Basel psychiatric clinics order review of ADHD assessments

The University Psychiatric Clinics Basel, a psychiatric clinic network, have commissioned an independent review of their adult ADHD assessments, SRF reported. The review will examine assessment procedures, the quality of diagnoses and billing practices.

The clinics announced the investigation after allegations published by NZZ am Sonntag. Former interns told the newspaper that they had conducted ADHD assessments largely on their own and prepared proposed diagnoses. One former intern said she had diagnosed about 20 people “practically single-handedly” during a six-month placement, with the supervising senior psychologist rarely changing the proposals.

UPK director Nathan Keiser confirmed that interns had been involved in the assessments but rejected criticism of their quality. He said the clinic was not aware of any misdiagnosis resulting from the procedures. According to Keiser, the assessments were part of a professionally supervised process, and qualified specialists had always retained professional responsibility.

The clinic said it was still unclear whether the procedures complied with the rules for billing services through mandatory basic health insurance. Prioswiss, an association of health insurers, told NZZ am Sonntag that such services may be charged to basic insurance only when provided by authorised specialists or sufficiently qualified psychologists in training.

The UPK said it had already introduced organisational changes before the allegations became public. Case discussions will now be led by the psychological co-management, while additional positions for specialist psychologists and senior doctors are planned. The clinic intends to publish the findings of the external review later.

The Basel-Stadt health department said it learned of the allegations only through the NZZ am Sonntag investigation. It is taking no further measures for now and is referring to the external review announced by the UPK. People with questions about their ADHD assessments can contact the clinics directly.