Starting on ADHD Stimulant Medication
At Rainbow Mandala Clinic, our Practitioners are proactive at providing evidence based,
wholistic care for our patients.
This includes considering the physical health co-morbidities that may impact on mental health and/or medications.
As a result, Stimulant or Non-Stimulant medication for ADHD may not be commenced
immediately, if the Doctor has concerns about results from the medical investigations
you have completed.
This may include, but not limited to:
- Elevated BP that requires further evaluation
- Abnormal pathology results that could directly impact on ADHD medications.
There may be discussions around dietary habits and nutritional intake to optimise support of cognitive and physical health.
As part of the Practitioner team at Rainbow Mandala Clinic, we have Dietitian Louise Herlihy, with 20+ years expertise in managing complex dietary requirements, including a special interest in neurodiversity, disordered eating patterns and assisting with establishing healthy eating routines.
Diagnosed ADHD: New Clients to RMC
Diagnosed ADHD – New Clients To Rainbow Mandala Clinic
New clients are individuals who have not previously seen by Dr Lewis, Dr Res, or any
clinician at Rainbow Mandala Clinic (RMC).
Existing Clients to RMC who have not had any clinical contact after 3 years fall into the category of New.
Referral Requirement
A valid GP referral is required
Appointment Details
- Service type: Clinical Assessment
- Duration: 60 minutes
(For complex presentations, a 90-minute appointment may be clinically appropriate.)
This service is suitable for clients who:
- Are commencing ADHD medication following a formal ADHD diagnosis by a Psychologist
- Are transferring care from a Paediatrician
- Are transferring care from another Psychiatrist
- Require a consultation to explore side effects of prescribed psychiatric medication
- Require a 3-year renewal of Authority to Prescribe stimulant medication
What the consultation includes:
- Comprehensive review of your medical and psychiatric history
- Explanation and formulation of required investigations, which may include:
- ECG
- Urine Drug Screen (UDS)
- Blood pressure monitoring
- Blood tests
- Development and implementation of a psychiatric medication management plan
- Provision of preventive mental health care
- Appropriate clinical documentation
Please note:
Stimulant medication for ADHD may not be commenced at the initial appointment
if the psychiatrist has concerns regarding the results of medical investigations.
Fees & Medicare:
- Cost to Client: $597.35
- Total fee: $800.00
- Medicare rebate: $202.65
- Out-of-pocket cost: $597.35
Diagnosed ADHD : Existing Clients of RMC
Referral Requirement
A valid GP referral is required
Appointment Details
- Service type: Clinical Review
- Duration: 45 minutes
This service is designed for existing clients who require:
- A review of the effectiveness or side effects of prescribed psychiatric medication
- A 3-year renewal of Authority to Prescribe stimulant medication
What the consultation includes
- Review of recent clinical history and current symptoms
- Explanation and formulation of required investigations, which may include:
- ECG
- Urine Drug Screen (UDS)
- Blood pressure monitoring
- Blood tests
- Ongoing psychiatric medication management
- Preventive mental health care
- Appropriate clinical documentation
Fees & Medicare
- Cost to Client $474.90
- Total fee: $600.00
- Medicare rebate: $125.10
- MBS item number: 91802
3 Year Script Renewal
It is a requirement that every 3 years an adult prescribed and taking stimulant medication
is required to have a clinical medical consultation in order that the Authority to prescribe is renewed.
Schedule 8 Prescribing Laws
- Stimulant ADHD medications (e.g., methylphenidate, dexamfetamine, lisdexamfetamine) are Schedule 8 controlled medicines under Australian poisons laws because of potential misuse and dependence risks.
- Prescribers must comply with state/territory controlled drugs legislation
Australian ADHD Clinical Practice Guidelines
- The Australasian ADHD Professionals Association’s Australian Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline (endorsed under NHMRC standards) outlines that ongoing pharmacological treatment should include regular monitoring of both treatment effectiveness and adverse effects, including physical parameters (e.g., blood pressure) and symptom control.
Diagnosed by a Psychologist
A GP referral is required
For confirmed diagnosis by a clinical psychologist will need an electronic copy of the diagnostic report or a letter from the clinical psychologist confirming the ADHD diagnosis.
The purpose of this consultation will be to commence the client on ADHD stimulant medication.
Typically these sessions will last 60 minutes.
1. Clinical Assessment
60 mins or 90 mins with Medical Practitioner & Mental Health Specialist
2. Prescribing of ADHD Medication by Dr Lewis
Dr Lewis to prescribe or amend stimulant medication.
3. Medication Support
email helpdesk
phone review
clinical support to help with finding the correct dose
review phone call from Dr Lewis or Dr Res
RMC will send out clinical questionnaires prior to the appointment.
The purpose is for your clinician to get a baseline understanding of the severity of your
symptoms which will also help when understanding the effectiveness of ADHD medication.