Northpoint Pediatrics
ADD / ADHD Evaluation and Recheck Appointments
Diagnosing and treating Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) / Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can be frustrating and challenging. Behavior management and medications can help your child lead a fulfilling life. Finding the medication and dosing that works best for your child is a trial-and-error process and may take multiple appointments. Your pediatrician will determine whether your child has ADD/ADHD using standard guidelines developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics. The process requires several steps and involves gathering information from multiple sources. You, your child, your child's school, and other caregivers should be involved in assessing your child's behavior.
Initial Inquiry
If you have concerns about your child possibly having ADD/ADHD please complete the form found HERE. We will respond within one business day [no weekends or holidays].
Medication Follow-up Appointments
If a medication regimen is prescribed and established, routine visits are scheduled every six months. Medication refills are not completed for children who do not come for medication follow-up visits or yearly well-child checkups. Depending on your insurance company, two co-pays may be assessed for the annual well-child ADD/ADHD combination visit. Required yearly checkups and medication follow-up appointments must be current to refill ADD/ADHD medications. Failure to schedule and keep recommended visits will result in no prescription refills until the patient has an office visit.
Medications and Refills
Many medications used to treat ADD/ADHD are stimulant Schedule 2 drugs and may have side effects such as appetite suppression, insomnia, and high blood pressure. These medications have gained popularity as street drugs and state and federal drug agencies carefully monitor their use. These prescriptions are sent electronically to the pharmacy. Most pharmacy plans only authorize one 30-day supply dispensed at one time.
• When requesting your monthly prescription, we ask that you give us at least seven days' notice. Your child's primary physician will review the chart and confirm the correct dosage and timing of the follow-up appointment.
• Required yearly checkups and medication follow-up appointments must be current to refill ADD/ADHD medications. Failure to schedule and keep recommended visits will result in no prescription refills until the patient has an office visit.
Schedule your child's follow-up appointments
Schedule
- Initial Inquery for potential ADD/ADHD
- Review testing results: Discuss diagnosis and treatment plan
- 1 month following start of medication: Medication follow-up visit with nurse practitioner (or primary physician if necessary) for the purpose of reviewing dosing, side effects and progress
- 3-4 months: Follow up visit with nurse practitioner or primary physician
- 6 months later: Follow up visit with your primary physician.
Required yearly checkups and medication follow-up appointments must be current to refill ADD/ADHD medications. Failure to schedule and keep recommended visits will result in no refills prescribed until the patient has an office visit.
