Stimulant Medication Policy
Stimulant medications can be an effective part of ADHD treatment for some patients, but they are controlled substances and require additional clinical assessment, monitoring, and safety measures.
An ADHD diagnosis does not automatically mean that stimulant medication will be prescribed. Treatment decisions are based on the complete clinical evaluation, medical history, safety considerations, and professional judgment of the treating clinician.
Before Stimulant Treatment
Before stimulant medication is started or continued, patients may be required to complete:
- A comprehensive ADHD evaluation
- Objective ADHD testing or provide acceptable prior diagnostic documentation
- Review of medical and psychiatric history
- Baseline vital signs
- Prescription-monitoring review
- Drug screening when required
- ECG or other medical evaluation when clinically indicated
Additional records or medical clearance may be requested when needed for safe treatment.
Ongoing Monitoring
Patients receiving stimulant medication are generally required to attend monthly follow-up appointments so effectiveness, side effects, adherence, vital signs, and overall safety can be reviewed.
Ongoing monitoring may include prescription-monitoring review, drug screening, laboratory testing, vital-sign checks, ECG testing, or other assessments when clinically appropriate.
Additional in-person appointments may be required depending on the patient’s age, medical history, medication, treatment response, or other clinical circumstances.
In-Person Visit Requirement
Established patients receiving stimulant treatment must complete an in-person visit with the practice at least once every 12 months. More frequent in-person visits may be required when clinically appropriate.
Completion of an in-person visit does not guarantee that a controlled medication will be prescribed or continued.
Telehealth and Controlled Medications
Controlled medications are not prescribed through telehealth-only care.
For established patients who have completed the required in-person visit, controlled-medication follow-up through telehealth may be available when clinically appropriate and consistent with applicable law and practice policy.
Prescription and Pharmacy Policies
Stimulant prescriptions are transmitted electronically to the patient’s designated pharmacy.
Pharmacies control medication inventory, insurance processing, dispensing procedures, and applicable fill dates. Transmission of a prescription does not guarantee that the pharmacy can dispense the medication immediately.
Patients should contact their pharmacy first regarding medication availability, processing, or pickup concerns.
Medication Changes and Refill Requests
Medication changes, dose adjustments, and continuation of stimulant therapy require appropriate clinical review.
Patients should not increase, decrease, share, or otherwise change controlled medication use without direction from their treating clinician.
Early replacement of lost, stolen, damaged, or misplaced controlled medication is not guaranteed and will be reviewed individually in accordance with clinical and regulatory requirements.
Safety Comes First
Stimulant treatment may be modified, paused, or discontinued when there are concerns regarding medical safety, significant side effects, treatment adherence, monitoring requirements, medication misuse, diversion, or other clinical concerns.
The purpose of these requirements is to support safe, responsible, and individualized ADHD treatment.
Questions About the Policy
Questions about stimulant-treatment requirements may be discussed with your clinician during your appointment or directed to The Healed Mind Psychiatry.
Phone: (972) 483-5380
Email: contact@thehealedmindllc.com