Changes in Provider Type and Prescription Refills Among Privately Insured Children and Youth With ADHD

Objective The aim of this paper is to understand associations between age and health care provider type in medication continuation among transition-aged youth with ADHD. Method Using an employer-sponsored insurance claims database, we identified patients with likely ADHD and receipt of ADHD medications. Among patients who had an outpatient physician visit at baseline and maintained enrollment at follow-up 3 years later, we evaluated which ones continued to fill prescriptions for ADHD medications. Results Patients who were younger at follow-up more frequently continued medication (77% of 11-12 year-olds vs. 52% of 19-20 year-olds). Those who saw a pediatric provider at baseline and follow-up more frequently continued to fill ADHD medication prescriptions than those who saw a pediatric provider at baseline and non-pediatric providers at follow-up (71% vs. 53% among those ages 15-16 years at follow-up). Conclusion Adolescents and young adults with ADHD who changed from pediatric to exclusively non-pediatric providers less frequently continued to receive ADHD medications.

Automated summary

This study found that younger patients at follow-up were more likely to continue using ADHD medications, and patients who consulted pediatric providers at both baseline and follow-up were more likely to continue filling prescriptions for ADHD medications. Patients who changed from pediatric to non-pediatric providers were less likely to continue receiving ADHD medication.