Can I get an ADHD referral online?

An online referral is also different from an online ADHD diagnosis. The referring doctor assesses the need for further care; the receiving clinician carries out the diagnostic assessment and makes their own decisions.

How does the consultation work, and what should I prepare?

Explain why you are seeking assessment, what difficulties you experience and how they affect daily life. Your doctor will consider relevant medical and mental health history, current medicines, earlier assessments and any immediate concerns.

If you have selected a clinic, provide its details and referral instructions. The doctor may need records from your usual clinician or another assessment before preparing a useful letter. Where telehealth cannot provide enough information, an in-person review may be recommended.

If a referral is issued, contact the assessment clinic to confirm its acceptance and booking process. Sending a letter does not automatically put you on a waiting list.

What should I have ready?

You do not need to prepare a diagnostic argument. A few clear examples of the difficulties you want help with are more useful.

Have the following available where possible:

• Your current medicines, supplements and relevant health history.
• Details of previous ADHD or mental health assessments.
• A short description of when difficulties started and where they occur.
• The receiving clinic's contact details and requirements.
• Questions about the assessment or care pathway.

Choose a place where you can discuss personal health information privately. If you need communication support or someone to help you explain your history, ask the service about arrangements before the consultation. Tell the doctor who is present.

Will the clinic accept the referral, and what about Medicare?

A referral can be prepared following a suitable telehealth consultation, but the receiving practice must confirm that it meets its clinical and administrative requirements. Contact the clinic before assuming that any letter will be sufficient.

The letter should explain the clinical reason for referral and relevant background, with the referring practitioner's details, date and signature. A generic statement that you want testing may not give the practice enough information to decide whether it can help. Services Australia: Refer or request Medicare services

Ask whether the clinic needs previous reports, a particular intake form or updated information before accepting the referral. These requests do not necessarily mean the online format itself is a problem.

Does an online referral qualify me for Medicare?

The format alone does not determine whether a Medicare rebate is available. A valid referral is one part of the requirements for eligible private psychiatrist services; your eligibility, the consultation and the applicable Medicare rules also matter. Services Australia: Referrals for specialist treatment

Ask the psychiatrist's practice for its fee and an estimate of any rebate before booking. The fee you pay for a referral consultation is separate from the psychiatrist's charge. A referral does not guarantee bulk billing or coverage of diagnostic reports and testing.

Can the diagnostic assessment also happen online?

Some assessment providers use telehealth for adult ADHD assessment. Whether this is appropriate depends on the person, the clinician and the information required. Local physical checks or other appointments may still be needed.

A legitimate diagnostic process considers your history, functioning and other possible explanations. An online quiz on its own is not equivalent to that assessment. Ask who conducts the assessment, what is included and how follow-up is handled. Australian ADHD guideline: How should ADHD be assessed, diagnosed, and monitored

What does Doccio offer, and when is another service needed?

Doccio offers ADHD referral consultations with AHPRA-registered doctors. It does not provide an ADHD diagnosis, a specialist assessment or ADHD prescribing through this referral service.

Consultations cost $59 during business hours or $79 after hours. Business hours are 8 am to 6 pm Monday to Friday, Sydney time, excluding public holidays. Check current prices when booking. Specialist fees are additional.

Your doctor may recommend a referral, request more information or advise a different next step. There is no guarantee of a diagnosis, medication or a fast specialist appointment.

When is a routine online referral unsuitable?

If you are acutely unwell or your symptoms need a physical examination, a routine online referral may not be the right first step. Tell the doctor about significant changes rather than focusing only on the referral request.

If you're having thoughts of self-harm, call 000 or Lifeline on 13 11 14. Lifeline: Lifeline crisis support - 13 11 14

For non-urgent help, discuss an ADHD assessment referral with Doccio, or read the full assessment guide.

Doccio's psychiatry partner is SetMind, an Australian online psychiatry practice for adults offering ADHD assessments and shared-care plans by telehealth. Your doctor can address a referral to SetMind or to any clinic you prefer; SetMind confirms its fees and any Medicare rebate in writing before you book.

Where to go next

Read about our ADHD referral service or start a Doccio referral consultation.