Hi everybody, this is my first post on ADDforums.

I was diagnosed about 5 years ago, during college, and took Concerta for about 18 months, until I graduated. Since then I've been moving around a lot, including a few stints overseas, and I haven't taken any ADD medication since probably July 2004.

I want to start up my medication again, as I think my experiment in making it without help has been less than successful... I live in DC, and have only catastrophic health insurance, with a $2500 deductible, so that's not going to be any help in getting me what I need.

I'm looking for resources for the DC metro area, specifically like a list of doctors who are ADD-educated... I still have an old prescription bottle from my last Concerta prescription, which I think may help in terms of saying "Hey, I already have a diagnosis, help me out here!"

Do you think there's any chance of finding a doctor who will take me on, maybe with a cash discount, and not give me a $2000 "evaluation" runaround? Any personal experiences or thoughts would be SOOOO greatly appreciated.

Thanks everyone! :)

Welcome. I'm struggling with a similar challenge. I'm on Blue Cross Blue Shield and hoping I can find someone who takes insurance. Not sure about my deductible.

There are some good resources on here. I hope I can get it together soon to check with one of the clinics, doctors.

Good luck!

Have you all checked the Washington, D.C. regional forums on ADDF? http://www.addforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=208

Also, you might check out www.chadd.com for other resources.

I would check to see if any local medical schools (and DC has plenty) have psychiatric clinics. If they do, they might be able to treat you, for far less than what it would cost at a private office. Even if they can't take you, they should be able to refer you to other affordable providers in the area.

In my opinion, anything close to $2K for an "evaluation" is ludicrous. In my experience, initial diagnostic appointments can be pretty expensive, but among the three private practice psychiatrists I've seen, none have charged more than $550 or so. Follow-up appointments are much less, something like $80-$120. Definitely call around and ask about cash discounts.

Also, if you're like me, and don't need much more than a regular Rx from a doctor, you might try asking your GP to write an Rx. Any doctor who's treating you should be able to request your medical records from the physician who previously treated you for ADHD. Good luck!