Pediatric ADHD Care in Hilo & Across Hawaiʻi — Medicaid (QUEST) Accepted

ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) is a common, brain-based condition in children that affects attention, impulse control, and activity level enough to interfere with school, home, and friendships. It is not bad parenting or a lack of discipline, and it responds well to support. At Ohana Care Clinic in Hilo, we evaluate ADHD carefully and care for the whole child and family.

What ADHD looks like in children

Every child is active and distractible at times. ADHD is different: the difficulties with focus, impulsivity, or restlessness are greater than expected for the child’s age, show up in more than one setting such as home and school, and get in the way of daily life. Some children mainly struggle to pay attention and follow through, others are very active and impulsive, and many have a mix. ADHD often runs in families and is one of the most studied conditions in childhood.

How we evaluate it

Following the American Academy of Pediatrics guideline, a proper ADHD evaluation gathers information from more than one setting, usually including rating scales from both parents and teachers, and looks for other conditions, such as learning differences, anxiety, or sleep problems, that can look like or accompany ADHD. We take the time to get this right rather than rushing to a label.

How we help

Treatment is tailored to your child’s age and needs. The AAP recommends behavioral approaches, especially parent training for younger children, alongside medication when appropriate, plus support and accommodations at school. Because we integrate primary care and behavioral health, we can coordinate the medical and behavioral pieces in one place. Some ADHD care works well by telehealth, while certain medications may require an in-person visit, and we will guide you through what your child needs.

Culturally grounded care

We care for the whole child, in the spirit of lōkahi — balance and harmony among the connected parts of life: the body, the mind and emotions, the spirit, the ʻohana (family), and our relationship with the ʻāina (land) and community. In a Native Hawaiian understanding of health, these are not separate, and neither is our care. To mālama (care for and protect) your keiki and to raise them pono (in balance and rightness), we listen to your family’s story, welcome your ʻohana into every visit, and honor the values and traditions that ground you. Offering kōkua (help given freely, with aloha) in a way that respects your family is at the heart of how we practice.

Insurance and how we see your keiki

We accept Medicare and Medicaid, including the Hawaiʻi QUEST Integration plans (AlohaCare, the Hawaiʻi Medical Service Association (HMSA), ʻOhana Health Plan, and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan), along with most commercial insurance, and we are accepting new pediatric patients in Hilo. Your child’s first primary-care visit is in person at our Hilo clinic. We see children in person for well-child exams, vaccines, and hands-on care, and we use telehealth for follow-ups and questions. Pediatric behavioral health with our mental-health providers can begin by video; care from our primary-care team starts with an in-office visit.

Common questions about pediatric ADHD

How is ADHD diagnosed in children?

Following the American Academy of Pediatrics guideline, diagnosis gathers information from more than one setting (usually parent and teacher rating scales) and rules out other causes like learning differences, anxiety, or sleep problems. There is no single test; it is a careful, structured evaluation.

Does my child have to take medication for ADHD?

Not necessarily. The AAP recommends behavioral approaches, especially parent training for younger children, with medication added when appropriate. We build a plan around your child’s age and needs, and decide together.

Can pediatric ADHD care be done by telehealth?

Much of it can, including evaluation, parent coaching, and follow-up. Certain ADHD medications may require an in-person visit, and we will let you know what your child’s situation needs.

What insurance do you accept for pediatric care?

We accept Medicare and Medicaid, including the Hawaii QUEST Integration plans (AlohaCare, HMSA, Ohana Health Plan, and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan), along with most commercial insurance. We are accepting new pediatric patients in Hilo.

References

Wolraich, M. L., Hagan, J. F., Allan, C., Chan, E., Davison, D., Earls, M., et al. (2019). Clinical practice guideline for the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents. Pediatrics, 144(4), e20192528. https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/144/4/e20192528/81590/Clinical-Practice-Guideline-for-the-Diagnosis

Papa Ola Lōkahi. (n.d.). Native Hawaiian health. Retrieved June 29, 2026, from https://www.papaolalokahi.org/

This page is general health education from Ohana Care Clinic, reviewed by Donna Leonard, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, and written by George Mackel, MSN, APRN, NP-C, PMHNP-BC, CARN-AP. It is not a substitute for a personal evaluation by a qualified clinician who knows your child’s situation, and reading it does not create a provider–patient relationship. If you are worried about your child’s health, reach out to us or another licensed provider. In an emergency, call 911.

Donna Leonard, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, and George Mackel, MSN, APRN, NP-C, PMHNP-BC, CARN-AP — President & Owner