Blame it on the media, I mean we tend to blame them for everything else so why not blame them for the influx of new residents to our fair city? The media has been touting Portland Oregon as the number one city in attracting new residents. Almost daily I’m getting more calls from new residents who have moved here and can’t find anyone to either take over their medication management or that has openings to see them as a new undiagnosed person. Oftentimes they want to find someone to see that week or the next week. When I inquire if they have contacted other providers they often say “yes, I’ve called 20+ people but you are the only one who has called me back”. I let them know that, usually when they don’t get a return call it is because that provider is not taking new patients. I explain that as a solo practitioner, it literally would take hours and hours to call everyone back. Most people know if they don’t get a return call it is not because the doctor or provider is rude or insensitive, rather between seeing patients, doing the required mounting paperwork, increasing numbers of prior medication authorizations, opening and closing patient files, handing requests for records etc., a solo practitioner spends more and more hours doing non face to face requirements. I tell callers that if you don’t get a return call, keep looking and find someone else.

Mental health specialists are similar to physical health specialists in the time required to see a new patient. Usually it can take months to see a new cardiologist, orthopedic doctor or urologist etc. and so it can be with ADHD specialists here in Portland Oregon (OR). The key if you are moving here or to another city, is not to wait until you are down to your last weeks medication, rather do your search in advance and see if you can make an appointment that will coincide with your new arrival. That will help to ensure a smooth transition of coverage. If you are undiagnosed the same applies; make an appointment in your new city before you arrive there, rather than waiting weeks/months.

Finally, if you have been diagnosed, make sure to have a treatment summary from your old provider listing diagnosis, medications used, any therapeutic notes that would be helpful, old medication bottles, and current medications. Having this information with you helps to speed up the overall process.

I am hopeful this will assist new arrivals and current residents find an ADHD specialist in Portland. We welcome you and are glad you have decided to move here.

As always, I encourage your questions, suggestions, experiences and feedback. If you or a loved one is having problems with ADHD like symptoms, find a local ADHD specialist or if you are in the greater Portland OR area feel free to give me a call at (503) 492-2200.