Patients with ADHD will save between $500–1400 in out-of-pocket costs each year thanks to NSW Government reforms allowing GPs to manage and diagnose the condition, according to the Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP).
And with genetic factors estimated to explain 70–80% of ADHD, accessing care through a GP could save a family with three ADHD patients $1500–4200 per year.
Research suggests 105,000–175,000 children and 126,000–632,000 adults in NSW live with ADHD, meaning total out-of-pocket cost savings in the state could reach $1.13 billion per year.
As of late November, 560 NSW specialist GPs have already trained as 'continuation prescribers', allowing them to continue prescriptions for patients aged six and older previously diagnosed with ADHD
More than 2900 patients have already received a new script from a GP continuation prescriber since the first phase of landmark reforms, with at least 6300 scripts dispensed since the changes occurred in September.
In December, the NSW Government is expected to announce details of training requirements for GPs to become 'endorsed prescribers' who can assess and diagnose ADHD in adults and children and initiate prescriptions.
RACGP NSW&ACT Chair Dr Rebekah Hoffman called on specialists GPs to train as continuation prescribers.
"We can make ADHD care as accessible as it should be," she said.
"GPs are specialists in family medicine and holistic care who already help patients with ADHD build good habits around exercise and sleep, develop behavioural strategies, and provide patients access any extra support they need.
"Becoming a continuation prescriber for ADHD is a natural extension of the skills we already bring as specialist GPs. ADHD is a common condition, and one your GP can and should manage.
"The training is excellent, straightforward, and free for RACGP member GPs.
"The Premier, health minister, and our colleagues in psychiatry and paediatrics have all provided fantastic support throughout this rollout and as we move towards a nationally consistent program so more Australians can access ADHD care through their GP."
Dr Will Errington, a Sydney GP and the Deputy Chair of RACGP Specific Interest ADHD, ASD, and Neurodiversity, said GPs are well-placed to work with other specialists to provide holistic care for patients living with ADHD.
"With ADHD, early intervention is essential to ensure patients are set up for success, and specialist GPs are well-placed to support patients with regular, accessible, and holistic support at every stage of their lives," he said.
"A key aspect of patient care is for GPs to continue to work closely with a patient's psychiatrist or paediatrician and their care team, particularly where a patient lives with other complex conditions such as autism spectrum disorder. These reforms ensure GPs are better placed to do this.
"ADHD is highly heritable, meaning many families have multiple members living with ADHD. It's common for a parent or sibling to undergo an ADHD assessment after a child's diagnosis. It can be revelatory for them to understand better and finally address a condition that they've lived with for decades.
"These reforms reinforce the traditional role of the GP as the accessible family doctor, and our modern role as your go-to specialist for holistic healthcare and management of chronic conditions throughout your life.
"I would encourage any GP considering becoming a continuing prescriber to do so. My work with patients with ADHD is one of the most rewarding aspects of my day-to-day practice."
Dr Hoffman is the GP continuation prescriber for 11-year-old Tessa Monks. Tessa's mother Jen Chambers says the changes allowing prescriptions and minor dose adjustments without the need for an appointment with a non-GP specialist have been a significant improvement for Tessa and others with ADHD.
"For my daughter's ADHD care, this means I can work directly with our GP, who can play a greater role in her ongoing treatment," Ms Chambers said.
"I experienced the benefit of this change firsthand. When I realised at short notice that we were out of medication and had no prescription, I was able to contact our GP and receive a new script within hours.
"This quick process prevented any disruption to treatment and avoided the impact it could have had on her schooling – something that would have been far more complicated under the old system."
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