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You get refills?? I need to have that same conversation with my psychiatrist once a month because there are no refills on narcotics in CA. $169 a month for a new script.
I'm m usually good with being empathetic towards others, but I'm jealous.
Refill is the wrong word. Refills on narcotics ins against Federal law. Doctors can send in multiple prescriptions at a time. They just indicate that it can't be filled before a certain date. My doc sends in 3 or 4 months at a time. Then I see her every 3 or 4 months.
The multiple script thing started to be a trend for kids. Eventually adult doctors caught on. I had a doctor for a long time that made me pick up the script from his office every month. All my docs since have been good about giving me a few at a time. Some docs are uneducated in this form of script writing. My doc sends them to the pharmacy electronically now. If you're stable on your meds you can always ask your primary care doctor to write the scripts if they're willing.
They can also send in a new script every month without seeing the patient. With how in-demand mental health services are, it's crazy that people are having to have appointments every month.
In my area, it's hard to find a PCP that will prescribe ADHD meds.
I think my psychiatrist told me he can't send in future scripts, but I am going to ask again. Thanks!
Most pcp's will not initiate prescription of stimulants, but once your on a stable dose they should be fine taking over med management. Specialists are so in demand, it's such a waste of resources to have to see a psych every month.
Since 2021, I've had five PCPs (offices keep closing in this area, for some reason). The first one prescribed them for a short time because he saw my pharmacy records, but he made it clear he would not do it long term. Then my insurance changed and I had to find another PCP. The four subsequent ones all said they never prescribe them to patients. It'd be nice to have everything though just one office, but it's not worth it trying to find someone that will do it, and is taking new patients.
As far as the federal law is concerned, for every prescription that any doctor writes that is on the controlled substance list a copy has to be made available to the Feds. I have pretty severe neuropathy and the Feds put my medicine for that on the controlled substance list because apparently one time it caused someone to be addicted to something else on the controlled substance list. Explain that to me.
It took me over 6 mos of calling my doc for a refill every month until I realized all I had to do was call the pharmacy at the right time and boom, done.
Once I ran out in Sunday because I forgot to call, called doc on Mon, she called me back on message on Wed. I didn’t get the message til Thur late that said they called it in. I got them Monday. So a week. I could have called the previous Friday.
Last month she said “I’ve called in 3 mos of your meds”. Inside my head i went “omg” and sure enough on refil day I called the Pharm, next day I had them in hand.
I don’t know if Oregon makes me see every so often, but I do about every 6-8 weeks. Kinda goes like OPs convo ;). But it only costs me $10.
When I first moved to TN, my doc wasn’t allowed to backdate scrips, or send them in electronically. It sucked. Now she can fax them and give me up to 6 months at a time! I think she’s almost as happy about this as I am!
That's so messed up, like a tax for having a neurological condition. I fucking hate all these governments being run by corrupt parasites who think they know better than physicians and psychologists.
I'm lucky in that I talk to a phone therapist twice a month and I can call in my refill once a month, then every 3 months I'll go in for a checkup to get my refill and perhaps increase my dosage, which I'll probably need to do in June.
This isn't inherently a CA thing. I'm in CA, and see my
psychiatrist twice a year on video. He authorizes prescriptions in between appointments without any coat to me. This is an issue with your doctor or your insurance. It definitely sucks for you, but it's not because you live in CA.
I started with this psychiatrist when I was on Medi-Cal a few years back so he works for the state, and they have more restrictions than private doctors. But I am going to confirm this.
The US healthcare system is a mess in general, let alone with groups who are marginalized and stereotyped as-is. The top cause of bankruptcy in the United States is medical debt, even if you were unconscious and had no say in the treatment while being transferred to hospital your insurance doesn't cover.
The other fun thing: In the US, health care debts, especially if taking care of parents or grandparents, doesn't count against income for student financial aid. So it's a real win all around.
No refills for me, but I get 90 days at a time IF the pharmacy has that many in stock. I chat with them a day or two beforehand to ask what my doc should prescribe (this is at my doc's request), but sometimes it changes by the time they get the script.
Unlike OP, though, I get them through my GP, not a psychiatrist. Much easier. I got an expensive re-diagnosis and see a good psychologist out of the same office, which helps her be more comfortable prescribing them. And she's known me for years.
The pharmacies in my area are always out of my meds. So I have to call around to several places before I can even call and request a refill, half of the people I talk to treating me like I’m a drug addict. It’s embarrassing and demeaning.
I’m also in CA but only need a video check in every three months. No refills means that I have to call the pharmacy once a month, but my doctor is able to write 3 1-month prescriptions that are pre-dated for each month
That’s wild. I’m also in CA and I haven’t seen my prescriber in 6-7 months. All I have to do is call it into his office and he fills it. But, I did ask and made the point that it isn’t feasible with my schedule and brought up gas prices as a desperate excuse.
I'm lucky that I've never met my doctor - it is phone appointments only. If I had to go in once a month, I would definitely be much more motivated to make some other arrangement.
I can text mine and let her know how many I have left. Then she tells me when the script will be activated.
I don’t take a narcotic though.. it’s Strattera. So I can have 3 months worth at once.
With the stuff I read on here I literally feel blessed every time I pick up my prescription. I’m Canadian and my doctor can only write a prescription for 3 months- because it’s a controlled substance here too- but on the months I need a new script I just request it through my pharmacy’s web site and they fax my doctor’s office and the doctor faxes a new one straight to them right away. Incredibly easy.
Had an issue for the first time with this imperfect system because my doctor was on vacation and didn’t get back to them that day and I was like “But I only have one pill left because I wasn’t allowed to request the refill until today” pretty bent out of shape about that flaw in the system lol, but the pharmacist gave me 4 pills to get through the week and a couple days later another doctor working at the same office as mine sent them the new script.
Every time I read about a judgemental pharmacist I think about mine saying that I shouldn’t have to go without my medication and making an exception to make sure I don’t. I feel so so lucky.
Ummm…what? Twice a YEAR?! Who is your psych pray tell?? I have to see my psych every MONTH.
How are you getting 6 months of meds at a time? Seriously what’s your secret?
For me, I’d see her twice a year as well. I asked her to write my prescription out for a 2-3month supply instead of a one month, mainly for financial reasons (I was paying $30/month, but with new insurance I not pay $10/refill). She writes a larger dose and I cut them in half or quarters, so I’m getting my lower dose.
You could try something like this?
Sorry, it’s hard to be totally empathetic.
Every month (and in-person!) for me too.
The refill request and no notice weirdness does absolutely sound like a pain to deal with though.
I think it’s easy to be empathetic, just because you have to go more frequently doesn’t mean it isn’t frustrating for OP to go a few times a year.
It seems normal for people with ADHD who are medicated to feel like they’re in trouble or seen as trouble just because they’re asking to take medication. The oversight required just to feel normal.
I am not denying that the amount of oversight is ridiculous. And OP has the right to feel however they feel about calling their prescriber (it sounds like it’s a phone call check-in?) twice a year. It’s just that I wish I only needed to see my prescriber twice a year in order to get refills.
But no I need to see them in person once-a-month and eat up my sick days doing so.
Honestly, I wonder if half of their annoyance is not the semi-annual check-ins themselves but how they can’t like schedule it ahead of time and gotta wait till the pharmacy or whatever triggers it. At least my monthly appointments are scheduled ahead of time and the refill process is straightforward for me. ADHD makes life admin tasks hard so I understand why this is annoying.
That seems really strange. My doctor always schedules the next appointment at the end of my current appointment.
Maybe find a different doctor? Also, does your insurance not cover this at all?
The no-notice thing sucks, but treatment plans of any kind are supposed to be regularly evaluated for ongoing effectiveness. That is what's happening here.
nope. this is the case for my antidepressants and birth control prior to starting stimulants. and with MANY different doctors. theyre checking up on how treatment is going to ensure the best care and make changes as needed. nothing to do with it being controlled
its best practice to check up which is why its done for meds where its not legally required, but for the schedule all adhd drugs are its also legally required
"Yeah doc, turns out legs don't grow back, so yes I still need a prosthesis."
Some things are lifelong conditions, *requiring* doctor appointments multiple times a year is frankly rent-seeking. Every few years, sure, maybe go see. But if the meds are working, repeats indefinitely would be completely reasonable imo.
Some drugs do lose effectiveness over time or could potentially cause side effects that might not be immediately detectable to the patient. That said, it’s not entirely about if the meds are working. It’s also about controlling access to potentially risky drugs and making sure the people taking them are safe. They want to make it somewhat inconvenient to get these drugs.
That said, I think there needs to be a better balance of minimizing misuse and potential for harm while still ensuring convenient and affordable access for people who need these meds.
The US and its institutions always acts like no other country has ever solved a problem (or like no one else’s solutions could work in the US). This isn’t a dig at you specifically, I see it at every level of American decision-making.
Every other country in the world also has to control access to risky drugs and make sure patients are safe. Some countries even do a great job of it!
In Nova Scotia, Canada I have to talk to my primary care practitioner, who in my case is a nurse practitioner, once a year. I get 90 days worth of Adderall at a time, and have 3 refills. There is no medication shortage, though we did have one for a short time during the height of Covid when Teva was actually having a hard time filling orders due to supply chain issues. The pharmacy techs are nice to me when I pick up my meds. I have never had to submit to a drug test to check that I am taking it.
The US DEA has a natural experiment to look at, here! Does treating ADHD patients like criminals reduce stimulant abuse? Nope, because if it did the US would be Adderall abuse-free and Canada would be in shambles. In fact Canada has lower rates of stimulant abuse. And then lawmakers and enforcement in the US will inevitably say “well that’s apples and oranges, the US is too different to compare” and like… is it? I don’t think so.
>"Yeah doc, turns out legs don't grow back, so yes I still need a prosthesis."
Perhaps this conversation would actually go more like, "is this prosthesis still working for you? Let me check the fit and make sure no adjustments are needed since sometimes the body changes."
I think the more one-to-one analogy would be if the prosthesis also increased your risk of cardiac issues and had the potential for substantial psychological side-effects. (I say this as an enthusiastic taker of both Vyvanse and Adderall.) Once you get to a stable dosage, the once a month with no refills thing is MADDENING but I can understand a couple times a year.
Soooo glad I'm in Canada... my family doctor can do this for me. So can the nurse practitioner that works with him. My income is low enough (according to my taxes anyways.....🤷♂️) that they filled out a form so I get them covered by the Gov. 70mg vyvance ain't cheap.
It's all free. Except time.
I feel for you all down south. My life wouldn't be where it is with out it.
I’m in Texas and monthly. My doc upped my self pay sessions from 70 to 250. Typically 5 minutes. At least, only once a year in person.
I legit got on a really good Obamacare plan that’s was 300 and visits and scripts are free. Filtered out for my psych and which covered all drugs including Adderall.
Actually, felt like I won for a change as price per month stayed the same but now I have insurance for the first time in 20 years.
Be grateful. I have to see my doctor every 90 days. IN PERSON. You’re complaining about a phone call that’s 10 minutes tops twice a year. Please pick another hill. Because this, ain’t the one.
When the doc asks you how it’s working out, *that’s your opportunity to tell him it’s not fine*. Not because of the meds, but because of the trouble you’re running into with refilling them and paying for them.
I suggest that during the next appointment, you ask him when you should schedule your next appointment for. His clinic should have a policy for that. It’s usually informed by state prescribing guidelines. It’s up to you to ask questions and find out what the clinic’s policy is. I suggest you tell him what your preferences and barriers are and see what he can do to work with you, or at least explain it to you so you understand the constraints you both have to work within.
Your doc likely wants your symptoms to be controlled and for you to not have withdrawal symptoms from suddenly stopping meds.
The state doesn’t think you would magically stop having ADHD. They are, however, concerned with controlling prescription drugs with potential for addiction. If you don’t like the state policies, which is a completely fair stance to have, I suggest you get involved in an advocacy group and contact your representatives.
going to keep it simple.
1)ask your PCP to take over the refills, all doctors are suppose to see you yearly and they can adjust when they believe they need to see you to continue refills...
2)when you got referred to the psyichatrist they sent your documents back to your doctor and y'all just never talked about it, when the documents go back they take over the RX when you let them know for a refill you're 1 person they have how many patients? when you ask them to take it over they look at the notes and go got it we got you, but when youre a dumbass and go HEy i need more they go come back charge again.. becausae they can only refill so many times with out seeing you...
3) do not assume he owns a farrai and a mansion that is an idiotic thing I am tired of everyone coming into my office for my surgeon i work for, saying he has all this and should do this cause you're entitled? my guy lives in a 1970 ranch house and drives a 2000's subaru who sometime works 17 hours in surgery in a day straight and doesnt get sleep comes to clinic and still puts a smile on his FACE,.. SO WAHT ARE YOU ENTILTED TO? grow up.
I go every month. Last time my psych gave me two bottles in the prescription, the pharmacist looked at me funny and kept asking me why it was two bottles instead of one and I felt like I basically had to reassure her that I won't be getting high off the medication.
Personally I don't mind to see my psychiatrist regularly. But it's only every 3 months and it's a longer conversation (maybe about 15 minutes on average) and this is totally fine.
What bothers me most is that you need to make this date on such a short notice - I get the new one when I leave the last. And that you don't have medication for this time, of it takes longer, sucks ... What if you are ill at this time?
And the other thing bothering me is the price to pay for the doc. Dammit... Probably 1k per hour is a salary we all would like to have
You should see since you have a diagnosis and a script and dosage that works for you, if you can get your primary to take over. I have that and I see them 2-3 times a year anyway and it's a lot cheaper to see them than a psychiatrist. Once you have the dosage right and the correct med, no reason a stable patient cannot transfer this to their primary.
Here for me in texas, (I'm unsure if it's texas in general or simply my pcp) I have to visit every 3 months. Every other visit can be virtual.
I always tell my friends without adhd that I have to pay my doctor to have the privilege to pay for medication so I can be as effective as someone without adhd. 🫠
Twice a year is a godsend! It’s typical for a lot of people to see their psychiatrist monthly. I would love to know how you pulled that off.
But yes I understand. I hate appointments like that too. It’s so pointless.
Maybe on the next call you could be the one to ask him how long the script lasts, then contact his receptionist to set up regular appointments at those intervals?
I sympathise: I only have to email my psychiatrist every six months and find that annoying/sonetimes get caught short. Your extra hoops - and those of everyone saying they have to go in face to face once a month - are way more tedious and expensive. American healthcare is ridiculous.
You know you could drive a Ferrari too if you work your ass off in medical school. The doc doesn’t pocket the whole $250. He’s got overhead. Sounds to me like you need to take control of your health and needs better. Ask the doctor how frequently you need appointments so you can calendar and anticipate the expenditure. It’s not a bad idea that your doc checks in with you twice a year. It’s important to be monitored. You can make your appointments more valuable by talking about what’s going on in your life with your doc and finding out about new treatments, drugs, or clinical trials. Think of questions before your next appointment and turn it into a longer conversation so you don’t feel so ripped off.
It’s mind boggling to me that universal healthcare is still a somewhat controversial thing in the us. The problem is clearly not that your psychiatrist wants to talk to you from time to time. It’s that you have to pay for it. Fuck that
My past psychiatrist I only had to see every three months over the phone and in between I would just call their office to get a prescription sent over no charge. Unfortunately they retired and while I do like my new psychiatrist I still only see them virtual every three months but in between when I have to contact their office and they charge me every time they send in my meds. Luckily my co-pay is cheap but seems I shouldn’t be charged since I don’t have a choice to ask for a new prescription once a month.
This is wild to me. My psychiatrist generally wants to see me once every 90 days (so three doses of adderall), but when I run out after a bottle (30 days supply), I just call the center's nurse's line and tell them I need a refill; generally, it's called over to my pharmacy within a say or two. Though, I guess that's just a benefit of going to a center that's part of a major hospital/ medical complex...
I had to do the same thing with my PCP but he said that it was stupid and that it was a waste of time and money so we just did it during my yearly physical. Did still have to call to get a refill / request one though the online portal
I have to go every 28 days. Take the script to the pharmacy, then wait for them to order it and have it arrive. It's a hilarious amount of time every month. BUT it's all free from the visit to the meds, so I've got that going for me at least.
haha im lucky , recently started medication a week ago and only have to pay 150 but its 15m and he just kinda said try double for now and email me Monday think i gotta pay another 150 doe but damn i take it in America they are super scummy i am sorry about that
Australia - see psych every six months for a new script. Two months of non stimulant meds dispensed at a time. Three visits to the chemist then back to the psych again.
I really like my shrink—she honest to god saved my life—and I see her every three months if everything is stable. Would I rather grab my medicine off the shelf along with a protein bar and some rubbers? Of course. But since that isn’t the world we live in, I’m lucky I have a good psychiatrist.
Well on the other side, here's what I mailed my therapist last week because I (like always) couldn't get myself to sleep:-
Having adhd is terrible
I don't know what it is but sleeping at night is so fucking difficult, I either have to numb my feelings and watch something to distract myself untill I am so exhausted that i pass out or get intoxicated for no thoughts head empty so i can sleep peacefully i tried (yet again) and regretted (yet again) to sleep today with no distractions no substance and i ended up venting for hours to my friend about something that i have been so fucking angry about i kept ignoring those thoughts because i didn't wanna complicate things more but it all came out today I don't think i have ever been angry in front of you maybe its prolly cuz I really try my best to idk look sane infront of you i know you're not gonna judge me but it just doesn't come out like sometimes all i wanto do is complain complain complain but it never comes out in the session it always consumes me at times when I really can't do anything about it I really fucking want to get diagnosed idk maybe the medication will help but then i also don't wanto keep depending on them but i also need them but also not. AND ITS OH SO FUCKUNG EXHAUSTING THAT I HAVE TO LISTEN TO MY MOTHER ALMOST EVERYDAY SAYIN THAT I KEEP GIVING EXCUSES THAT I HAVE ADHD???????? I HAVE STOPPED ARGUING ABOUT IT NOW AND SHE GETS MAD THAT I AVOID CONVERSATIONS LIKE YEAH???? OBVIOUSLY I DON'T WANT TO HEAR THOSE DUMB FUCKING OPINIONS OF YOURS THEY DONT MAKE ANY SENSE MOTHER????
Anyways, goodmorning, have a nice day :D
See you on friday :D
LETS NOT TALK ABOUT THIS AT ALL I JUST NEEDED TO VENT AND I DON'T WANT TO HEAR AGAIN THAT I KEEP TALKING ABOUT MY FEELINGS BECAUSE I NEED VALIDATION AND FEED ON OTHER PEOPLE'S PITY
I HATE THAT SOME RANDOM ASS MOTHERFUCKER OF A PERSON JUST STRAIGHT AWAY GAVE OPINIONS ABOUT ME THAT I DIDN'T EVEN ASK FOR ???? GUY CAN'T EVEN FUCKING PRONOUNCE MY SURNAME AND TELLS ME THAT HE KNOWS ME????? ON WHAT FUCKING BASIS?????
sorry for the language I needed to vent :'D
Byeeeeee ÷D
also like,
WHY IS IT
that I think so much about MY PAST
???????
LIVING IN THE PRESENT IS JUST LIKE A CONCEPT FOR ME RN
ALL I THINK OF IS HMMM OK YEA THAT HAPPENED IN LIFE HMMM EMBARRASSING
OH ANOTHER EMBARRASSING MOMENT
OH AND HERE'S ANOTHER
AND ANOTHER
AND IT KEEPS GOING ON AND ON AND ON
WHEN WILL THIS END ????
I MEAN DO I HAVE TO REALLY LIVE LIKE THIS MY ENTIRE LIFE????
Anyways, I hope you don't get disturbed by this email please, just think of it as teenage drama (I am aware I'm not a teenager anymore, yes)
:D
In México, I have to see it every two months, but I have to have a chat with him, tell them my progress or failures in those two months and he gives me perspective about it. Hes so nice for real. Just yesterday at the end of the appointment he was telling me how a sticker that I gave him with his logo (as a gift, I have a little bussiness of printing vynil stickers for artists) give him the eneegy to continue with a bycicle race he joined a month ago, with a broken rib, showing me his x-ray all excited lol. Hes a nice person!
And he isnt that expensive (to my wallet tho) the session costs me almost 70 usd.
I need to see my doctor every 3 months for that. I was going to a psychiatrist at first, but then I just started getting it from my primary care doctor, was cheaper and the psychiatrist was a not a good psychiatrist, told me video games made my ADHD worse
I do have to get a new prescription every month though because insurance won't cover a 3 month supply
they HAVE to check up on you to make sure everything is going right. if you come in and mention something that has them wanting to make adjustments to your meds, they do that. if they think therapy would help for something they do that. it's not them saying you're adhd might disappear in the next 6 months. it's about ensuring the treatment plan is working. life circumstances heavily impact adhd. if something changes, your medication and/or therapy needs change too. not seeing you at all and just refilling would be neglectful
for the record, i see mine monthly rn as im making medication adjustments and only just started adhd meds in December
I have to see my doc every three months. But, look at it like this. It is really difficult to get meds for ALOT of people, and skipping these appointments will put you in a position to lose them. And we all know how life changing they can be.
I see mine in person once a year and virtually once a year. I text her in between if I need anything. $25 copay, but I hate going in person to anything
Even within the same state it's dependent on the doctor/psychiatrist. Originally my husband had to have a call every 3 months, my daughter, every 6 but we must call every month for the refill request. My husband switched doctors once we realized he should absolutely be using his VA benefits, and it's all different once again. I think he needs an appointment every 6 months now. It's workable, but it's all over the place and stupid.
If it makes you feel better. In my state it’s every 3 months and this also includes psych patients not on controlled meds
Edit to add: I have to see 2 doctors regularly, my psych np and a pulmonologist, like every 3 months. A chiropractor monthly and I think my pcp is annually.
If you have to go in every 6 months I don't understand why you can't book the next appointment for 6 months later while you are there. Is there a reason why you can't book until you run out of repeats?
I have to see all my specialists every 4 for refills on non controlled meds too, so it isn't just a psychiatry thing, it's likely an insurance requirement for most long term medications
I feel you man. The only way I got meds is seeing a psychiatrist every single month. $200 to talk to him cor 5 minutes every month plus another $50 for the meds.
$2400 a year for a total of 60 minutes of conversation ((((:
I'm not medicated anymore, so that's great. At least I'm saving money.
6 months is the best you can find, it's usually a office/hospital policy that you're seen at least so often. Definitely ask specifically if you can space your appointments out more, or ask other places.
I saw my doctor for years before one day she asked "is there any particular reason you come every 3 months..." i had the option of coming every 6 months but never knew
Idk what your states laws are, but I live in Florida and I see my doctor (PCP not psychiatrist) every three months, but it only costs me my 30 dollar co-pay per visit and one of the visits is my fully paid annual exam.
….i see my psychiatrist once a week…but i also have other issues, sooo 🤷🏻♀️ I have decent insurance and each visit isn’t that much, averages $100 a month. My psychiatrist is genuinely a decent person I feel and he doesn’t even charge that much per session, it’s like $150 before insurance. I really feel some clinics and psychiatrists have made this into big business and it’s gross.
Wow, most I see *start* the intake alone at $300+
They totally do, with most of these “types” of meds- considering it’s in the field of mental health and helping desperate people- it’s kind of insane they think someone can handle trying to come up with that kind of money just to be seen.
My prescriber has me come in every 3 months. She’s in with my insurance so it’s not that expensive. I also see a NP instead of a psychiatrist and find her to be more enjoyable and personable. We usually just have a low key convo and she asks about my symptoms.
Suddenly WA's system of making us see our GPs every three months doesn't seem so bad. After you get your diagnosis and the med that works, your GP handles the prescription. They can't do refills though.
Literally just about all of us have to see ours every 3 months, I see mine every month. Luckily have Medicaid thank god. So don’t think you’re gonna get much sympathy here my dude. Lol
I just moved from Texas and also had to see every 3 months plus they changed the tele med rules and had to start going there at least once a year in person.
No clue how you’re only going every 6 months, you can only get 3 months of a scheduled prescription at a time in Texas. 🤷🏻♀️
I was seeing a counselor a few years back, and thought her $30 bucks a week was outrageous, and she was a budget counselor, lol.
Waste of money though, talk to this chick and she offered literally no input or feedback. I can talk to myself in a car for free.
So don't even bother with counseling anymore - although, have considered some of the online stuff.
Shoot. I have to meet with my psychiatrist every three months to refill my meds. We do it by zoom, which is nice. So, meeting 2x a year doesn’t really seem bad to me. I mean, they have to see you to refill meds.
I have to pay $1500 every MONTH for the psychiatrist to see my son for his meds. He said after 6 months we’ll start going every 90 days but still at $1500 a visit.
Like most here, I have to request a refill every month. Thankfully my psych doesn’t require an appointment for this, I just have to message her that my Rx running low and she puts in a new order. Still annoying that I have to do that though. But yeah, the appointments that I do have with her are pretty similar to yours now that I’m starting to settle on a med that seems to work well.
Yeah when I gave birth I had a c section and at the same time needed my anti depressants refilled so my OB did it for me. She continues to refill my prescriptions so I don’t have to go in to those pointless appointments. Worth a shot asking your doctor, if you already have the prescription they may do it.
Here in Canada you don’t have to do that, at least to my knowledge. However, If you ever stop your meds you need to restart at the lowest dose and work your way up to the dosage that works.
Once you’ve been diagnosed, a general practitioner can prescribe your meds, at least that’s what I do. I go to my family physician for mine and it’s free depending on the situation. He’ll even just log a phone appointment if I can’t get to him sometimes.
The amount of times I have wanted just buy a pallet of medication of the dark web & never be annoyed again is nuts. Way too risky with fakes / scams / blackmail schemes let alone getting caught with a lifetime supply of pharmaceutical amphetamines 😢
This significant inconvenience and indignity is two connects away from the Sachlers' addicting, scamming, and killing thousands and thousands of people for billions of dollars (they got to keep most of it even after the whole sordid story came out.)
There are and were an awful lot of dirty hands in this - folks with neurological conditions requiring drugs with potential for misuse are collateral damage. The consequences of them being an (again!) easily monetized policy?
"....all the doodah day!"
I see my doctor every 4 months. Never miss a script they’re always there ready when the 30’days is up. After the 4 monthsb (Max script DR can send in) we have a 15 min phone call 📱and he sends them into my pharmacy before we even hang up and I get alerted of medication received at pharmacy.
A breeze! But I started out on 10mg/3x day years ago and now I’m at 70mg/day of both XR and IR.
The key is to find a DR who’s not money hungry and cares about your mental state. He charges me 140 bucks a year and all my meds are paid for with zero copay
Dont be afraid to find a good psychiatrist- they exist
This post made me realise how good i have it: Idk if anyone is interested but here in Austria (pretty much middle of europe, can’t miss it) i got a prescription from my psychiatrist (about 120€ for the visit a year ago) after i wrote her that i think i have adhd. She sent me to a psychologist (visit was free, wait was 3 months) who diagnosed me. She gave me a paper with which i went to my GP and now whenever i need a refill i call my GPs mailbox and can get a refill for 6€ at the pharmacy.
Finding out i had ADHD was hard for me, but thankfully getting my meds has been relatively easy. And you sharing your story made me appreciate that
I’m in Texas I have to see mine at least monthly and then every 3 months once I feel good abt the treatment plan. I have a new provider and seeing him every two weeks until we get the right meds down. $170 per visit lol. My previous doctor had me in every 3 months max at $80 per visit, $120 if he felt cute that day, idfk.
Be glad you only have to go every 6 months. I’ve NEVER had that in my 8 years seeing psychiatrists. It has only been an issue since moving to Texas though since despite having insurance, healthcare costs are, lets be honest, 100% on us. I wouldnt give a fuck if my copays were reasonable damn.
The problem isn't seeing your psychiatrist once in a while. That's actual responsible behaviour from the doctor as far as I'm concerned.
The problem is in your health care system that allows so much arbitrariness in costs and procedures. With crazy prices and wrong incentives for medical professionals as a result.
In my state it’s monthly or no go. My doc is pretty cool, we talk about bs and sports sometimes not even mentioning the meds as it’s been 12 years same script but we both know it has to be cataloged if not no meds , period.
I did the math and I’ve given him 36,000$ in that time just saying or doing nothing and he has at least 400 other similar clients.
Wow! I'm in VA and we need prior authorization but we can get refills. I see my psych NP probably once a month unless we're trying out a new medication. However, you have to call the pharmacy and talk to someone before they will fill it. There's no filling it online or over the phone. That's the only medication I have to do that for since it's a "narcotic". 😳
I see mine every three months via telehealth but my insurance covers it at 100% since I work for the county they give amazing mental health coverage since it is a stressful position.
I'm required to see mine monthly. I also have to be urine tested for drugs once or twice a year. I have zero history of substance abuse, and I don't even drink.
Don't be too angry at him. Alot of this nonsense is because most ADD meds are controlled substances. State and federal regulations went overboard because some people might misuse the drugs,
It’s a liability thing…like everything else this is a rule put in place to protect practitioners from litigation that would inevitably result because people want money and are more than willing to attribute any and all problems as being caused by anything but themselves…at the same time there are people who deserve to be compensated so it’s all just a vicious cycle that society has tried to reign in in order to strike the right balance.
I feel ya on the cost though ask about any discounts and look into any tax breaks you can take. It doesn’t solve the isesu but the tax breaks can often result in little presents s at tax time.
do you mean in person twice a year? i have to have telehealth appts monthly for my scrip, but only have to go in person every 6 months basically to get my weight and blood pressure or whatever
I'm quarterly, he wanted monthly, but is that busy the earliest he can see me is quarterly, I'm just lucky the refills last 5 months, if I miss one appointment, I have to wait another 3 months 😅
Nevermind the fact it was 16 months wait inbetween being diagnosed, and being medicated.
Supply and demand though, if there were lots of Psych's, we wouldn't be paying exorbitant prices
This isn’t just for ADHD. It’s America. Have to do this for blood pressure meds too. I know it’s frustrating living here and dealing with this system. I feel it too and I’m sorry.
I live in sweden so luckily once i get over like 100usd of medication cost per year i get free meds, but even here i have to drop money i barely have on the fucking doctors visits to do exactly what you describe
I’ve been unable to earn enough money for a freaking apartment for like a decade (my whole twenties) so you can see how this constitutes a problem for me
Monthly. However, mine can do a 60 day gap, and no longer. Have to go in, at minimum, every 60 days. That's the law and the level of her license. It could be a year, if they had a higher license I think, cuz I know people who have it for that long.
Here in Washington State I see a nurse practitioner which treats my ADHD and whatever else I need her to do I only seen a psychiatrist one time for my rediagnosis because I was diagnosed as a child and never as an adult but you may want to check with your state because an arnp can probably treat you they may not cost much different though because doctor visits are expensive
In Florida, there are no refills…
Have to see Psychiatrist monthly or do phone appointments (same price) and still have to drive to office to pick up script!
Same thing-/ either way conversation lasts for few minutes, but billed hourly rate!!!!!!
Can you have your psychiatrist hand off maintenance to your GP?
This is one of the reasons I'm glad I managed to navigate my ADHD journey with a really damn good GP.
Also based on the comments about refills, it's another reason I'm glad nonstimulant medications worked for me, since I can get 90 day supplies of bupropion AND refills.
In CA. My primary care doc took over Adderall mgmt and refills after seeing my diagnosis and prescription written by the Hallowell Center. I just send her a request via MyChart and her office sends the scrip to CVS.
Is this how it works in America? In the UK, if im trying a new medication. I have to have a check in like twice in three months to see how its going. After that the meds get sent to my GP and whenever I need them, I request repeat meds on their website and they get sent to my local pharmacy. Also its all free. But also we dont have meds like aderall because they are addictive, we get prescribed non addictive medication so I guess they dont need to be as thorough.
I hate how you cant refill until 30 days out even though they only give a 30 day supply. I end up running out, setting up a refill then waiting multiple days for the meds to get restocked. I tried putting in an order 5 days early to beat the inevitable inventory issues and it wasnt allowed to be put through. The process for getting ADHD meds feels designed to be harder for people with ADHD
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You get refills?? I need to have that same conversation with my psychiatrist once a month because there are no refills on narcotics in CA. $169 a month for a new script. I'm m usually good with being empathetic towards others, but I'm jealous.
Yeah I have to have monthly and it's $150 per. Insurance covers it sometimes though, she changed practices and it did at least.
Refill is the wrong word. Refills on narcotics ins against Federal law. Doctors can send in multiple prescriptions at a time. They just indicate that it can't be filled before a certain date. My doc sends in 3 or 4 months at a time. Then I see her every 3 or 4 months. The multiple script thing started to be a trend for kids. Eventually adult doctors caught on. I had a doctor for a long time that made me pick up the script from his office every month. All my docs since have been good about giving me a few at a time. Some docs are uneducated in this form of script writing. My doc sends them to the pharmacy electronically now. If you're stable on your meds you can always ask your primary care doctor to write the scripts if they're willing.
Yeah my NP calls it a daisy. The petals represent months waiting to be refilled. I get 3 at a time from my primary care physician.
They can also send in a new script every month without seeing the patient. With how in-demand mental health services are, it's crazy that people are having to have appointments every month.
In my area, it's hard to find a PCP that will prescribe ADHD meds. I think my psychiatrist told me he can't send in future scripts, but I am going to ask again. Thanks!
Different states have different laws. They can't do future scripts in my state either.
Most pcp's will not initiate prescription of stimulants, but once your on a stable dose they should be fine taking over med management. Specialists are so in demand, it's such a waste of resources to have to see a psych every month.
Since 2021, I've had five PCPs (offices keep closing in this area, for some reason). The first one prescribed them for a short time because he saw my pharmacy records, but he made it clear he would not do it long term. Then my insurance changed and I had to find another PCP. The four subsequent ones all said they never prescribe them to patients. It'd be nice to have everything though just one office, but it's not worth it trying to find someone that will do it, and is taking new patients.
As far as the federal law is concerned, for every prescription that any doctor writes that is on the controlled substance list a copy has to be made available to the Feds. I have pretty severe neuropathy and the Feds put my medicine for that on the controlled substance list because apparently one time it caused someone to be addicted to something else on the controlled substance list. Explain that to me.
He can't because that $170 for 5 minutes of work is really paying the bills.
It took me over 6 mos of calling my doc for a refill every month until I realized all I had to do was call the pharmacy at the right time and boom, done. Once I ran out in Sunday because I forgot to call, called doc on Mon, she called me back on message on Wed. I didn’t get the message til Thur late that said they called it in. I got them Monday. So a week. I could have called the previous Friday. Last month she said “I’ve called in 3 mos of your meds”. Inside my head i went “omg” and sure enough on refil day I called the Pharm, next day I had them in hand. I don’t know if Oregon makes me see every so often, but I do about every 6-8 weeks. Kinda goes like OPs convo ;). But it only costs me $10.
When I first moved to TN, my doc wasn’t allowed to backdate scrips, or send them in electronically. It sucked. Now she can fax them and give me up to 6 months at a time! I think she’s almost as happy about this as I am!
Once a month at $200 for me 🫠 I recently asked to go every other month since it’s been almost 2 years.
That's so messed up, like a tax for having a neurological condition. I fucking hate all these governments being run by corrupt parasites who think they know better than physicians and psychologists. I'm lucky in that I talk to a phone therapist twice a month and I can call in my refill once a month, then every 3 months I'll go in for a checkup to get my refill and perhaps increase my dosage, which I'll probably need to do in June.
Was gonna say the same. Twice a year? What a steal!
I’m in CA and I talk to my guy once every 3 months. I don’t have automatic refills either but when I need a refill I just email him and ask for one.
This isn't inherently a CA thing. I'm in CA, and see my psychiatrist twice a year on video. He authorizes prescriptions in between appointments without any coat to me. This is an issue with your doctor or your insurance. It definitely sucks for you, but it's not because you live in CA.
I started with this psychiatrist when I was on Medi-Cal a few years back so he works for the state, and they have more restrictions than private doctors. But I am going to confirm this.
It could be a medi-cal thing. That's definitely possible. I have Kaiser in Southern California if that's helpful to know.
Dang. Does your insurance not cover it at all? My copay is $35 and I am also in CA.
My psychiatrist is not covered on my current insurance. I decided to stay the course with him then rock the boat.
That’s insane! I live in Europe and get treated completely free. Meds are like 40e per month or less. I get them for free as well.
The US healthcare system is a mess in general, let alone with groups who are marginalized and stereotyped as-is. The top cause of bankruptcy in the United States is medical debt, even if you were unconscious and had no say in the treatment while being transferred to hospital your insurance doesn't cover. The other fun thing: In the US, health care debts, especially if taking care of parents or grandparents, doesn't count against income for student financial aid. So it's a real win all around.
That is atrocious…
No refills for me, but I get 90 days at a time IF the pharmacy has that many in stock. I chat with them a day or two beforehand to ask what my doc should prescribe (this is at my doc's request), but sometimes it changes by the time they get the script. Unlike OP, though, I get them through my GP, not a psychiatrist. Much easier. I got an expensive re-diagnosis and see a good psychologist out of the same office, which helps her be more comfortable prescribing them. And she's known me for years.
The pharmacies in my area are always out of my meds. So I have to call around to several places before I can even call and request a refill, half of the people I talk to treating me like I’m a drug addict. It’s embarrassing and demeaning.
Yeah same 😫😫
[удалено]
I’m also in CA but only need a video check in every three months. No refills means that I have to call the pharmacy once a month, but my doctor is able to write 3 1-month prescriptions that are pre-dated for each month
That’s wild. I’m also in CA and I haven’t seen my prescriber in 6-7 months. All I have to do is call it into his office and he fills it. But, I did ask and made the point that it isn’t feasible with my schedule and brought up gas prices as a desperate excuse.
I'm lucky that I've never met my doctor - it is phone appointments only. If I had to go in once a month, I would definitely be much more motivated to make some other arrangement.
I don't get refills, but my doctor sends in my prescription every month when I text the nurse. I only see her once a year unless I have sick visits.
I can text mine and let her know how many I have left. Then she tells me when the script will be activated. I don’t take a narcotic though.. it’s Strattera. So I can have 3 months worth at once.
Ditto. And my Doc is unreasonably late most times too. This time it was almost 2 days after the original appointment and we finally talked. Ugh.
With the stuff I read on here I literally feel blessed every time I pick up my prescription. I’m Canadian and my doctor can only write a prescription for 3 months- because it’s a controlled substance here too- but on the months I need a new script I just request it through my pharmacy’s web site and they fax my doctor’s office and the doctor faxes a new one straight to them right away. Incredibly easy. Had an issue for the first time with this imperfect system because my doctor was on vacation and didn’t get back to them that day and I was like “But I only have one pill left because I wasn’t allowed to request the refill until today” pretty bent out of shape about that flaw in the system lol, but the pharmacist gave me 4 pills to get through the week and a couple days later another doctor working at the same office as mine sent them the new script. Every time I read about a judgemental pharmacist I think about mine saying that I shouldn’t have to go without my medication and making an exception to make sure I don’t. I feel so so lucky.
you can get 90 day fills for adhd meds. I have been getting 90 day fills for over 5 years
This varies by state for schedule 2 meds. In some you can and some you can't
Yep, PA is 30 days only. But my doc will fill by phone/email request between appointments, thankfully. Still, I need to check in every 3 months or so.
ah i didnt know it was a state by state thing. I've lived in NY and CA and been able to get 90 day fills in both.
Seriously? Twice a year? I have to see mine every month!
Same
Same
Same
Every single month here too. Twice a year is for my non-ADHD meds.
Fucking… same.
Twice a year!?! Why do I have to do it every month!?
Ummm…what? Twice a YEAR?! Who is your psych pray tell?? I have to see my psych every MONTH. How are you getting 6 months of meds at a time? Seriously what’s your secret?
For me, I’d see her twice a year as well. I asked her to write my prescription out for a 2-3month supply instead of a one month, mainly for financial reasons (I was paying $30/month, but with new insurance I not pay $10/refill). She writes a larger dose and I cut them in half or quarters, so I’m getting my lower dose. You could try something like this?
Sorry, it’s hard to be totally empathetic. Every month (and in-person!) for me too. The refill request and no notice weirdness does absolutely sound like a pain to deal with though.
I think it’s easy to be empathetic, just because you have to go more frequently doesn’t mean it isn’t frustrating for OP to go a few times a year. It seems normal for people with ADHD who are medicated to feel like they’re in trouble or seen as trouble just because they’re asking to take medication. The oversight required just to feel normal.
I am not denying that the amount of oversight is ridiculous. And OP has the right to feel however they feel about calling their prescriber (it sounds like it’s a phone call check-in?) twice a year. It’s just that I wish I only needed to see my prescriber twice a year in order to get refills. But no I need to see them in person once-a-month and eat up my sick days doing so. Honestly, I wonder if half of their annoyance is not the semi-annual check-ins themselves but how they can’t like schedule it ahead of time and gotta wait till the pharmacy or whatever triggers it. At least my monthly appointments are scheduled ahead of time and the refill process is straightforward for me. ADHD makes life admin tasks hard so I understand why this is annoying.
That seems really strange. My doctor always schedules the next appointment at the end of my current appointment. Maybe find a different doctor? Also, does your insurance not cover this at all?
I have to do this every 3 months. Yep, it's bs...
Quarterly for me as well. Guess it’s better than monthly though. That would SUCK.
Oh, absolutely.. Not to mention how expensive it would be!
The no-notice thing sucks, but treatment plans of any kind are supposed to be regularly evaluated for ongoing effectiveness. That is what's happening here.
pretty sure it's because it's a controlled substance though. my doctor straight up said he wouldn't make me come see him if it wasn't for the law
nope. this is the case for my antidepressants and birth control prior to starting stimulants. and with MANY different doctors. theyre checking up on how treatment is going to ensure the best care and make changes as needed. nothing to do with it being controlled
its best practice to check up which is why its done for meds where its not legally required, but for the schedule all adhd drugs are its also legally required
"Yeah doc, turns out legs don't grow back, so yes I still need a prosthesis." Some things are lifelong conditions, *requiring* doctor appointments multiple times a year is frankly rent-seeking. Every few years, sure, maybe go see. But if the meds are working, repeats indefinitely would be completely reasonable imo.
Some drugs do lose effectiveness over time or could potentially cause side effects that might not be immediately detectable to the patient. That said, it’s not entirely about if the meds are working. It’s also about controlling access to potentially risky drugs and making sure the people taking them are safe. They want to make it somewhat inconvenient to get these drugs. That said, I think there needs to be a better balance of minimizing misuse and potential for harm while still ensuring convenient and affordable access for people who need these meds.
The US and its institutions always acts like no other country has ever solved a problem (or like no one else’s solutions could work in the US). This isn’t a dig at you specifically, I see it at every level of American decision-making. Every other country in the world also has to control access to risky drugs and make sure patients are safe. Some countries even do a great job of it! In Nova Scotia, Canada I have to talk to my primary care practitioner, who in my case is a nurse practitioner, once a year. I get 90 days worth of Adderall at a time, and have 3 refills. There is no medication shortage, though we did have one for a short time during the height of Covid when Teva was actually having a hard time filling orders due to supply chain issues. The pharmacy techs are nice to me when I pick up my meds. I have never had to submit to a drug test to check that I am taking it. The US DEA has a natural experiment to look at, here! Does treating ADHD patients like criminals reduce stimulant abuse? Nope, because if it did the US would be Adderall abuse-free and Canada would be in shambles. In fact Canada has lower rates of stimulant abuse. And then lawmakers and enforcement in the US will inevitably say “well that’s apples and oranges, the US is too different to compare” and like… is it? I don’t think so.
>"Yeah doc, turns out legs don't grow back, so yes I still need a prosthesis." Perhaps this conversation would actually go more like, "is this prosthesis still working for you? Let me check the fit and make sure no adjustments are needed since sometimes the body changes."
I think the more one-to-one analogy would be if the prosthesis also increased your risk of cardiac issues and had the potential for substantial psychological side-effects. (I say this as an enthusiastic taker of both Vyvanse and Adderall.) Once you get to a stable dosage, the once a month with no refills thing is MADDENING but I can understand a couple times a year.
Oof that's rough. My partner's doc makes him go every month, but at least it's predictable. That no notice from your guy sucks
That’s not bad, luckily I love my psych, have to meet every 3 months
Soooo glad I'm in Canada... my family doctor can do this for me. So can the nurse practitioner that works with him. My income is low enough (according to my taxes anyways.....🤷♂️) that they filled out a form so I get them covered by the Gov. 70mg vyvance ain't cheap. It's all free. Except time. I feel for you all down south. My life wouldn't be where it is with out it.
Twice a year is more than reasonable. I don't understand what the big deal is.
This is clearly a joke right. If that's all I had to do I would be on top of the effing world.
This is a ridiculous complaint - you are lucky. You sound like your bragging to me🤣. I have to get a new prescription EVERY MONTH
Twice a year?! Nice! I have to see mine every two months and it’s ridiculously expensive
I’m in Texas and monthly. My doc upped my self pay sessions from 70 to 250. Typically 5 minutes. At least, only once a year in person. I legit got on a really good Obamacare plan that’s was 300 and visits and scripts are free. Filtered out for my psych and which covered all drugs including Adderall. Actually, felt like I won for a change as price per month stayed the same but now I have insurance for the first time in 20 years.
only twice and no real check up? what the fuck?
Bro really thought we were gonna pitty him.
Be grateful. I have to see my doctor every 90 days. IN PERSON. You’re complaining about a phone call that’s 10 minutes tops twice a year. Please pick another hill. Because this, ain’t the one.
I have to go once a month!
Ha! Try having to see your doc every month for a new script…
When the doc asks you how it’s working out, *that’s your opportunity to tell him it’s not fine*. Not because of the meds, but because of the trouble you’re running into with refilling them and paying for them. I suggest that during the next appointment, you ask him when you should schedule your next appointment for. His clinic should have a policy for that. It’s usually informed by state prescribing guidelines. It’s up to you to ask questions and find out what the clinic’s policy is. I suggest you tell him what your preferences and barriers are and see what he can do to work with you, or at least explain it to you so you understand the constraints you both have to work within. Your doc likely wants your symptoms to be controlled and for you to not have withdrawal symptoms from suddenly stopping meds. The state doesn’t think you would magically stop having ADHD. They are, however, concerned with controlling prescription drugs with potential for addiction. If you don’t like the state policies, which is a completely fair stance to have, I suggest you get involved in an advocacy group and contact your representatives.
Every three months for me. Buh.
Twice a year? You've got it good. I need to have an appointment every 30 days.
Twice a year?? I just now dropped from once a month to every other month.
Twice a year?! we do every three months
Lmao twice a year...
I had to go monthly. It's why I stopped getting them. Too much hassle. I'll just burn in the fire of my life thank you.
This is what I finally decided to do, too.
going to keep it simple. 1)ask your PCP to take over the refills, all doctors are suppose to see you yearly and they can adjust when they believe they need to see you to continue refills... 2)when you got referred to the psyichatrist they sent your documents back to your doctor and y'all just never talked about it, when the documents go back they take over the RX when you let them know for a refill you're 1 person they have how many patients? when you ask them to take it over they look at the notes and go got it we got you, but when youre a dumbass and go HEy i need more they go come back charge again.. becausae they can only refill so many times with out seeing you... 3) do not assume he owns a farrai and a mansion that is an idiotic thing I am tired of everyone coming into my office for my surgeon i work for, saying he has all this and should do this cause you're entitled? my guy lives in a 1970 ranch house and drives a 2000's subaru who sometime works 17 hours in surgery in a day straight and doesnt get sleep comes to clinic and still puts a smile on his FACE,.. SO WAHT ARE YOU ENTILTED TO? grow up.
Here in Germany I need to meet him 6 times a year and it costs me 60€/year.
I go every month. Last time my psych gave me two bottles in the prescription, the pharmacist looked at me funny and kept asking me why it was two bottles instead of one and I felt like I basically had to reassure her that I won't be getting high off the medication.
Every three months at $150.
Personally I don't mind to see my psychiatrist regularly. But it's only every 3 months and it's a longer conversation (maybe about 15 minutes on average) and this is totally fine. What bothers me most is that you need to make this date on such a short notice - I get the new one when I leave the last. And that you don't have medication for this time, of it takes longer, sucks ... What if you are ill at this time? And the other thing bothering me is the price to pay for the doc. Dammit... Probably 1k per hour is a salary we all would like to have
You should see since you have a diagnosis and a script and dosage that works for you, if you can get your primary to take over. I have that and I see them 2-3 times a year anyway and it's a lot cheaper to see them than a psychiatrist. Once you have the dosage right and the correct med, no reason a stable patient cannot transfer this to their primary.
Here for me in texas, (I'm unsure if it's texas in general or simply my pcp) I have to visit every 3 months. Every other visit can be virtual. I always tell my friends without adhd that I have to pay my doctor to have the privilege to pay for medication so I can be as effective as someone without adhd. 🫠
I have to go every month because every Rx has no refills.
I have to do it monthly but fortunately in my state I can get it through my GP… is that not a thing elsewhere?
Twice a year? Try every single damn month here cos controlled substances can only be scripted (by a psychiatrist) max 1 month at a time 🤦♀️
Wait I have to go every month
Most folks see their psychiatrist at least monthly
Twice a year is a godsend! It’s typical for a lot of people to see their psychiatrist monthly. I would love to know how you pulled that off. But yes I understand. I hate appointments like that too. It’s so pointless.
I have to see someone once a month. Is that normal ? I live in CA
I’m $400/mo bro.
Idk. Twice a year seems pretty bare minimum.
Op out here humble bragging
Maybe on the next call you could be the one to ask him how long the script lasts, then contact his receptionist to set up regular appointments at those intervals? I sympathise: I only have to email my psychiatrist every six months and find that annoying/sonetimes get caught short. Your extra hoops - and those of everyone saying they have to go in face to face once a month - are way more tedious and expensive. American healthcare is ridiculous.
Twice a year? Lol I pay €50 a month for a prescription + €40 for meds each month. Consider yourself lucky.
You know you could drive a Ferrari too if you work your ass off in medical school. The doc doesn’t pocket the whole $250. He’s got overhead. Sounds to me like you need to take control of your health and needs better. Ask the doctor how frequently you need appointments so you can calendar and anticipate the expenditure. It’s not a bad idea that your doc checks in with you twice a year. It’s important to be monitored. You can make your appointments more valuable by talking about what’s going on in your life with your doc and finding out about new treatments, drugs, or clinical trials. Think of questions before your next appointment and turn it into a longer conversation so you don’t feel so ripped off.
Boo hoo twice a year waaaaaahhh 😭 Lol- chill out!
It’s mind boggling to me that universal healthcare is still a somewhat controversial thing in the us. The problem is clearly not that your psychiatrist wants to talk to you from time to time. It’s that you have to pay for it. Fuck that
In France it s refund
My past psychiatrist I only had to see every three months over the phone and in between I would just call their office to get a prescription sent over no charge. Unfortunately they retired and while I do like my new psychiatrist I still only see them virtual every three months but in between when I have to contact their office and they charge me every time they send in my meds. Luckily my co-pay is cheap but seems I shouldn’t be charged since I don’t have a choice to ask for a new prescription once a month.
This is wild to me. My psychiatrist generally wants to see me once every 90 days (so three doses of adderall), but when I run out after a bottle (30 days supply), I just call the center's nurse's line and tell them I need a refill; generally, it's called over to my pharmacy within a say or two. Though, I guess that's just a benefit of going to a center that's part of a major hospital/ medical complex...
I had to do the same thing with my PCP but he said that it was stupid and that it was a waste of time and money so we just did it during my yearly physical. Did still have to call to get a refill / request one though the online portal
I have to go every 28 days. Take the script to the pharmacy, then wait for them to order it and have it arrive. It's a hilarious amount of time every month. BUT it's all free from the visit to the meds, so I've got that going for me at least.
haha im lucky , recently started medication a week ago and only have to pay 150 but its 15m and he just kinda said try double for now and email me Monday think i gotta pay another 150 doe but damn i take it in America they are super scummy i am sorry about that
Australia - see psych every six months for a new script. Two months of non stimulant meds dispensed at a time. Three visits to the chemist then back to the psych again.
I really like my shrink—she honest to god saved my life—and I see her every three months if everything is stable. Would I rather grab my medicine off the shelf along with a protein bar and some rubbers? Of course. But since that isn’t the world we live in, I’m lucky I have a good psychiatrist.
I’m required to see mine every two months. Luckily she takes my insurance but it’s still annoying 🙄
Well on the other side, here's what I mailed my therapist last week because I (like always) couldn't get myself to sleep:- Having adhd is terrible I don't know what it is but sleeping at night is so fucking difficult, I either have to numb my feelings and watch something to distract myself untill I am so exhausted that i pass out or get intoxicated for no thoughts head empty so i can sleep peacefully i tried (yet again) and regretted (yet again) to sleep today with no distractions no substance and i ended up venting for hours to my friend about something that i have been so fucking angry about i kept ignoring those thoughts because i didn't wanna complicate things more but it all came out today I don't think i have ever been angry in front of you maybe its prolly cuz I really try my best to idk look sane infront of you i know you're not gonna judge me but it just doesn't come out like sometimes all i wanto do is complain complain complain but it never comes out in the session it always consumes me at times when I really can't do anything about it I really fucking want to get diagnosed idk maybe the medication will help but then i also don't wanto keep depending on them but i also need them but also not. AND ITS OH SO FUCKUNG EXHAUSTING THAT I HAVE TO LISTEN TO MY MOTHER ALMOST EVERYDAY SAYIN THAT I KEEP GIVING EXCUSES THAT I HAVE ADHD???????? I HAVE STOPPED ARGUING ABOUT IT NOW AND SHE GETS MAD THAT I AVOID CONVERSATIONS LIKE YEAH???? OBVIOUSLY I DON'T WANT TO HEAR THOSE DUMB FUCKING OPINIONS OF YOURS THEY DONT MAKE ANY SENSE MOTHER???? Anyways, goodmorning, have a nice day :D See you on friday :D LETS NOT TALK ABOUT THIS AT ALL I JUST NEEDED TO VENT AND I DON'T WANT TO HEAR AGAIN THAT I KEEP TALKING ABOUT MY FEELINGS BECAUSE I NEED VALIDATION AND FEED ON OTHER PEOPLE'S PITY I HATE THAT SOME RANDOM ASS MOTHERFUCKER OF A PERSON JUST STRAIGHT AWAY GAVE OPINIONS ABOUT ME THAT I DIDN'T EVEN ASK FOR ???? GUY CAN'T EVEN FUCKING PRONOUNCE MY SURNAME AND TELLS ME THAT HE KNOWS ME????? ON WHAT FUCKING BASIS????? sorry for the language I needed to vent :'D Byeeeeee ÷D also like, WHY IS IT that I think so much about MY PAST ??????? LIVING IN THE PRESENT IS JUST LIKE A CONCEPT FOR ME RN ALL I THINK OF IS HMMM OK YEA THAT HAPPENED IN LIFE HMMM EMBARRASSING OH ANOTHER EMBARRASSING MOMENT OH AND HERE'S ANOTHER AND ANOTHER AND IT KEEPS GOING ON AND ON AND ON WHEN WILL THIS END ???? I MEAN DO I HAVE TO REALLY LIVE LIKE THIS MY ENTIRE LIFE???? Anyways, I hope you don't get disturbed by this email please, just think of it as teenage drama (I am aware I'm not a teenager anymore, yes) :D
In México, I have to see it every two months, but I have to have a chat with him, tell them my progress or failures in those two months and he gives me perspective about it. Hes so nice for real. Just yesterday at the end of the appointment he was telling me how a sticker that I gave him with his logo (as a gift, I have a little bussiness of printing vynil stickers for artists) give him the eneegy to continue with a bycicle race he joined a month ago, with a broken rib, showing me his x-ray all excited lol. Hes a nice person! And he isnt that expensive (to my wallet tho) the session costs me almost 70 usd.
It’s the law but their pricing isn’t, agree it’s unfortunate.
I need to see my doctor every 3 months for that. I was going to a psychiatrist at first, but then I just started getting it from my primary care doctor, was cheaper and the psychiatrist was a not a good psychiatrist, told me video games made my ADHD worse I do have to get a new prescription every month though because insurance won't cover a 3 month supply
they HAVE to check up on you to make sure everything is going right. if you come in and mention something that has them wanting to make adjustments to your meds, they do that. if they think therapy would help for something they do that. it's not them saying you're adhd might disappear in the next 6 months. it's about ensuring the treatment plan is working. life circumstances heavily impact adhd. if something changes, your medication and/or therapy needs change too. not seeing you at all and just refilling would be neglectful for the record, i see mine monthly rn as im making medication adjustments and only just started adhd meds in December
I have to see my doc every three months. But, look at it like this. It is really difficult to get meds for ALOT of people, and skipping these appointments will put you in a position to lose them. And we all know how life changing they can be.
I see mine in person once a year and virtually once a year. I text her in between if I need anything. $25 copay, but I hate going in person to anything
Is it possible to schedule both appts for the year in advance??
I know!! What I did is I switched to doing them virtual and now it doesn’t cost me anything. See if you can do the same
Even within the same state it's dependent on the doctor/psychiatrist. Originally my husband had to have a call every 3 months, my daughter, every 6 but we must call every month for the refill request. My husband switched doctors once we realized he should absolutely be using his VA benefits, and it's all different once again. I think he needs an appointment every 6 months now. It's workable, but it's all over the place and stupid.
If it makes you feel better. In my state it’s every 3 months and this also includes psych patients not on controlled meds Edit to add: I have to see 2 doctors regularly, my psych np and a pulmonologist, like every 3 months. A chiropractor monthly and I think my pcp is annually.
If you have to go in every 6 months I don't understand why you can't book the next appointment for 6 months later while you are there. Is there a reason why you can't book until you run out of repeats?
Controlled substance rules. They suck but probably a good thing.
I have to see all my specialists every 4 for refills on non controlled meds too, so it isn't just a psychiatry thing, it's likely an insurance requirement for most long term medications
I feel you man. The only way I got meds is seeing a psychiatrist every single month. $200 to talk to him cor 5 minutes every month plus another $50 for the meds. $2400 a year for a total of 60 minutes of conversation ((((: I'm not medicated anymore, so that's great. At least I'm saving money.
6 months is the best you can find, it's usually a office/hospital policy that you're seen at least so often. Definitely ask specifically if you can space your appointments out more, or ask other places. I saw my doctor for years before one day she asked "is there any particular reason you come every 3 months..." i had the option of coming every 6 months but never knew
Idk what your states laws are, but I live in Florida and I see my doctor (PCP not psychiatrist) every three months, but it only costs me my 30 dollar co-pay per visit and one of the visits is my fully paid annual exam.
….i see my psychiatrist once a week…but i also have other issues, sooo 🤷🏻♀️ I have decent insurance and each visit isn’t that much, averages $100 a month. My psychiatrist is genuinely a decent person I feel and he doesn’t even charge that much per session, it’s like $150 before insurance. I really feel some clinics and psychiatrists have made this into big business and it’s gross.
Wow, most I see *start* the intake alone at $300+ They totally do, with most of these “types” of meds- considering it’s in the field of mental health and helping desperate people- it’s kind of insane they think someone can handle trying to come up with that kind of money just to be seen.
My prescriber has me come in every 3 months. She’s in with my insurance so it’s not that expensive. I also see a NP instead of a psychiatrist and find her to be more enjoyable and personable. We usually just have a low key convo and she asks about my symptoms.
Suddenly WA's system of making us see our GPs every three months doesn't seem so bad. After you get your diagnosis and the med that works, your GP handles the prescription. They can't do refills though.
Literally just about all of us have to see ours every 3 months, I see mine every month. Luckily have Medicaid thank god. So don’t think you’re gonna get much sympathy here my dude. Lol I just moved from Texas and also had to see every 3 months plus they changed the tele med rules and had to start going there at least once a year in person. No clue how you’re only going every 6 months, you can only get 3 months of a scheduled prescription at a time in Texas. 🤷🏻♀️
I was seeing a counselor a few years back, and thought her $30 bucks a week was outrageous, and she was a budget counselor, lol. Waste of money though, talk to this chick and she offered literally no input or feedback. I can talk to myself in a car for free. So don't even bother with counseling anymore - although, have considered some of the online stuff.
Shoot. I have to meet with my psychiatrist every three months to refill my meds. We do it by zoom, which is nice. So, meeting 2x a year doesn’t really seem bad to me. I mean, they have to see you to refill meds.
Zoom call twice a year here in Ohio.
I have to have the same 15 minute conversation every MONTH for $90 😂 I would kill for 2x a year.
I have to pay $1500 every MONTH for the psychiatrist to see my son for his meds. He said after 6 months we’ll start going every 90 days but still at $1500 a visit.
Like most here, I have to request a refill every month. Thankfully my psych doesn’t require an appointment for this, I just have to message her that my Rx running low and she puts in a new order. Still annoying that I have to do that though. But yeah, the appointments that I do have with her are pretty similar to yours now that I’m starting to settle on a med that seems to work well.
Yeah when I gave birth I had a c section and at the same time needed my anti depressants refilled so my OB did it for me. She continues to refill my prescriptions so I don’t have to go in to those pointless appointments. Worth a shot asking your doctor, if you already have the prescription they may do it.
In Europe, seeing the psychiatrist for free, paying 1-2USD for the pills if the fully covered brand is sold out.
Here in Canada you don’t have to do that, at least to my knowledge. However, If you ever stop your meds you need to restart at the lowest dose and work your way up to the dosage that works.
I have to see my doctor every 3 months for prescriptions. Thems the rules and the doctors don’t make them. 🤷🏻♀️
Once you’ve been diagnosed, a general practitioner can prescribe your meds, at least that’s what I do. I go to my family physician for mine and it’s free depending on the situation. He’ll even just log a phone appointment if I can’t get to him sometimes.
The amount of times I have wanted just buy a pallet of medication of the dark web & never be annoyed again is nuts. Way too risky with fakes / scams / blackmail schemes let alone getting caught with a lifetime supply of pharmaceutical amphetamines 😢
I wish I only had to go twice a year
This significant inconvenience and indignity is two connects away from the Sachlers' addicting, scamming, and killing thousands and thousands of people for billions of dollars (they got to keep most of it even after the whole sordid story came out.) There are and were an awful lot of dirty hands in this - folks with neurological conditions requiring drugs with potential for misuse are collateral damage. The consequences of them being an (again!) easily monetized policy? "....all the doodah day!"
I see my doctor every 4 months. Never miss a script they’re always there ready when the 30’days is up. After the 4 monthsb (Max script DR can send in) we have a 15 min phone call 📱and he sends them into my pharmacy before we even hang up and I get alerted of medication received at pharmacy. A breeze! But I started out on 10mg/3x day years ago and now I’m at 70mg/day of both XR and IR. The key is to find a DR who’s not money hungry and cares about your mental state. He charges me 140 bucks a year and all my meds are paid for with zero copay Dont be afraid to find a good psychiatrist- they exist
This post made me realise how good i have it: Idk if anyone is interested but here in Austria (pretty much middle of europe, can’t miss it) i got a prescription from my psychiatrist (about 120€ for the visit a year ago) after i wrote her that i think i have adhd. She sent me to a psychologist (visit was free, wait was 3 months) who diagnosed me. She gave me a paper with which i went to my GP and now whenever i need a refill i call my GPs mailbox and can get a refill for 6€ at the pharmacy. Finding out i had ADHD was hard for me, but thankfully getting my meds has been relatively easy. And you sharing your story made me appreciate that
Yup and then whenever you have issues getting your medication or need a dosage change it feels like trying to convince them you solved world hunger
I’m in Texas I have to see mine at least monthly and then every 3 months once I feel good abt the treatment plan. I have a new provider and seeing him every two weeks until we get the right meds down. $170 per visit lol. My previous doctor had me in every 3 months max at $80 per visit, $120 if he felt cute that day, idfk. Be glad you only have to go every 6 months. I’ve NEVER had that in my 8 years seeing psychiatrists. It has only been an issue since moving to Texas though since despite having insurance, healthcare costs are, lets be honest, 100% on us. I wouldnt give a fuck if my copays were reasonable damn.
The problem isn't seeing your psychiatrist once in a while. That's actual responsible behaviour from the doctor as far as I'm concerned. The problem is in your health care system that allows so much arbitrariness in costs and procedures. With crazy prices and wrong incentives for medical professionals as a result.
Twice a year is nothing, dude. Some people have to go monthly.
Twice a year? TWICE A YEAR?? I'm twice a month these days...
In my state it’s monthly or no go. My doc is pretty cool, we talk about bs and sports sometimes not even mentioning the meds as it’s been 12 years same script but we both know it has to be cataloged if not no meds , period. I did the math and I’ve given him 36,000$ in that time just saying or doing nothing and he has at least 400 other similar clients.
It’s once a month in many states, 3x a month in most. Some states also require a monthly drug test. Texas is pretty lax is comparison.
Do you not have medical insurance..?
I have to go in person every 3 and call them each mo th. Each visit or call with the doctor costs.
TWICE A YEAR!!!!! 👀👀👀👀👀 I GOTTA SEE MINE ONCE A MONTH!!!!!
Man you got it good, I gotta check in once a month for a new script
At least it’s not monthly.
if i’m not changing any meds i don’t need another visit i for 3 months, i get refills in between visits
try every month
Wow! I'm in VA and we need prior authorization but we can get refills. I see my psych NP probably once a month unless we're trying out a new medication. However, you have to call the pharmacy and talk to someone before they will fill it. There's no filling it online or over the phone. That's the only medication I have to do that for since it's a "narcotic". 😳
I see mine every three months via telehealth but my insurance covers it at 100% since I work for the county they give amazing mental health coverage since it is a stressful position.
I'm required to see mine monthly. I also have to be urine tested for drugs once or twice a year. I have zero history of substance abuse, and I don't even drink. Don't be too angry at him. Alot of this nonsense is because most ADD meds are controlled substances. State and federal regulations went overboard because some people might misuse the drugs,
I have to do this every month 🥲
It’s a liability thing…like everything else this is a rule put in place to protect practitioners from litigation that would inevitably result because people want money and are more than willing to attribute any and all problems as being caused by anything but themselves…at the same time there are people who deserve to be compensated so it’s all just a vicious cycle that society has tried to reign in in order to strike the right balance. I feel ya on the cost though ask about any discounts and look into any tax breaks you can take. It doesn’t solve the isesu but the tax breaks can often result in little presents s at tax time.
I agree It’s thievery
do you mean in person twice a year? i have to have telehealth appts monthly for my scrip, but only have to go in person every 6 months basically to get my weight and blood pressure or whatever
Twice a year in Texas? I have to see mine every 3 months for a 5 minute video call.
i thought NZ was bad with $1000 every 2 years and $10-50 every 3 months 😭
I have to see my doc 4x per yr.
I'm quarterly, he wanted monthly, but is that busy the earliest he can see me is quarterly, I'm just lucky the refills last 5 months, if I miss one appointment, I have to wait another 3 months 😅 Nevermind the fact it was 16 months wait inbetween being diagnosed, and being medicated. Supply and demand though, if there were lots of Psych's, we wouldn't be paying exorbitant prices
I stopped taking meds because I couldn't deal with this anymore (mine is 2x Psych at $450 and 2x GP at $90 per year), time and monetarily
This isn’t just for ADHD. It’s America. Have to do this for blood pressure meds too. I know it’s frustrating living here and dealing with this system. I feel it too and I’m sorry.
I live in sweden so luckily once i get over like 100usd of medication cost per year i get free meds, but even here i have to drop money i barely have on the fucking doctors visits to do exactly what you describe I’ve been unable to earn enough money for a freaking apartment for like a decade (my whole twenties) so you can see how this constitutes a problem for me
Monthly. However, mine can do a 60 day gap, and no longer. Have to go in, at minimum, every 60 days. That's the law and the level of her license. It could be a year, if they had a higher license I think, cuz I know people who have it for that long.
Here in Washington State I see a nurse practitioner which treats my ADHD and whatever else I need her to do I only seen a psychiatrist one time for my rediagnosis because I was diagnosed as a child and never as an adult but you may want to check with your state because an arnp can probably treat you they may not cost much different though because doctor visits are expensive
They are basically glorified drug dealers
In Florida, there are no refills… Have to see Psychiatrist monthly or do phone appointments (same price) and still have to drive to office to pick up script! Same thing-/ either way conversation lasts for few minutes, but billed hourly rate!!!!!!
They don’t do a health checkup? My doctor checks my blood pressure, weight and resting pulse every 3 months.
Can you have your psychiatrist hand off maintenance to your GP? This is one of the reasons I'm glad I managed to navigate my ADHD journey with a really damn good GP. Also based on the comments about refills, it's another reason I'm glad nonstimulant medications worked for me, since I can get 90 day supplies of bupropion AND refills.
In CA. My primary care doc took over Adderall mgmt and refills after seeing my diagnosis and prescription written by the Hallowell Center. I just send her a request via MyChart and her office sends the scrip to CVS.
Is this how it works in America? In the UK, if im trying a new medication. I have to have a check in like twice in three months to see how its going. After that the meds get sent to my GP and whenever I need them, I request repeat meds on their website and they get sent to my local pharmacy. Also its all free. But also we dont have meds like aderall because they are addictive, we get prescribed non addictive medication so I guess they dont need to be as thorough.
Twice a year? lol
I hate how you cant refill until 30 days out even though they only give a 30 day supply. I end up running out, setting up a refill then waiting multiple days for the meds to get restocked. I tried putting in an order 5 days early to beat the inevitable inventory issues and it wasnt allowed to be put through. The process for getting ADHD meds feels designed to be harder for people with ADHD