Information for GPs and referrers, as well as patients to share with their referrers.
You'll need a referral from your GP or specialist before booking with Telecare. Here's how to make that conversation easy.
Tell your GP or referring specialist that you want an ADHD or ASD assessment via telehealth with a FRANZCP psychiatrist at Telecare.
Share this page or the PDF below with them — it has everything they need to write your referral.
Ask your referrer to address the referral to "Telecare ADHD/ASD Psychiatrist" — no named specialist required.
Once you have your referral, book your assessment online at adhd.telecare.com.au.
The following information is for GPs and healthcare professionals
Telecare provides specialist ADHD and ASD assessment and diagnosis via telehealth, delivered by FRANZCP-fellowed psychiatrists. We operate a shared care model - we handle the assessment and diagnosis, and your patient returns to you for ongoing medication management. We are available Australia-wide and accept both adult and paediatric referrals.
< 2 Weeks
Seen in under 2 weeks vs. 4-8 weeks elsewhere
Item 291
Comprehensive psychiatric assessments available
All States
Australia-wide telehealth, children & adults
Australia's fastest specialist ADHD telehealth pathway.
FRANZCP-fellowed psychiatrists - Australia's peak psychiatric credential
Patients seen in under 2 weeks - significantly faster than most specialist referrals
Comprehensive clinical report returned to you within ~2 weeks of assessment
Item 291 comprehensive psychiatric assessments available — see MBS item definition
Combined ADHD + ASD assessments accepted in a single referral
Shared care model — we handle the assessment and diagnosis; you manage ongoing prescribing as the GP, supported by our psychiatrist's report and recommendations
Care Package available for patients in NSW/WA, or where you are unable or unwilling to prescribe S8 medications — Telecare facilitates prescribing directly in these cases
Everything your patient needs for a smooth referral process.
Address to: "Telecare ADHD/ASD Psychiatrist" - no named specialist required
Your referral is valid for 12 months
Include your Medicare provider number
A detailed referral is preferred - it helps prioritise your patient
Send directly to Telecare, or give to your patient to upload when they book online
Reason for referral - symptoms and their impact on daily functioning
Current and past medications (include any previous stimulant trials)
Relevant medical and mental health history
Family history of ADHD or ASD (if known)
Any prior psychological or psychiatric reports
Your prescribing preference: willing / unable / unsure to prescribe S8 medications — if you are unable or unwilling to prescribe S8, please note this so the patient can select the Care Package at booking
Pre-referral test results (to avoid treatment delays): Blood Pressure, Pulse, Weight; ECG Graph/Trace & Report (if from last 3 months, no need to repeat); Bloods: FBC, UEC, LFT, TFT, B12/Folate, Iron Studies (if from last 3 months, no need to repeat)
GP Information
adhd.telecare.com.au/referrer-guide
Patient Booking
booking.telecare.com.au/adhd* If you give the referral letter directly to your patient, they upload it at checkout when booking online. If you send it to Telecare directly, your patient does not need to upload it.
A guide to patient suitability for our telehealth service.
From referral to clinical report - here's the full journey.
Telecare contacts your patient
Once referred, Telecare sends your patient an SMS with a link to self-book their appointment and complete questionnaires - takes around 1 hour and can all be done in one sitting
Patient self-books & completes questionnaires
Patient books their intake appointment and completes standardised ADHD/ASD rating scales online.
Mental health clinician intake
Telehealth appointment to take clinical history and prepare a summary for the psychiatrist
FRANZCP psychiatrist assessment
Formal ADHD/ASD assessment conducted via telehealth
Clinical report sent to you
Comprehensive report with diagnosis, medication recommendations and prescribing guidance arrives within ~2 weeks of assessment
S8 prescribing authority
You apply using the psychiatrist's report and manage your patient's ongoing medication care
After assessment, both you and your patient receive a comprehensive report.
Full clinical findings from the assessment
Medication recommendations - type and dose range
Guidance on S8 prescribing authority application
Psychoeducation and therapy recommendations
Ongoing management plan for GP-led care
* You remain the prescribing GP. Our psychiatrist provides the specialist recommendation and is available to advise.
Key steps for initiating and managing ADHD medication with your patient.
After receiving the report, apply for S8 prescribing authority via your state/territory health authority — regulations vary significantly by state. Refer to the AADPA ADHD Stimulant Prescribing Regulations guide for a state-by-state breakdown.
Before commencing medication, your patient requires an in-person physical check (blood pressure, heart rate, and weight) — this cannot be completed via telehealth and must be done by you or their treating GP.
If you are unable or unwilling to prescribe S8 medications, or your patient is in NSW or WA, advise them to select the Care Package at booking — Telecare will facilitate prescribing directly in these circumstances.
A printable one-page summary - suitable for GPs to keep on file, or for patients to email to their doctor.
This is not an emergency or crisis service. All appointments are booked in advance. For patients experiencing a mental health emergency, please refer to 000 or your local mental health triage service.