Terms of Service

1. Introduction

Welcome to Elite Focus ADHD. By accessing our services, you agree to abide by the following terms and conditions. We urge you to read them thoroughly.

2. Eligibility

To use our services, you must be at least 18 years old and reside in one of the following Australian states: NSW, QLD, WA, SA, or VIC. By accessing our services, you confirm that you meet these criteria. Please note, stimulant medications cannot be dispensed to patients in NT or Tasmania unless prescribed by local doctors.

3. Services Provided

Elite Focus ADHD provides telehealth services encompassing the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of ADHD. These services are delivered by licensed healthcare professionals via secure online platforms.

4. Why Elite Focus is Different

4.1. Self-Referral and Patient-Led Assessments

Elite Focus offers self-referral, patient-led assessments for ADHD. This allows you to begin your journey without needing a GP referral.

4.2. No External GP for Prescribing

Our model does not transfer care to an external GP for ongoing prescribing, outside of the Elite Focus clinic. We handle the entire treatment process within our clinic, ensuring continuity and specialized care.

The Elite Focus Team provides an all-in-one service.

This includes any doctor who you engage with at Elite Focus who may work at another clinic. You will not be able to transfer to that doctor outside of the Elite Focus clinic.

Diagnosis with ongoing management is the Elite Focus ADHD Model of Care.

We do not engage in shared prescribing with a patient’s regular or alternative GP.

When you choose Elite Focus, please understand that shared prescribing is not an option. Elite Focus Psychiatrists are not comfortable supervising doctors with whom they have no professional association. Psychiatrists are legally accountable for the person prescribing under their supervision.

Other Psychiatry services may offer the transfer and oversight of prescribing to external third-party GP clinics, if your original GP has agreed to this arrangement and has referred you as their patient. Elite Focus will NOT provide this option or oversight. If you wish to participate in a shared prescribing arrangement, we recommend engaging with an alternative service.

This is the decision of Elite Focus Psychiatrist Team.

If you choose Elite Focus, you choose to engage with this model and continue with our services for ongoing reciept of prescriptions.

If you wish to transfer to another clinic, you are free to be discharged from our care, but you will need to seek out another psychiatrist to provide a letter of authority to your GP in order for them to prescribe. If our specialist doctors' names are used by another doctor without their permission, this is considered fraud and is actionable under the AHPRA code of conduct.

4.3. Specialized Expertise

New Australian regulations permit GPs to take over prescribing, but we believe ADHD is a complex and under-resourced condition requiring specific skills. Our team includes consultant psychiatrists trained in ADHD and GPs with specialized training in ADHD and neurodivergent disorders.

4.4. Collaborative Approach

Our team collaborates on complex cases, ensuring patients receive the best possible care. Once a patient is part of Elite Focus ADHD, they have ongoing access to our highly specialised team of doctors without extended waiting periods.

5. Importance of Specialist Treatment for ADHD

5.1. Underdiagnosis of ADHD

ADHD is often underdiagnosed, especially in adults, because its symptoms can be mistaken for other issues or overlooked altogether. Getting treated by specialist doctors is crucial because they have the expertise to accurately diagnose and manage ADHD, significantly improving the quality of life for those affected.

5.2. Role of Psychological Therapy with Pharmaceutical Therapy

Psychological therapy is highly beneficial in improving executive function, emotional dysregulation, and associated conditions such as depression and anxiety that are common in people with ADHD. Therapy can be challenging for patients whose cognitive function is not optimal due to untreated ADHD symptoms. Medications can help stabilize these symptoms, making it easier for patients to engage in and benefit from therapy.

5.3. Support for Psychological Therapy

While Elite Focus is primarily a medical and doctor led clinic, we are committed to supporting our patients' mental health comprehensively. We support you to engage and collaborate with your psychologist or can recommend therapy services to you if needed. Elite Focus does not provide specific therapy-driven models of care and primarily is a diagnostic clinic that provides treatment with evidence-based pharmaceutical medications.

5.4. Elite Focus Diagnostic Processes

Although psychological assessments are valuable, they are not required for our services. Elite Focus uses its diagnostic processes for ADHD, and all patients must undergo these assessments, regardless of previous psychology-based psychometric testing or previous diagnoses with other psychiatrists or paediatricians.

6. Assessment and Diagnosis

6.1. Scope of Services

We primarily diagnose ADHD but can assist with other related mental health conditions at the discretion of the healthcare professional. All persons, regardless of circumstance, must engage in a full screening and assessment at Elite Focus ADHD Clinic, comprising all the outlined steps on the website, for several critical reasons:

Comprehensive Evaluation: Each clinic may have different diagnostic criteria and treatment protocols. A full screening ensures that we have a complete and accurate understanding of the patient’s condition according to our standards.
Re-assessment of Previous ADHD Diagnosis: Patients must undergo a full screening and assessment by Elite Focus ADHD doctors, even if they have a pre-existing ADHD diagnosis. This process ensures that the diagnosis is accurate and that the treatment plan is tailored to the patient’s medical needs.
Up-to-date Information: Medical conditions can evolve over time. A re-assessment allows us to gather up-to-date information about the patient's symptoms, treatment history, and any changes in their health status.
Tailored Treatment Plans: By conducting a thorough assessment, we can develop a personalized treatment plan that is most suitable for the patient's current needs. This approach ensures the best possible outcomes.
Verification of Diagnosis: It’s essential to confirm the accuracy of the previous diagnosis. A detailed assessment helps to rule out any other potential conditions that might mimic ADHD symptoms and ensures the diagnosis is still valid.
Legal and Ethical Standards: Healthcare regulations and ethical guidelines require that a clinic independently verifies any prior diagnosis before providing ongoing treatment. This process protects both the patient and the clinic from potential misunderstandings or legal issues.
Patient Safety: Ensuring that all aspects of a patient's health are considered before proceeding with treatment helps to avoid any adverse effects and promotes overall safety.

By engaging in a full screening and assessment, we can provide the highest quality care tailored specifically to each patient’s needs.

7. Ongoing Treatment and Patient Participation

7.1. Elite Focus ADHD Assessment and Ongoing Review Process

Step 1: Initial Consultation and Assessment

Review: Screening questionnaire, medical history, review of previous diagnoses, and evaluation of eligibility for ADHD or other potential conflicting medical issues.
Referral: If deemed appropriate, referral to an Elite Focus psychiatrist for formal diagnostic evaluation and review. The medical doctor conducting the initial consultation at Elite Focus is formally trained to identify neurodivergent disorders to ensure that patients are not unnecessarily referred for the step 2 psychiatrist consultation, thus avoiding potentially unnecessary expenses.

Step 2: Treatment Planning and Diagnosis

Diagnosis: Formal review and diagnosis or re-evaluation by an Elite Focus psychiatrist using validated ADHD diagnostic tools.
Plan: Personalized treatment focusing on medication management. Medication may be commenced during this consultation.
Legal Requirement: Even if previously prescribed stimulant medications, patients must be reviewed by an Elite Focus psychiatrist. Australian law requires that patients over 18 must see an Australian registered psychiatrist to be prescribed controlled stimulant medications for ADHD. This ensures legal compliance and the provision of expert care.

Step 3: Follow-Up Appointment

Initial Follow-Up: Scheduled 3-4 weeks post-medication start to monitor and adjust treatment.
Patients will be required to undertake the initial three steps outlined in this Terms of service and on the website before being prescribed any S8 medication containing repeats on the prescriptions.

Review and Support

Quarterly Appointments: Required at least every 3 months to review and re-prescribe medications. Any other concerns outside of these reviews also require an appointment.
Medication Changes: Patients at Elite Focus may switch between different ADHD medications or approved combinations. Changes require monthly reviews until stabilized, then quarterly. Each appointment is charged at the follow-up fee of $255 (correct at the time of writing, subject to change: see website for up-to-date fees).
Psychiatrist Oversight: Medication changes with Elite Focus psychiatrists are provided through their oversight of the specialist Elite Focus Medical Practitioners. The psychiatrists will review patients if needed at any time, at the discretion of the Elite Focus Doctor. This ensures that specialist expertise is always available to guide treatment decisions and address complex cases. Patients can discuss changing their treating doctors if they are unhappy with the treatment being provided. We are open to discussion and are happy to review our practices to improve our engagement with patients.

7.2. Patient Responsibility

Treatment Continuity: Treatment may be canceled if a patient is at risk or non-compliant with terms.
Regular Reviews: Necessary for prescription safety and effectiveness. Medications can be ceased if safety concerns arise.
Appointment Attendance: Patients must attend scheduled appointments. Missing three consecutive appointments can result in the termination of treatment, with a closing bill for missed sessions. Prescriptions will not be issued until full payment of each appointment is received or outstanding accounts are settled. ADHD medications are important to the stabilization of symptoms of ADHD; however, abrupt cessation of medication is not physically dangerous to a patient.

8. Ongoing Review and Prescribing

Regular reviews are essential for ongoing prescribing for several important reasons:

Monitoring Effectiveness: ADHD medications need to be continuously assessed to ensure they provide the desired therapeutic effects. Regular reviews help determine if the medication is effectively managing the symptoms.
Adjusting Dosages: Over time, the body can adapt to medications, or the patient’s condition may change. Regular check-ins allow healthcare providers to adjust dosages or switch medications to maintain optimal treatment outcomes.
Managing Side Effects: Medications can have side effects that may emerge over time. Regular reviews help to identify and manage these side effects promptly, ensuring the patient's safety and comfort.
Adherence to Treatment: Ensuring that patients adhere to their treatment plan is crucial. Regular reviews provide an opportunity to address any issues with adherence and support patients in following their prescribed regimen.
Regulatory Compliance: There are regulatory requirements for the ongoing prescribing of certain medications, particularly controlled substances like many ADHD medications. Regular reviews help ensure that all legal and regulatory guidelines are followed.
Patient Well-being: Regular interactions with healthcare providers allow for a holistic approach to the patient’s well-being, addressing not just the ADHD but also any other health concerns or life changes that could impact their treatment.

By having regular reviews, we can ensure that each patient's treatment plan remains effective, safe, and tailored to their evolving needs. This approach is essential for providing high-quality, personalized care. If you have any other questions or need more information, please discuss this with one of our doctors at your initial consultation.

9. Prescriptions and Controlled Substances

In Australia, controlled substances are regulated by law due to their potential for diversion and misuse in illicit form. These include narcotics, psychotropic drugs, and certain prescription medications. The Office of Drug Control (ODC) oversees the regulation of these substances, which also includes medicinal cannabis and precursor chemicals.

9.1. Reasons for Controlled Substance Regulation

Preventing Misuse: Displaying drug names can lead to misuse or diversion of these substances. Controlling the information helps prevent unauthorized access or use.
Legal Compliance: There are strict legal regulations around the advertising and promotion of controlled substances. Websites must comply with these regulations to avoid penalties and ensure public safety.
Patient Safety: Avoiding the use of drug names on websites helps prevent confusion and potential medication errors. It ensures that patients receive accurate information from their healthcare providers rather than potentially misleading information online.
Generic vs. Brand Names: Medical professionals are encouraged to use generic names rather than brand names to promote clarity and reduce confusion.

9.2. Prescribing Policy

Prescription Based on Need: Medications, including controlled substances, are prescribed only when appropriate and necessary for the patient's treatment.

10. Minimum Service Engagement for Prescribing Controlled Substances for ADHD Treatment

10.1. Ongoing Prescribing Authority

Patients starting treatment with Schedule 8 stimulant medications for ADHD must acknowledge that our psychiatrists at Elite Focus ADHD retain prescribing authority.

10.2. Non-Transfer of Care

Our practitioners do not transfer the care of patients needing Schedule 8 stimulant medications to external medical providers. This ensures continuity and quality of care, in line with Australian health legal standards.

10.3. Duration of Prescribing Authority

Our practitioners will hold the authority for ongoing prescribing of Schedule 8 stimulant medications for a minimum of 12 months from diagnosis to ensure stable and effective management of ADHD symptoms.

11. Extenuating Circumstances for Release of Prescribing Authorization

11.1. Policy Overview

At Elite Focus ADHD, maintaining continuity of care is essential. Here’s why we do not transfer care from our prescribing physicians to external doctors:

Consistent Quality of Care: Our physicians are familiar with the patient's medical history and needs, ensuring uninterrupted and high-quality care.
Specialized Expertise: Our team is specifically trained in managing ADHD. We do not have the capacity to supervise external doctors, as this would require us to take on legal responsibility with limited oversight.
Medication Management: We expertly monitor and adjust ADHD medications, reducing the risk of management errors.
Regulatory Compliance: We adhere to strict legal requirements for prescribing ADHD medications.
Patient Safety: Close monitoring within our clinic allows for timely intervention if issues arise.

11.2. Release of Authorization

In rare cases, after reviewing patient safety and compliance, we may release prescribing authority. The patient must engage with a new psychiatrist for ongoing care. Written consent from the patient, GP, and new psychiatrist is required. Elite Focus does not provide formal letters for transferring care or ongoing Schedule 8 stimulant prescriptions.

12. Right to Cease Medication Prescriptions and Ongoing Treatment

Professional Judgment: Our healthcare professionals may discontinue medication prescriptions if it is deemed unsafe or ineffective for the patient. This decision is based on professional judgment and patient health needs.
Non-Compliance: If a patient fails to comply with the treatment plan or engages in behavior that could jeopardize their health or safety, Elite Focus ADHD reserves the right to cease treatment.
Regulatory Compliance: We adhere to all regulatory and legal requirements regarding the prescription of controlled substances. If these requirements are not met, we may be obligated to stop prescribing certain medications.
Health Risks: If ongoing treatment poses a health risk to the patient, our healthcare professionals will cease treatment and explore alternative options.

By using the services at Elite Focus ADHD, you agree to abide by these rules and understand the conditions under which medication prescriptions and ongoing treatment may be discontinued. Our priority is to ensure the safety, well-being, and effective care of all our patients.

13. Billing Policy

Elite Focus ADHD operates as a private billing clinic. All consultations must be paid in full by the patient at the time of service. We do not offer discounts or accept Australian government health system fee co-payments.

14. Medicare and MBS Rebates

Medicare and MBS rebates cannot be claimed for services provided by Elite Focus ADHD due to the established clinical relationship requirement. According to Medicare regulations, a face-to-face consultation with a healthcare provider within the last 12 months is necessary to claim rebates for telehealth services. Since our services are exclusively online and do not involve an in-person visit, rebates are not applicable.

We understand this may be inconvenient, but we strive to offer accessible and affordable care through our telehealth services. If this is not suitable for your needs, we urge you to contact other available clinics.

This means we are not able to provide you with an MBS item number, for you to claim a medicare rebate.

This does not relate to provider or prescriber numbers which are an entirely different entity, and will not be explained here as they are not relevant given that we do not utilise MBS item numbers and do not recieve payments on your behalf via government financial services.

To help clarify, here’s an overview of different billing types:

Bulk Billing:

What It Means: The healthcare provider bills Medicare directly for the full cost of the service.

Patient Cost: There is no out-of-pocket expense for the patient as Medicare covers the entire cost.

Mixed Billing:
What It Means: The healthcare provider offers a charge to the patient, some of which is reimbursed to the patient by Medicare, depending on the service or patient’s circumstances.

Patient Cost: These services are not fully covered by Medicare, and require some level of out-of-pocket payments from the patient.

Private Billing:
What It Means: The healthcare provider charges the patient directly for the services provided.

Patient Cost: The patient pays for the service upfront and does not recieve any reiumbursement from public or goverment funds such as Medicare, DVA, NDIS, Workcover or private health insurance funds.

15. Fees and Payment

Fees: Our services are subject to fees as outlined on our website. We reserve the right to change our fees at any time.
Payment: Payment is due at the time of service. The fees are collected via a third-party platform called HotDoc. Please ensure your method of payment is in accordance with their terms for payment.
Insurance: Elite Focus ADHD does not accept private health insurance funds for payment of its services. Please review the information regarding what health insurance companies cover in Australia here

Elite Focus ADHD clinic can provide detailed invoices upon request. However, these cannot be used to access financial reimbursement from services such as Workcover, NDIS, Medicare, DVA, or private health insurance funds.

16. Booking and Appointments

How to Book: Appointments can be booked via the HotDoc platform. Patients can select their preferred healthcare professional and schedule a suitable time.
Private Calls: Patients must be able to accept calls from private numbers, as all consultations are conducted via phone. No video calls are available.
Missed Calls: If a patient misses a call, the doctor will attempt to call up to 3 times within the allocated appointment time. If the call is not answered by the patient within the appointment time, then this is considered a ‘no show’ and the fee for the appointment will be collected. If the fee has not been paid in advance of the appointment, the patient will be required to pay for this appointment and the following appointment in advance before being able to re-book.
Doctor Running Late: If the doctor is running late and the patient is unable to take the call, they will be able to reschedule at no additional fee. If running late, the doctor will try to call you within an hour of your appointment in the hope of trying to reach you on the day. Please use the email as per below to contact the clinic if you are under time constraints, and are unable to wait by the phone, however, if you have not answered within the 15 minutes from the time of your scheduled appointment, and attempts have been made with no answer, this remains a ‘no show’.
Cancellation Fees: A minimum of 24 hours' notice is required to cancel or reschedule an appointment. To cancel or reschedule, email "Cancel" or "Reschedule" to hello@elitefocusadhd.com.au within business hours (Monday to Friday, 10 am - 5pm NSW Time). Do not leave a voice message. If unable to provide 24 hours' notice due to an emergency, illness, or work-related reason, evidence such as a medical certificate or a letter from your employer may be required. Alternatively, patients can use the Hot Doc platform to cancel or move and rebook their appointments with any of the Elite Focus GP’s.
Non-Attendance Fees: If you are more than 10 minutes late and we are unable to contact you, it will be classified as a Did Not Attend (DNA). If a DNA occurs, full fees for the appointment will apply.
Psychiatrist Appointment payments: All appointment for the psychiatrist must be paid in advance of the actual appointment. A payment request will be sent at the time of this appointment being booked by the Elite Focus GP or administration staff. If the payment is not received within 72 hours of the scheduled appointment, this is automatically cancelled. If you are having issues with the transaction or if the payment link has expired, please contact the clinic via email at hello@elitefocusadhd.com.au

Elite Focus ADHD uses the HotDoc platform to streamline the appointment booking process:

Accessing the Platform: Patients visit the Elite Focus ADHD page on the HotDoc website or app.
Selecting a doctor: Patients can view the availability of doctors specializing in ADHD. Note that appointments with Elite Focus psychiatrists can only be booked through the Elite Focus clinic staff and cannot be booked by the patients online. This ensures a streamlined service with ongoing access to specialists where appropriate.
Booking an Appointment: Patients select their preferred doctor and time slot, and book the appointment directly through the platform.
Confirmation: Patients receive a confirmation email with details about the appointment.
Preparation: Patients are advised to prepare any relevant medical history or questions for the consultation.
No Guarantee: Not every patient will receive a diagnosis of ADHD, and even if diagnosed, not every patient will be prescribed medication. Treatment decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, focusing on what’s best for each patient.
Variable Responses: Not all patients respond positively to medication. In some cases, side effects or lack of efficacy may lead to the discontinuation of the prescribed treatment. Our healthcare professionals monitor patients closely to adjust treatment plans as needed.

17. Telehealth Consent

By using our telehealth services, you consent to receive care through electronic communications. You acknowledge that telehealth has limitations compared to in-person visits, including the lack of physical examination.

18. Privacy and Confidentiality

Your privacy is important to us. We comply with all applicable privacy laws and regulations. For more details, please refer to the Privacy Policy.

18.1. Patient Confidentiality

Consent Required: We only share your medical records with other healthcare professionals if you provide explicit consent, ensuring your personal health information remains secure and private.
Protected Health Information: Your health records are considered protected health information (PHI) and are governed by strict privacy laws. These laws mandate that your information cannot be shared without your authorization.

18.2. Legal and Ethical Compliance

Regulatory Compliance: Elite Focus ADHD complies with all relevant privacy legislation, including the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).
Professional Standards: Our healthcare professionals adhere to strict ethical standards that prioritize patient confidentiality unless legally required or in the patient's best interest under exceptional circumstances.
Limits of Confidentiality: Confidentiality is guaranteed but not absolute. It may be breached in certain circumstances, such as:
If you are deemed a danger to yourself or others.
If you report information indicating that a child is at risk or being abused.
If information concerns your ability to safely operate machinery or vehicles.
If subpoenaed by a court of law.

18.3. Exceptional Circumstances

Legal Requirements: We may be legally obligated to share records in certain situations, such as court orders.
Public Health and Safety: If there is a significant threat to public health or safety, information may be shared with authorities in accordance with legal guidelines.

19. Rules and Prohibitions

Personal Use: Services are intended for personal use only. Access rights may not be transferred or used for commercial purposes.
Accurate Information: Patients must provide accurate and complete information during registration and consultations.
Compliance: Patients must comply with all treatment plans, instructions, and guidelines provided by healthcare professionals.
Prohibited Conduct: Any abusive, threatening, or unlawful behavior towards staff or other patients is strictly prohibited. This includes harassment, discrimination, or violence.
Medication Misuse: The misuse, distribution, or sale of prescribed medications is strictly prohibited.

20. Final Provisions

20.1. Governing Law

These terms and conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Australia. Any disputes arising out of or in connection with these terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Australia.

20.2. Amendments

We reserve the right to modify these terms and conditions at any time. Any changes will be effective immediately upon posting on our website. Continued use of our services after any such changes constitutes acceptance of the new terms.

20.3. Severability

If any provision of these terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, such provision will be deemed modified to the extent necessary to make it enforceable, and the validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions will not be affected.

20.4. Entire Agreement

These terms and conditions constitute the entire agreement between you and Elite Focus ADHD regarding the use of our services and supersede any prior agreements or understandings, whether written or oral.

20.5. Contact Information

For any questions or concerns regarding these terms and conditions, please contact us at: Elite Focus ADHD Email: hello@elitefocusadhd.com.au