I need a doctor. Specifically, I’d like to see an ADD specialist, or someone with experience treating people with focus and motivation problems. I’m not sure how to go about doing that, and I keep putting it off, so I’m asking here as a first step. I need to do something, because I want to go back to school this summer and I’d like to at least start working on my issues by then. I have already had one disastrous year of college, and I don’t want to repeat that.
Some important background information:
I moved out of my parents’ house a year and a half ago. I have health insurance, but no regular doctor. So my first question is: Do I need to have a regular doctor in order to see a specialist? If so, that leads to my second question: How do I find said doctor?
I suppose I could get a referral from my old pediatrician, but that would involve asking my parents for help, and I’m just not crazy about that idea.
But then, suppose I find a doctor? Do I need to go for a checkup or something first, establish a rapport, or can I just go in and say, “I want to see an ADD specialist?” How likely is your average physician to take a request like that seriously? Can I skip this step and go straight to the specialist? How would that work?
I’m sure there are established ways of doing this, but I’ve never done it before and no one I talk to has been able to tell me anything useful. Forgive me if the answers to my questions are obvious; I just have no idea where to start. I appreciate your help!
What type of insurance do you have? That makes a huge difference in terms of whether you need a referral or not. For my insurance (BCBS of Mass), I could pick my own clinician from their list of in-plan providers and contact that person directly. You should get a list of providers from your insurance company and then look by specialty.
FWIW, Googling “adhd specialist boston” gave me this place . I have never heard of them, but…::shrug:: You could also try McLean, as it’s in your neck of the woods. Again, though, insurance will dictate where you can go.
Okay, so…call the insurance company. I guess I knew I had to do that, I just don’t know if it would be better to get a recommendation than to just pick someone’s name from a list. I overcomplicate things sometimes :). Thanks lorene. The place you linked sounds vaguely familiar; maybe I’ll check it out.
Do you have a friend where you live who can suggest a good internist? This doctor would be good to have for check ups, ordinary problems and referals. Don’t settle for one that you don’t feel completely comfortable with. (And, of course, she or he should be someone covered by your insurance.)
This doctor should examine you first I would think. It’s possible that at your age it might be something other than ADD that is causing you problems.
You are smart to see someone and get the problem behind you. Good luck to you!