Ok, basically I'm a 17 year old teenager who recently, about a month or so ago, came to the realization that I have adhd.

I made an appointment with a psychiatrist, unaware of any issues related to insurance.. etc etc.

The only thing I was concerned about at that point was being diagnosed officially (I was already 100% confident I had the disorder) and prescribed medication so I could treat this debilitating disorder.

Well, unsurprisingly the psychiatrist (who is in private practice) concurred that I do have adhd.

The next part is where the conflict comes into play. Dr. X made a litany of excuses related to a host of things, some relating to titrating the proper dosage of the medication etc etc.

In essence, he effectually told me that I would be coming in much too often, for reasons (I deem) unnecessary, the result being that I cannot afford it with cash out of my pocket as a 17 year old. The first appointment already cost $250 mind you.

So, I asked around and found out that I have some form of insurance after all.

I checked online to see which psychiatrists are covered under my form of insurance.
I located one and contacted them, and set up an appointment.

Now, I would like very much to be able to go in and say "I've been diagnosed with ADHD, write me a prescription for "" '

It was an hour and a half long traumatic catharsis explaining to the first psychiatrist all the problems that ADHD has caused in my life -- how I didn't even realize all these issues were related to the disorder.

I ended up making an irrefutable case that I had adhd with evidence from every aspect of my life -- it is really prevalent.

I don't want to have to go through that long process of demonstrating that I have adhd, not because it is hard to conjure examples, experiences, and consequences that have resulted from my severe affliction with adhd, but rather because it is such an emotional drain. It really takes a lot out of me to talk about it.

Basically I already went that route once with the first psychiatrist, so now I think I have the liberty to say that look, just write me this prescription, I have adhd.

I would imagine they'll ask me to prove I have it.

Is there any way I can transfer the diagnosis from the first Psychiatrist, to the latter, therefore forgoing the gut-wrenching discussion about why I have adhd, how I'm sure of it, the symptoms of it in my life etc etc

Is there any way I can simply refer the prior diagnosis from one psychiatrist to another and get my prescription without having to endure the traumatic ordeal of opening up and explaining how this disorder has affected me so badly for as far as my memory allows, in my life?

Someone please, if you can answer with reasonable certainty, address this concern of mine.

I would greatly appreciate it.

You can have your medical records transferred from Psychiatrist A to Psychiatrist B. That would be a start. However, the doctors aren't just going to take your word for it that you have been properly diagnosed with ADHD, they need to see documentation and/or do their own investigating.

Many of the meds used for treating ADHD are actually used by people who don't have the disorder, thus they would be considered drug seeking if they went in expecting to just give their word and have the script written.

How would I convince Psych A to transfer those records. Ostensibly he would be unhappy that I am switching psychiatrists. Is he compelled by law to hand over his diagnosis and musings that he has in his file?

You simply sign a release of medical information and transfer of care at the new psychiatrists office. Then they send for the medical records.

The psychiatrist that is not covered under your insurance will understand as medical costs are expensive these days.

Right, thank you very much for your help.

I'll post here if the issue is resolved in the manner you described, or if it is not, with the reasons.

I appreciate your help.

Please keep me posted.