Almost 10,000 people in NSW with ADHD got medication script through GP: data

Almost 10,000 people living with ADHD in NSW have avoided costly and arduous specialist appointments by accessing repeat treatment through their GP, new data has revealed.

More than 1100 GPs across NSW are able to prescribe repeat ADHD psychostimulant medication under reforms passed by the state government last year.

Those GPs, about 44 per cent of which are outside of metropolitan Sydney, have already issued about 37,900 prescriptions.

The changes are expected to save patients a whopping $10m per year in out-of-pocket fees, according to analysis by the Royal College of General Practitioners (RACGP).

From Thursday, patients will also have access to a NSW government map identifying where GPs participating in the reforms are located.

Premier Chris Minns said the changes have helped ease the pressure on NSW families, and put “money back into people’s pockets”.

“Importantly, the reforms are improving access for our regional areas too,” he said.

“Access to essential healthcare should be available to everyone, regardless of where they live.”

Since September, participating GPs have been able to fill repeat prescriptions – with more than 300 additional doctors joining those ranks since February.

However, under the second stage of the reforms, GPs will also be able to diagnose and treat ADHD, taking pressure off both patients, who would otherwise need to seek specialist treatment, and the healthcare system.

At least 800 GPs expressed interest in the measure, with some 311 GPs currently undergoing training to diagnose and treat ADHD, including on the Central Coast, Far West, and Illawarra regions, as well as in Sydney.

Health Minister Ryan Park said the reforms were “a win for everyone”.

“I am so pleased to see our rural and regional GPs embracing these reforms,” he said.

“We heard people in those areas loud and clear when they said they needed another option and we have delivered.”

Mental Health Minister Rose Jackson said more than 37,900 prescriptions had already been issued, saving families between $250-$670 – the cost of a specialist visit – per script.

“That is literally millions of dollars back in the pockets of hardworking families, who can now access scripts from their family GP for a fraction of the cost,” she said.

“It’s also freeing up waiting rooms so that the people who actually need to see those specialists can get a spot.”

RACGP NSW Chair Rebekah Hoffman said the reforms showed trust in GPs, and would improve access to care, particularly for young people.

The state government has sought to streamline access to certain treatments and medications outside of the emergency care or specialist health systems.

“GPs are the right place for ongoing ADHD care for many patients,” Ms Hoffman said.

“This reform has eased pressure on an overstretched specialist system while ensuring care remains co-ordinated, evidence-based and centred around the patient.

“The RACGP supports reforms that improve access while maintaining patient safety.

“Continued investment in GP training and clear clinical pathways will be essential to ensure these reforms remain sustainable and deliver long-term benefits for patients and the health system.”

Earlier this month, the Labor government announced it would invest $4.5m to make it easier and cheaper for women to access the pill by allowing eligible pharmacists to prescribe the contraceptive directly, rather than through a GP.