How to get a diagnosis with Kaiser (Sacramento)

[YarnKnitter]

I am a mid 30s female and my husband and I have increasingly been suspecting that I am ADHD inattentive. The symptoms fit with my life experiences thus far and ADHD runs in my family but no doctor/teacher has ever brought it up to me before. I got good grades in school but struggled to turn assignments in on time.

I also, like many women, have been diagnosed with depression and anxiety from my teen years and thus far my medication to treat those over the years have not been very successful. I suspect that is because I might have been treating the wrong thing this whole time!

When I talk to my doctors at Kaiser however, I don't feel heard or respected. It feels impossible to ever get my doctor's ear, and who ever I talk to seems to not want to address this possible diagnosis. One person in Mental Health told me that they wouldn't evaluate me for ADHD since I am already taking Lexapro from anxiety and depression - even though those symptoms might be caused by my ADHD!

I wanted to know if anyone has had positive experiences with online diagnosis and if that diagnosis can be brought to Kaiser so they can cover medication. Or, since it is Open Enrollment season, if anyone in the area has had success with another provider.

[BlessedLady]

You need to see a psychologist or psychiatrist to be tested. Even if your diagnosis is ADHD from a private doctor. That does not mean Kaiser will accept the diagnosis. I have heard Kaiser can be difficult to say the least. You might need to find new insurance. I doubt Kaiser would accept a ADHD diagnosis from a online source

[Tim_Othy]

I’m with Kaiser and my Dr. has given me some ADHD meds. However, my Dr. has given me sub-therapeutic dosages. I had a long and deep dive into anxiety and depression. Once I went to a Psychiatrist who doubled my meds and added another, I literally made a 180. I am not depressed or have anxiety. I’m blown away because I was in this deep dark hole for at least 3+ years. I did not believe my life could get better, TrueType life changing. I hope that all of us can minimize the negatives and celebrate the positives of our ADHD.

[Khyson2019]

It's definitely a process with Kaiser. It took me 2 phone calls, 3 surveys, and 3 zoom meetings to finally get diagnosed. For someone with ADHD, all the back and forth and months long waiting was a struggle. Patience is not my strong suit. Dr. Karen Ann Parker at Kaiser has been a huge help, she listened, gave suggestions and teaches a ADHD skill class which is free through Kaiser. I hope she can help [phone] Dr. Karen Parker.

Good luck fellow fellow Sac Town friend!!