ASK ME ANYTHING

WILL MY INSURANCE COVER MY VISIT?

At the moment, I do not currently work directly with any private health insurance companies. ADHD is not normally covered by private insurance schemes. If your insurance provider is able to cover costs, you will need to pay us directly and then claim back from your insurer. I am really sorry for the inconvenience. 

WHAT IF I NEED TO CANCEL MY APPOINTMENT?

This is perfectly ok, as long as you notify at least 48 hours in advance. Please let me know as soon as you can at booking@manchesterpaediatrician.com.

Presently I don't have an auto-refund service, but I will manually refund, typically within 5 working days. 

Unfortunately, appointments cancelled less than 48 hours notice will be charged at 100% of the full fee. 

If you are running late please let me know as soon as possible at urgent@manchesterpaediatrician.com. If you arrive more than 10 minutes late I may not be able to see you or at least the appointment will have to be cut short.

See T&C's for more details. 

CAN I GET A SAME-DAY APPOINTMENT?

At the moment, my clinic is running only on a Friday. This may change in time. 
I may be able to see an urgent referral on another day but this cannot be guaranteed as I have NHS and Court commitments and depends on room availability.
Please contact me directly regarding availability and likely fee.

WHAT IS A MEDICATION RISK ASSESSMENT?

Like all medicines, ADHD medication have significant benefits but also recognised side effects especially if there is an underlying medical problem. The main medical problem to identify before starting medication is a potential heart rhythm problem. Even if your child is well, if there is a family history of heart problems or unexpected sudden death below 55 years, then your child will need an ECG (12 lead heart rhythm trace) to ensure there is no potential problem. In my experience, this is rare but still important to look for. Your GP may be able to do the ECG or refer your child to an NHS Cardiologist or alternatively it can be done privately.

CAN YOU DIAGNOSIS OTHER CONDITIONS SUCH AS AUTISM, DYSPRAXIA AND SENSORY PROCESSING DIFFICULTIES?

For autism, I can certainly do an assessment and advice on whether it is likely but for a formal diagnosis this usually requires a team approach using standardised autism diagnostic tools. A young person may have autism and ADHD together. This can complicate assessment but this can be discussed at appointment. 

For motor dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder) your child will need an assessment by a paediatric occupational therapist and then by a Paediatrician. If the former is done then please get in touch. 

For sensory processing difficulties ( I do not use the term disorder) you will need an assessment by a specialist paediatric occupational therapist.

Note: formal assessment for any conditions other than ADHD will require a separate new 90 minute appointment 

CAN YOUR REPORT BE USED TO ACCESS EXTRA EDUCATION SUPPORT FOR MY CHILD?

Although I have seen your child on a private basis, I am a working NHS Consultant Paediatrician, and as such, there should be no good reason for my report not to be acceptable as supporting evidence. However, I would advice that you check with your Local Education Authority or your local Information Advice & Support Services Network 

CAN I STILL SEE A SPECIALIST ON THE NHS?

Yes of course. At your request I can transfer your child's care to the local NHS specialist team, via the GP, or alternatively, continue to provide care alongside the NHS team.

WHY DO WE NEED A REFERRAL FROM THE ADHD FOUNDATION TO SEE YOU?

I have thought about this very hard on setting up my new service. I have based my decision on principles of quality, efficiency and minimising cost for the patient. I have confidence in the AF completing a thorough ADHD screening assessment (their fee £250) that includes a QB test, the report of which significantly helps with my assessment.

Read more about QbTest. LINK. 

Depending on the evidence gathered and complexity, and in most cases, I will then be able to give my opinion on diagnosis at the first appointment, followed by a summary report (my fee £275). Total cost £525. A more detailed report is available at an extra £100. 

WE WOULD STILL LIKE TO SEE YOU FOR AN ADHD ASSESSMENT

Without an ADHD Foundation referral, please contact me direct before booking an appointment. For an ADHD assessment likely cost will be based on:

1. New 90 minute appointment (neurodevelopmental history and physical examination)- £350

2. Depending on findings, I may request a QbTest (arranged via AF) - £200, as well as behavioural rating scales / other relevant reports.

3. Follow up appointment to review evidence / interpret QbTest and diagnosis followed by summary report - £150

4. Total cost £700

SHOULD MY CHILD SEE A PSYCHIATRIST OR AN ADULT SPECIALIST?

As an experienced Paediatrician I can assess and diagnose ADHD. However, for complex cases where there are significant worries about mental health such as depression, self-harm and suicidal ideation, I would recommend a Psychiatrist. I can suggest one or two. Also, if your child is coming up to their 18th birthday then it may make more sense to see an adult specialist.