I've been looking to get tested out one way or the other for adhd (I've never been diagnosed as such, but HAVE been treated for it at one point) and have seen this advertised at a couple places. I've got a lot of questions:

What exactly would I be getting myself into if I scheduled an appointment for that? Is it the 'real mccoy' of diagnosis, or just a way to take my money? And what's it probably going to cost me if my insurance won't pick it up?

Anyone done this sort of thing before? What should I be expecting?

Try this website it may help. The cost is $3200 for dianosing and treatment plan. I do not know of the "real mccoy" but they do brain spect so they can find what part of your brain is needing help. This is the best clinic for ADD/HD worldwide. http://www.amenclinic.com/ac/

nevermind herrrrrrrr

EEG (originally mentioned in DBs post) is not part of the diagnostic criteria in the DSM IV (Diagnostic and Stantistical Manual of Mental Disorders, version 4) and may not be covered by your insurance. They can be pretty strict about only covering well recognized/accepted diagnostic tests and treatments. Some of the brain scans may be useful in diagnosis and/or treatment managment eventially, but for now are research tools. Also, the DSM does not currently have different criteria to diagnose adult and kids (that should change with the next version). Some doctors take a short cut for adults if their diagnosis appears straight forward and uncomplecated. A full workup would help you be confident in you diagnosis. Why were you treated but not diagnosed? How did the treatment work? This may factor in to the diagnostic considerations.

Mine cost $1800 . I had to pay it out of my own pocket.


The thread in the link below has a post by me that tells waht was involved.... oh and it included a diagnosis. :)

http://www.addforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=31996


ME :D

Mine was $300.00 13 years ago.

In my opinion this stuff is too expensive. What good is it if most people can't afford it ?

ME :D

What good is it if most people can't afford it ?

Good question I ask myself this all the time. All these wonderful advances and insurance companies don't want to pay for them and most can not afford them.

hi smiker. I was tested by a neuropsychologist last May. He was located at Metro Health in Cleveland Ohio. I didnt not have to pay for it beause they accepted my government insurance.

If you want to know what the testing is like that is a different matter. The test is at least a five hours test. There are many types of test that they perform. Excuse me I dont know all the professional names:

~ One of the test was , matching card . I had to put the pictures in sequencal order.

~ another test was looking at a diagram and making the same diagram out of blocks.

~ I was give a math test , this was timed, it was very general mathmetics and basic algebra.

~ given alist of items to remember and had to repeat what I remembered. This list is given to you 5 differernt times. To see if you remembered any new facts.

~ There was a computer test, and flashing word 7 or Seven, and I was only to click when I saw the word seven or number 7 in the box. there is other stimuli going on on the screen.

those are some of the test I remember. I also, talked to the neuropsychologist for 2 hrs. so get alot of rest the night before and eat right.

hello auntchris and everyone.
actually i had the neuropsychological testing done two months ago. The psychologist did me a favor and only charged me $975.00
The thing is my insurance might pay for it. I go to medical school now.
But i didn't submit the bill to my insurance company simply because i don't know if it will be held against me someday when i become a doctor. i know insurance companies can't relase anything unless they have my permission. but who knows in the future when i try to get licensed or something, and they dig in, i don't want it to come back and haunt me . i decided not to submit it and thus not get re-imbursed. actually i been thinking a lot about it, because it is a lot of money and it would come in handy now, but i am scared of possibly jeopardizing my future.
tell me what you think. please . thank you.

Ritanthony, was it worth it? Did you learn anything? Any diagnosis?

Now I know what's with your memory... You're in MED SCHOOL? It's not your memory, it's your course load. Manageable ADD can turn monstrous with high demands and little sleep. Congrats on getting there. As a future doctor, you can set a great example for us (your future patients) by staying in close touch with your doc til you get the meds worked out. I hope you won't give up on the stim meds til you've gone thru titration.

I understand your concerns. But if you are taking meds, that is on your record and if they do a urine test they will know anyhow. I am a teacher and some schools drug test teachers. I would flunk! My thoughts? It is a coin toss. You are also protected under the ADA and using it against you would violate your civil rights. Lots of doctors have medical conditions that are being treated.

My bet is that some schools, hospitals, practices are a**es about it, just like school districts. Most will be at least legal and treat it like any other disorder. You are not mentaly incompetent, violent, or otherwise placing your future patients in danger. Brittle diabetes and epilepsy would be more risky in a doctor than ADD! I don't think they keep people from practicing in certain specialties. Pathology, radiology, and such would work. I am tired and rambling. My OP and POV here.

RADD

I understand your concerns. But if you are taking meds, that is on your record and if they do a urine test they will know anyhow

Yikes we are forgetting HCIFA the privacy act which changed drug screens. . . unless you sign some sort of specific waiver the most they will know is you are on a prescription medication but they will not know what kind.


I used to do drug screens for a living but many laws have changed. When I did them people brought in their prescriptions we wrote them on the chain of custody form now they do not do this because of HCIFA. I went in and did "the deed" my sample goes to a lab which test it and the lab contacts me or places a hold on my drug screen clearance ( weather or not the hold is placed where the employer knows it is on hold depends on what type of job ect. . . ) The specimen is on hold until the lab's MRO (=Medical review officer) can contact the perspective employee. . .when I was contacted the MRO asked me the pharmacy, the pharmacy’s phone number my prescription number and date of last refill. . . . when my prescription matched my lab results my drug screen cleared. . . my employer knew my drug screen was on hold but this isn't unusual because a lot of people who are on prescription medications have this happen so for the employer it isn't that unusual. . . when the lab clears the result that mean what ever they found in the test was there legally. . . this way your employer never know the type of medication found or even weather or not you take it on a regular basis unless you tell them and by US law you do not have to unless you are requesting accommodations.

There are a few exceptions as far as fields are concerned thing like commercial air line pilots, joining the military. . . maybe the CIA but these professions are very few and far between If there are any restrictions as to the types of medications you can be on this information should be readily available to all who are interested in pursuing the particular field. . .