OK, for the last couple of years I have been convinced I have AD/HD. I have been putting off going to a doctor because of no insurance. My friend (who has ADD) gave me some of her medication (4 days worth) and it worked miracles for me, so I finally decided to go to a doctor for some kind of testing. So today I went to the doctor and told all about my life and my problems with focusing, concentration, yada yada yada and then I told her about trying my friends meds. The she told me it sounds like I have ADD but she could NOT help me, and then said she could refer me somewhere else and the testing costs around $2,500! I was devastated, as it took me so long just to get to the doctor and tell my life story!
My question is, does it always cost this much to get tested. I know I would really benifit from the medication, do I HAVE to take these expensive tests? Also I live in the Spokane area and if anyone knows a good doctor around there, I would be willing to travel also.
Thank you,
Britawn

As I am very lazy when it comes to typing so I have created a welcome page and ADDed a link here to get you there

My Welcome Page (http://www.addforums.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3345)

Garry

I am a Canadian so I cant help you but there are many good people here who will do there best to answer your questions

Good lord!

Didn't cost me anything, but we have free health care up here.

The first time I was evaluated it was by a psychologist... that cost the school that paid for it $500 Canadian.

When they tested me I was in a hospital for sucicide, BUT I strongly advise you NOT to even try it! LOL

There are online test that you can take and bring results to a doctor. It's is not really a real dianosis, but it gives you some insite of how severe you may be. Hopefully, the test results may be enough to where they can diagnose you without the heavy expenses. You may want to try www.amenclinic.com and take the ADD test. I hope this helps, and BTW(by the way) Welcome to the ADD forums...I hope you like it here and by all means keep posting!:D

When my son was retested it cost us about $350.00 after insurance; but, that was because we chose to not use the school's people this time. But, most (not all but most) meds take up to 2 weeks in the system before you notice a change. I'm wondering what this med was? Anyway's, good luck and I hope you find the forum's as informational and fun to be in as I have.

It didn't cost us anything to have son tested.

I did take the amen tests and I was "high probability" on everything except "inattentive". My friend gave me Adderall xr, 30 mg. I noticed a huge difference within about an hours time. I only had enough to take for four days. My friend really liked taking the Adderall but she was getting really bad stomach aches from it so her doctor put her back on ritalin. I asked her if I could have what she had left over.
It's too bad she live in San Francisco or I would try going to her doctor. Unfortunatley it seems there is no one in the Spokane area too eager to help me!

Brit,

That is what I thought too, but I finnally lucked out and found a doctor to help me, but it took me a long time to find this guy. Don't give up hope, if not where you are maybe another town that is not too far..Get a phone book and do some research, call around..there has to be a doctor that will help you. It is Determination that gets us what we want the most. Good Luck to ya.

I agree with Melly Brit..... check around until you do get the help you need.
Hugs to you & I wish you the best of luck.

Try calling around to Couselors and Psychologist. When you get someone to talk to ask if they have a "sliding-scale" payment plan. This is a plan that takes your income and economic and insurance postitions into account when pricing such things as psychotherapy and testing. If you still cannot find anyone to help you call local Psych clinics and Mental emergency centers and see if their is a Psychology clinic in the area that works on sliding scale or pro bono work. You can find a place to be tested for very little, but it takes quite a bit of calling and work.

If nothing else, make sure you call around to different Psychs, counselor, dr's etc. because many times the testing is not a standard price. Many people make up their own prices for it.

MM

Thank you for the advice, unfortunately I live in the poor state of IDAHO and there really isn't much they will do for you. I consider myself poor but I still make too much money to get any state help (at least for Idaho). I think I may have found a good counselor, but I will find out tomorrow, so wish me luck!

Good luck. I was dx'd by a counselor in a sliding scale-type setting. Luckily I don't make enough to really have to pay anything. THe only thing that is bad is if I want to wait for the psychiatrist there, it will be 2 mos before I can see him.

My wife's insurance will kick in soon (next week, so I may go see a MD sooner for some meds. Right now I am taking Wellbutrin SR that my Mother-in-law gave me. (I know, I know)

Britawn,

First, good luck on finding a good counselor. If you continue to have trouble finding one, you can try a couple of other resources. First, many medical schools and universities have ADD or mental health programs that are at no cost or very low cost to the community.

Second, you can check with your State Advocate, for information on where to turn, etc. You can find a listing of State Advocates at www.bigsplace.com in the right-hand yellow box on the main screen.

Third, you can try an online ADD Counselor at www.addconsults.com. I am not sure what their rates are.

Fourth, if you're STILL having problems finding a counselor in Idaho, please let me know, and I'll try and help you.

Good luck!

Thank you so much, you guys are awesome!