What to expect at your first consultation

Knowing what to expect can make a first appointment feel more manageable. This article walks through how a first consultation with Everion Health works, what to have ready and what happens afterwards.

Before you book: the short questionnaire

Our website asks you to complete a short questionnaire before you book. It helps us understand whether a telehealth consultation is a reasonable place to start for you.

The questionnaire is not an assessment and it does not provide a diagnosis. Your answers do not decide whether you have ADHD, and they do not determine any treatment. They simply help us work out the right next step before you speak with a doctor.

The consultation is a real conversation

Your consultation is a real-time video call with a qualified Australian GP. You see and speak with the doctor directly, and you join from home or another private space.

It is not an automated process or a series of forms. The GP will listen, ask questions and talk through what they are hearing with you. Telehealth consultations in Australia are guided by the Medical Board of Australia’s guidelines for doctors on consulting with patients by telehealth.

What to have ready

A little preparation can help the consultation run smoothly. Before your appointment, try to have the following ready:

• A quiet, private space where you can talk freely without being overheard or interrupted. Headphones can help with privacy.
• A device with a camera, microphone and a reliable internet connection. It is a good idea to test these before the call.
• Photo identification, so the GP can confirm who they are speaking with.
• A list of any medicines you currently take, including over-the-counter products and supplements, and the doses if you know them.
• Your health history, including any past or current physical or mental health conditions, and relevant family history.
• Any previous reports from doctors, psychologists or other health professionals, if you have them.
• School reports, if you have them. Healthdirect notes that school reports may be requested as part of an adult ADHD assessment, as they can help show how things were in childhood.

Do not worry if you cannot find everything. The GP can talk with you about what is available and what else might help.

What you will talk about

The GP will want to understand your story in your own words. You may talk about:

• what led you to seek a consultation now
• your history from childhood, including school and family life
• your work, study and relationships
• how attention, organisation, energy and routine show up in your daily life
• your sleep, mood, stress and general physical health
• any other health concerns and the medicines you take

Some questions may cover things that can look similar to ADHD or occur alongside it. This is a normal part of building a clear and balanced picture. You can take your time, and it is fine to say if you are unsure about something.

Possible next steps

Every person is different, so the next steps depend on your circumstances and what the GP finds. They may include:

• further assessment, or a request for more information
• a referral to another health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist
• general advice and practical strategies
• a recommendation to see your regular GP or seek in-person care
• ongoing monitoring and follow-up consultations
• if deemed medically appropriate, a management plan developed with you
• no further action

The GP will explain their reasoning and talk through the options with you.

You can ask questions

Your consultation is also a chance for you to ask questions. You might want to ask what the GP is considering, what the next steps involve, what information would be useful or how follow-up works. It can help to write your questions down beforehand so you do not forget them on the day.

Working with your regular GP

If you have a regular GP, it can be helpful for them to know about your consultation with Everion Health. With your consent, we can share relevant information with your regular GP so your care is coordinated. You can talk about this with your Everion GP during the consultation.

Telehealth is not suitable for everyone

Telehealth can suit many consultations, but it is not the right fit for every person or every situation. Sometimes the GP may recommend an in-person appointment, a review with your regular GP, a referral or urgent care instead. If that happens, they will explain why and help you understand your options.

If you would like more detail about the process, you can read about how it works.

References

• Medical Board of Australia. Telehealth consultations with patients.
• Healthdirect Australia. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Please note

Individual results vary based on your circumstances. Assessment findings do not guarantee a particular diagnosis, treatment or outcome.

Telehealth is not suitable for all ADHD-related concerns. Your GP may recommend in-person assessment, urgent care, a review by your regular GP, a specialist referral, further investigation or no treatment, depending on your circumstances.

Everion Health does not provide emergency or crisis care. If you are in immediate danger, call 000. For 24-hour crisis support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.