Those with ADHD: Moving and finding a new doctor

[amberlyrose]

We recently moved to another state and I haven't been on my medication for about 6 months due to our crazy travel schedule. I really need to get back on, but first I have to find a new doctor.
So.. once I do, what should I plan on having? Should I have my last practice forward my medical file or the psychiatrist that first diagnosed me?
I'm worried about having such a long break in between and getting some flack for it. I don't know why and it's probably why I've put off finding a new doctor. I loved my old doctor She knew me well and we had mutual friends and interests, which was nice. Why does this have to be so difficult?

[downtoearth]

I would just start by having your last practice forward your files... then if they need your diagnostic files, you can chase those down after you see your new doctor.

I started ADHD meds this spring and then didn't do follow-up with adjusting and meeting my doc again, now she has moved to a private practice of her own, so I need to make an appt and follow-up. Thanks for the reminder.

[BicycleBride]

I started back on medication about a year ago after about a ten year break. I got zero push back on the amount of time. I am sure we briefly touched on why now but it was not a barrier at all. I started with my primary doctor who referred me out to a psychiatrist. I took a giant stack of all my neuropsych evals dating back 25 years to both appointments but they really just looked over the most recent one from when I was 21 or 22 to confirm the diagnosis.

[downtoearth]

And honestly... based on my ADHD symptoms, if you run out of meds, you are less likely to follow-through on making appts, getting places on time, taking good care of yourself, etc., so I'm guessing that lapses in ADHD meds are pretty typical for adults. Don't you think?

[spindle92]

Aug 27, 2019 14:14:49 GMT -5 downtoearth said:

And honestly... based on my ADHD symptoms, if you run out of meds, you are less likely to follow-through on making appts, getting places on time, taking good care of yourself, etc., so I'm guessing that lapses in ADHD meds are pretty typical for adults. Don't you think?

yes to this.  

I JUST got off the phone with my dr's office about this same thing.

I go to therapy weekly but for some reason making an appointment with the dr for medication management is so much more difficult.

[spindle92]

and to answer your question, I would have the last dr you saw forward the files to the new dr.

[rebneen]

I was lucky when I switched that my new practice knew my old psychiatrist and trusted me when I said he issued the diagnosis. However, I ran into a problem when searching. One psychiatrist would not prescribe stimulant (Ritalin, Vyvanse, Adderall, etc) meds. Another wouldn't prescribe benzos (Klonopin, Valium, etc). I now ask during the initial phone call if the doctor is opposed to prescribing any types of meds.

[wambam]

Aug 27, 2019 14:48:02 GMT -5 rebneen said:

However, I ran into a problem when searching. 

This is my biggest fear with switching doctors. My (amazing, perfect) doctor left his current position and is only working out of a hospital. I’ve seen signs posted for the other doctors in the practice that they won’t prescribe XYZ for new patients. Fortunately, I have an appointment with old doctor’s wife, so hopefully it won’t be an issue. Ativan as needed makes my life so much easier and I really don’t want to think about my life with that option taken away. And I don’t even use it all that much!

[amberlyrose]

Aug 27, 2019 14:14:49 GMT -5 downtoearth said:

And honestly... based on my ADHD symptoms, if you run out of meds, you are less likely to follow-through on making appts, getting places on time, taking good care of yourself, etc., so I'm guessing that lapses in ADHD meds are pretty typical for adults. Don't you think?

Seriously.
I had to call/email the last practice EVERY month to refill the script. Then I had to either pick it up or have it mailed, drop it off, and pick up the script. Every month. Because it's a controlled substance. I get it, but it was so frustrating, especially when I travel almost every other week. 

[amberlyrose]

Step 1 Complete- found a doctor, have an appointment! Fingers crossed.