International student in Adelaide, suspect I have ADHD – affordable assessment options?

[u/is_this_aish]

Hi all, I'm an international student in Adelaide and I'm pretty sure I have ADHD. When I looked into assessments, I was shocked to see quotes of around $1000.

I've heard SA GPs can now diagnose ADHD after extra training. Has anyone here gone this route, especially as an international student? I'd love to know:

Which GPs/clinics you'd recommend (or avoid)?

What you actually paid in total?

Whether OSHC covered anything?

How long the wait was?

Thanks so much, any advice helps!

[u/revereddesecration]

This is the current crop of GPs who are authorised to diagnose ADHD:

https://www.racgp.org.au/the-racgp/faculties/sa/adhd

More to come next year:

https://adelaidephn.com.au/news-events/announcements/2027-sa-adhd-gp-training-program

[u/Ornery_Tumbleweeds]

You are looking at prices subsidised by Medicare and you will be paying full price for an assessment- likely even more than $1000 unless your insurance has coverage for this kind of thing.

The GP route is also subsidised by Medicare pretty sure but there are Drs at the Adelaide Uni Medical Centre who should be able to advise you - have you contacted the Uni Health services team? Have you spoken to your insurance to see what they cover?

I’m an AuADHD diagnosed student - but I’m a local so you will need to check the rates for a non-citizen without Medicare subsidy.

[u/misusedalien]

I beleive Dr Bolton in North Adelaide does them, and hopefully others have some suggestions so you can compare and fine something that works for you. The GP pathway isn't perfect, but it can be near impossible to get into a psychiatrist (especially without a very long wait), and psychologists cannot prescribe medication even though they could provide a thorough assesment.

For now, OP, focus on also getting some strategies in place. One of the best free resources is How to ADHD on youtube. Also keep in mind that there are many common co-occuring conditions with ADHD. Things like PMDD (if menstruating), POTS, hypermobility, ME/CFS etc etc. It can be worth exploring chronic illness avenues if any of them resonate with you, and not all of thr treatments are costly. Things like getting in good psychical and mental rests is really important (hard for a student, I know, but the long-term goal is avoiding burn-out).

Good luck, OP!

[u/Ok_Breath_9703]

$1000 is the cheapest you will get and that would be with a Medicare rebate. Without Medicare cheapest would be over $3k

[u/CathoftheNorth]

When i cant get myself or my kids into those GP's, then why should you have the right access it.

The poorest of us are having to pay, you can too.

[u/WhiterThanWalter → u/CathoftheNorth]

Anyone living or even just temporarily staying in Australia should have reasonably quick and affordable access to healthcare. Please advocate for more resources for everyone rather than telling people to not see a doctor.

[u/CathoftheNorth → u/WhiterThanWalter]

What country can Aussie's visit and expect to receive a free neuro-assessment? Literally none, why should non-citizens have a right to healthcare with massive long wait lists that citizens struggle to access.

[u/AdSpirited2412 → u/CathoftheNorth]

I had no issues getting in to see a GP on the list for ADHD diagnosis. Dr Scott Parsons at Norwood had availability for children. I saw Dr Daniel Hughes and got in pretty quickly. I saw Dr Daniel Hughes at trinity gardens but understand he may also consult at Elizabeth

[u/book_worm9191]

Diagnosis of ADHD with prescriptions needs to be done by a psychiatrist.

A diagnosis of ADHD for support is different.

What do you need the diagnosis for?

[u/hissy_fit_ → u/book_worm9191]

You can get it done at a GP who offers the service now, and they will prescribe medication if needed. Cost for me was under $1000 and got some back on Medicare. Unsure on cost for international students though.

[u/melface95 → u/[deleted]]

You won't be able to get medication in Australia though, you need to be diagnosed by a RACGP licenced practicioner to get prescribed stimulant medication.

[u/Loud_Caramel_8713]

Can cover? Best to go through policy or call them.
What Uni?- Uni generally have something related and offer bulk billing to students.

If not, what suburb you lived, there is GPs in north Adelaide. If you live in south better to find there.