ADHD Diagnosis & Medication Initiation at FMP

At Family Medical Practices, we provide structured, evidence-based care for patients seeking assessment, diagnosis and management of ADHD.

We understand that this process can feel overwhelming. Our goal is to make it clear, supportive and thorough, while ensuring safe and appropriate prescribing.

ADHD care in NSW, what has changed?

Recent reforms in NSW now allow appropriately trained GPs to be involved in ADHD care, including ongoing prescribing and, for some GPs, diagnosis and initiation of medication.

Learn more about ADHD care in general practice (ACI)

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GP training and scope

Training pathways

There are two levels of GP involvement in ADHD care:

1. Continuation prescribers

• GPs who have completed approved training

• Can provide ongoing prescriptions and monitoring for patients with an existing diagnosis

• Patients must already be diagnosed and stabilised on medication

• See page here for GPS that can do this at FMP (link to previous page)

2. Tier 2 (Endorsed) prescribers

• A smaller number of GPs are selected to undertake additional, more advanced training (300 in first cohort of 2026)

• This training is extensive and competency-based, requiring demonstration of skills across multiple domains

• GPs must meet strict criteria and may need to submit evidence of experience and competence

• These GPs can diagnose ADHD and initiate medication, where appropriate

While many GPs expressed interest in this training, positions have been limited, reflecting the structured rollout of the program and the need to ensure safe, high-quality care across NSW

Dr Chris Timms and Dr Rebekah Hoffman will be undertaking this training in 2026 to offer these appointments.

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Scope and limitations

GP-led ADHD care is not suitable for every patient.

There are clear clinical and regulatory limitations on who GPs can diagnose and prescribe for. These may include:

• Age restrictions (e.g. prescribing frameworks apply from age 6 and above)

• Complex medical or psychiatric conditions will continue to need to be managed with a paediatrician or a psychiatrist

• Diagnostic uncertainty or need for specialist assessment

• History of substance use, including drug dependence (including medicinal cannabis use)

• Situations requiring multidisciplinary or non-GP specialist-led care

In many cases, patients may still require shared care with, or referral to, a paediatrician or psychiatrist.

Our priority is to ensure that care is safe, appropriate and tailored to each individual.

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Booking your appointment

ADHD assessments require specific, longer appointments and preparation.

You must book an “ADHD Assessment / Diagnosis” appointment

(Standard appointments are not suitable and may need to be rebooked)

If you are unsure, please contact our reception team before booking.

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What to bring to your assessment

To ensure your appointment can proceed, please bring:

• Hearing and vision test (children)

• Any recent blood tests or investigations

• Any recent urine drug screen (if available)

• Any completed questionnaires or allied health assessments

o If you do not have these, please contact us in advance and we will send them to you

o If questionnaires are not completed prior, your assessment may not be able to proceed

• Previous school reports or evidence of symptoms in childhood

• Current medication list

• Any other relevant medical or psychological information

You will also be asked to complete additional questionnaires, which may include input from home and school (for children).

Links to questionnaires below, it is essential that these are completed prior to the appointment.

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Children:

☐ SNAP (essential)

☐ Vanderbilt (essential home and school)

☐ SWAN (optional)

☐ Other: please bring any others that you have completed with you

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Adults – please complete a minimum of one

☐ ASRS

☐ WURS

☐ DIVA-5

☐ Other: bring any others with you on the day

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How your appointment will run

Your ADHD assessment is structured in two parts:

1. Nurse appointment (30 minutes)

• Review of questionnaires and forms

• Baseline measurements (e.g. blood pressure, weight)

• May include an ECG if clinically indicated

2. GP appointment (45–60 minutes)

• Detailed clinical assessment

• Review of history (including childhood symptoms)

• Discussion of functioning across settings

At the end of the appointment, your GP will discuss:

• Whether ADHD is diagnosed and what this means

• If further information or assessments are required

• Alternative or additional diagnoses to consider

• Whether medication is appropriate, and next steps

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After your assessment

Depending on the outcome, this may include:

• Further information gathering (e.g. school reports, collateral history)

• Referral for additional assessment (e.g. psychology, paediatrics, psychiatry)

• Commencement of medication (with appropriate monitoring)

• Ongoing GP-led care and follow-up

Important to know

• ADHD diagnosis is comprehensive and cannot always be completed in a single visit

• Medication is not always indicated or appropriate

• Safe prescribing requires careful assessment and follow-up

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Ready to book?

Book an ADHD Assessment / Diagnosis appointment

Email us at Adhd@kirraweefmp.com.au

These appointments will be opened from June – and disabled before then. We will advertise on social media when you can start booking.

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Already diagnosed?

If you already have an ADHD diagnosis and are started on medication and are looking for ongoing care:

Return to our Neurodivergent & ADHD GP Care page and you can book with one of our continuation prescribers.

If you already have ADHD diagnosed by a psychologist / allied health and are looking to start medication, please book Book an ADHD Assessment / Diagnosis appointment and bring these assessment results with you to the appointment. Note this may streamline the appointment, but a full assessment may need to be re-done before medication can be initiated.

Please review fees carefully before booking.

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