 3years now. The generic adderal 15mg a day. I took it prn. The pharmacist said that would cost $50.00 out of pocket. I ask if I could take it until the appeals process was over. The insurance company said it could take a month. The doc said no. He is not going to prescribe my adderall any other way. This happened today and I really don't know what to think. This was the doc that refused adderall to begin with. My husband is finally on board with helping me. He read the report. He wants me to use another doc. I feel confused! and embarrassed for asking about the generic. I have a hard time making some decisions and I don't know what to do. There is another doc. that would treat me. I am not comfortable with this doc. He seem fearful of drug seekers and he is not trusting. Well have a good Thanksgiving! Hopefully you can do something fun and relaxing.

Karen L said:

What kinds of tests are they? There is no definitive test for ADHD but rather the professional will evaluate the patient. Many people confuse the two terms but a TEST and an EVALUATION are two DIFFERENT things. Often this evaluation takes several visits (because they have to get to know the patient) and sometimes even involves family members (more so with kids). The professional will also refer to the Diagnostic Manual IV checklists for ADHD. Evaluation shouldn't involve expensive testing. There are certain tests professionals use such as neurological tests, brain wave tests, MRI's, etc. but these are not to be used for ADHD diagnosis. These tests can be important in helping determine if there's other things going on such as learning disabilities or some other physical thing happening.

I have paid my therapist a lot of money over the course of the entire year but it took her several months to diagnose me. I do have insurance for 20 visits annually with my therapist.

In my opinion, I would be skeptical if a doctor told me I needed these other (expensive) tests in order to make a diagnosis. I wouldn't shell out that kind of money for these fancy tests anyway. The simple bottom line for me is that I have ADHD and everything else falls underneath that. I don't need some brain scan to tell me that I am not like other people. I already know that.

I suggest you get another opinion before spending that kind of money. Good luck and keep us posted. :)

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Permalink Reply by Karen L on November 25, 2009 at 7:43pm

Danielle - Thank you for identifying the tests you took. I may look into them myself. Everyone is usually so vague and they just say "tests" so thank you for naming them. :) My insurance doesn't cover ANY meds for ADHD for people over age 18. :( so, it's all out of pocket for me. That's why I'm on Dexedrine. It's just under $30/month. If I could afford some of the others, I would try them. but....

Don't ever feel embarrassed, please!!! There's no such thing as a dumb question and you were asking because you didn't know. The doctor is being stubborn. If you are able to see another doctor, go. But only to one you feel comfortable with. :) I'm glad your husband is on board for you. It's so important to have those closest to us be supportive. You can find a doctor who will listen and support you and be open minded to your chosen course of treatment. We know ourselves best and I believe doctors are supposed to be there for support and guidance - not telling us what to do all the time like we're stupid because we're not! Good luck!

I am going to have a good Thanksgiving. I'm going to Chicago! I moved to Portland, OR two years ago and haven't been back to the midwest since. It'll be nice to see my sister and my son. I hope you have a good holiday as well. Thanks.

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Permalink Reply by Danielle on November 25, 2009 at 8:28pm

Karen thanks for your response. I needed some support moving on from this doc. I am not familiar with the med you stated, but I do plan to look it up. I knew you would give me a direct honest opinion. That is what I was looking for. Thanks again

Karen L said:

Danielle - Thank you for identifying the tests you took. I may look into them myself. Everyone is usually so vague and they just say "tests" so thank you for naming them. :) My insurance doesn't cover ANY meds for ADHD for people over age 18. :( so, it's all out of pocket for me. That's why I'm on Dexedrine. It's just under $30/month. If I could afford some of the others, I would try them. but....

Don't ever feel embarrassed, please!!! There's no such thing as a dumb question and you were asking because you didn't know. The doctor is being stubborn. If you are able to see another doctor, go. But only to one you feel comfortable with. :) I'm glad your husband is on board for you. It's so important to have those closest to us be supportive. You can find a doctor who will listen and support you and be open minded to your chosen course of treatment. We know ourselves best and I believe doctors are supposed to be there for support and guidance - not telling us what to do all the time like we're stupid because we're not! Good luck!

I am going to have a good Thanksgiving. I'm going to Chicago! I moved to Portland, OR two years ago and haven't been back to the midwest since. It'll be nice to see my sister and my son. I hope you have a good holiday as well. Thanks.

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Permalink Reply by Corinnecmcc on December 10, 2009 at 2:13am

I also live in Ontario (west of Toronto) and also searched for a specialist to help me when I first moved here in 2005. I had a hard time finding them. Those that I did find, charged $750-$1,000. OHIP won't cover these kinds of tests and consultations, which is frustrating. I already had a diagnosis when I moved here, just needed someone specialized to help me with meds and such.

I think I may know which clinic you are referring to, and I almost went there. But I found someone in downtown Toronto which was closer to me than the $1,000 clinic. However, I researched that clinic and I was impressed with them. It might be worth your time and money to visit them, because they will prescribe behavioural techniques as well as meds. I also found a Meet Up group for Adults with ADHD that meets biweekly at CAMH on College Street in Toronto. They were a marvelous source of information about the specialists in the area.

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Permalink Reply by Mich Morgan on December 11, 2009 at 4:11am

While symptoms may appear to be innocent and merely annoying nuisances to observers, "if left untreated, the persistent and pervasive effects of ADHD symptoms can insidiously and severely interfere with one's ability to get the most out of education, fulfill one's potential in the workplace, establish and maintain interpersonal relationships, and maintain a generally positive sense of self.


IQ Test

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