Follow-Up Care for Children Prescribed ADHD Medication (ADD)

The two rates of this measure assess follow-up care for children prescribed an ADHD medication:

• Initiation Phase: Assesses children between 6 and 12 years of age who were diagnosed with ADHD and had one follow-up visit with a practitioner with prescribing authority within 30 days of their first prescription of ADHD medication.
• Continuation and Maintenance Phase: Assesses children between 6 and 12 years of age who had a prescription for ADHD medication and remained on the medication for at least 210 days, and had at least two follow-up visits with a practitioner in the 9 months after the Initiation Phase.

The Follow-Up Care for Children Prescribed ADHD Medication measure is also available in an ECDS format. Please visit ECDS webpage and NCQA Store for more information.

Why It Matters

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common mental disorders affecting children. 11% of American children have been diagnosed with ADHD. The main features include hyperactivity, impulsiveness and an inability to sustain attention or concentration.^1,2 Of these children, 6.1% are taking ADHD medication.¹

When managed appropriately, medication for ADHD can control symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsiveness and inability to sustain concentration. To ensure that medication is prescribed and managed correctly, it is important that children be monitored by a pediatrician with prescribing authority.

Historical Results – National Averages