About our services
Learn more about the services provided by the Istituto di Neuroscienze: how to schedule a Skype visit with Dr. Pallanti, more details regarding the clinical practices offered and how to access them, our Institute's prescriptions, and the procedure of diagnosis and treatment of ADHD.
In this section, you will find precious information about the services and clinical practices of excellence offered by the Istituto di Neuroscienze.
Our main goal is to provide high quality care to anyone seeking effective solutions to address their problems.
Dr. Stefano Pallanti and his équipe work devotedly to ensure comprehensive and tailored care pathways for each patient.
The initial visit
The initial explanatory visit with Dr. Stefano Pallanti is a crucial step in your treatment path. To ensure an optimal experience and maximize the benefits of the consultation, it is essential to prepare in advance for this moment.
Here's how to prepare for your initial explanatory visit with Dr. Pallanti and his équipe.
1. Preliminary Communications
As early as the first contact with our Institute (whether by telephone or via e-mail), it is crucial to clearly communicate the reason why you are requesting a visit with Dr. Stefano Pallanti.
It is necessary to specify the purpose of the visit (clinical evaluation, insurance evaluation, forensic evaluation, or certifications) at the time of booking. The cost of the initial visit will be determined based on the specific nature and purpose of the visit. It should be noted that Dr. Pallanti does not not perform forensic expert opinions.
Our staff is always careful to your needs and guarantees the highest privacy; any information you provide will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.
2. Collection of medical records
Before your initial explanatory visit, carefully collect all medical documentation you have related to the reason for the visit. This may include:
Medical reports and diagnostic exams;
Recent specific examinations and instrumental tests performed;
Evaluations and reports made by other professionals you have consulted;
Documents related to any surgeries and hospitalizations performed;
Documents related to previous therapies you have undergone;
A detailed list of medications prescribed in the past and/or currently taken, with their side effects or benefits.
Bring this documentation with you during your first meeting with Dr. Pallanti and his team. These documents will be precious for a proper evaluation of your case and will help us establish a solid foundation for your treatment plan.
3. The importance of detailed communication
During your initial explanatory visit, it is essential to carefully communicate to Dr. Pallanti and his staff all the information necessary for a proper assessment of your case. Openly share your symptoms and the duration and intensity of the problems you are facing. Describe their impact on your daily life, work and personal relationships. The more details you provide, the better we will understand your case and plan the most appropriate treatment.
Remember that we are a private center and we place the utmost emphasis on confidentiality about the information you provide to us. It is of paramount importance to us that you can feel fully welcomed and understood without any judgment.
4. Get ready to ask questions
Before your initial explanatory visit with Dr. Pallanti, take some time to write down any questions or concerns you may have about your condition or the proposed treatment plan. Your initial visit is a precious opportunity to get all the information you need and to fully understand the recommended treatment process. During your visit with Dr. Pallanti, you will have the opportunity to discuss and clarify any concerns or worries you may have. Dr. Pallanti and his team are always available to provide further explanation, clarification, and support. Do not hesitate to ask questions and openly communicate your concerns.
5. Make sure you have understood all information and received all documentation
Do not leave the institute without understanding every aspect of the suggested treatment and what transpired at the conclusion of the diagnostic process: what the next steps are, specific recommendations, and possible therapies available. It is important to fully understand the recommended treatment plan, including how to take the prescribed medications, any changes to existing therapies, and follow-up recommendations.
Furthermore, be sure to obtain the necessary prescriptions before you leave the Institute. It is critical that you fully understand the instructions regarding how to take medications, including the correct dosage, the name of the medicine, when and how to take the medicine, and any changes made to previous therapies. If you have any doubts about the information on prescriptions, please seek immediate clarification from the medical staff present at the Institute.
Having this information clear during the initial visit is also essential for your general practitioner and your pharmacist of choice who will be shown the documentation you receive in order to ensure proper management of your treatment. Be sure to provide them with all the necessary information, including prescriptions and recommendations received during your visit with Dr. Pallanti. In this way, they will be able to properly support you and closely monitor your treatment. A clarification of the prescriptions will be provided against payment.
Remember that your well-being is our priority. During your initial consultation, do not hesitate to ask for explanations and clarifications or to discuss your concerns. Dr. Pallanti and the Specialists who assisted you during the initial visit are available to answer all your questions and provide you with comprehensive support throughout your whole treatment journey.
Keep in mind that...
How to get the most out of your visits
Preparing adequately for a medical visit is a crucial step in maximizing the benefit of your time with Dr. Stefano Pallanti and his staff. Not only does it promote effective communication, but it also helps to obtain clear and comprehensive information, facilitating the delivery of appropriate care.
Before the visit
Before your visit with Dr. Pallanti or the other Specialists of the Istituto di Neuroscienze, remember to carefully gather all the medical documentation you have and bring it with you during your visit.
Also, take time to write down any questions or concerns you may have about your disorder or treatment plan. Each visit with Dr. Pallanti and his staff is a precious opportunity to get all the information you need and to fully understand the treatment process you are engaged in.
During the visit
During your visit with Dr. Pallanti, you will have the opportunity to discuss and clarify any concerns or worries you may have. Dr. Pallanti and his team are always available to provide further explanation, clarification, and support. So do not hesitate to ask questions and openly communicate your concerns during the course of your visit to the Neuroscience Institute.
Before leaving the Institute
Do not leave the institute without understanding every aspect of your treatment and what emerged from your visit with Dr. Pallanti or the other specialists at the Istituto di Neuroscienze. It is important to fully understand the treatment performed, including how to take the prescribed medications, any changes to existing therapies, and follow-up recommendations.
Furthermore, be sure to obtain the necessary prescriptions before you leave the Institute. It is critical that you fully understand the instructions regarding how to take medications, including the correct dosage, the name of the medicine, when and how to take the medicine, and any changes made to previous therapies. If you have any doubts about the information on prescriptions, please seek immediate clarification from the medical staff present at the Institute.
Having this information clear during the visit is also essential for your general practitioner and your pharmacist of choice who will be shown the documentation you receive in order to ensure proper management of your treatment. Be sure to provide them with all the necessary information, including prescriptions and recommendations received during your visit with Dr. Pallanti. In this way, they will be able to properly support you and closely monitor your treatment. A clarification of the prescriptions will be provided against payment.
Remember that your well-being is our priority. During your stay at the Istituto di Neuroscienze, do not hesitate to ask for explanations and clarifications or to discuss your concerns. Dr. Pallanti and his team of Specialists are available to answer all your questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Remote visits via Skype
Dr. Stefano Pallanti is a pioneer in telemedicine, recognizing the potential of this remote visiting modality since 2008. Since then, more than 1,500 patients from all over Italy and Abroad have been using the service to make remote visits via Skype with Dr. Pallanti and his collaborators of the Istituto di Neuroscienze, to benefit from our experience regardless of their geographical location!
Thanks to the opportunity offered by the Skype platform, in fact, it is possible to establish a direct and interactive video connection with Prof. Pallanti and his collaborators without the need to physically travel to our center.
This telemedicine approach has always received wide appreciation from our patients! Don't let distance keep you from getting the medical care you need. Choose specialized visits via Skype with Dr. Pallanti and start your healing journey, wherever you are!
How to organize a skype visit?
Download the free video communication software "Skype" and create an account. See the section below "How to download and set up Skype" for further guidance.
Contact the Istituto di Neuroscienze by calling +39 055587889 or via the email address info@istitutodineuroscienze.it to fix an appointment with Dr. Stefano Pallanti, specifying that you would like to do the interview via Skype and indicating whether it is a first visit or a check-up visit.
Ask what is the amount to pay for the specific service for which the appointment was made.
Pay for the service within 3 days from when the appointment is fixed for initial visit or within 5 days prior to the day the appointment is scheduled for control visit and send a copy of the payment receipt, specifying the payment method used (Bank Transfer or PayPal) and the Name used during payment. Please refer to the "Prices and Payment Methods" section below for pricing of services.
Prior to the interview, if required, specific psychological tests and consent forms will be sent by email. Please fill them out and send them back to info@istitutodineuroscienze.it.
Following the confirmation of the payment and any requested material, a trial run of Skype connection will be scheduled.
What is necessary for a Skype visit?
A computer with internet access;
A web-cam, a microphone and headphones, if your computer is not equipped with these accessories;
The Skype software properly installed and configured on your device.
How to download and set up Skype
Type the following link into your Web Browser: https://www.skype.com/get-skype/ and follow the instructions to download the appropriate software version for your operating system (Windows or macOS).
Click and run the downloaded file and follow the instructions given by your computer to complete the software setup.
Once installation is complete, open Skype by double-clicking on its icon (depending on the device being used, it may be on the Desktop, in the Start bar, or in the Applications bar).
Create a new account if you are not already registered or log in if you already have a Microsoft account.
Search for and add our account to your contacts by searching for the username "insdirezione" and clicking on "Add to Contacts."
If you are having troubles carrying out these procedures, we will help you! Just ask at the Reception of our Institute how to do it!
Payment Methods
Payment must be made within 3 days from when the appointment is fixed for an initial visit or within 5 days prior to the day the appointment is scheduled for a control visit. Once you have paid, don't forget to email us a copy of the payment receipt, otherwise we will not be able to trace your payment.
The payment can be done in three ways:
Bank transfer: Please use only instant transfer and indicate the name and surname of the person who is to make the visit, the name of the Doctor or service, and the date of the visit. TRANSFER DETAILS: Payee: CENTRO DI NEUROLOGIA SRL ; IBAN: IT93H0306902924000000014146 ; SWIFT: BCITITMMXXX
Directly through our website at https://istitutodineuroscienze.it/pagamento-prestazioni or by clicking the "Pay with PayPal" button that can be found in the upper right corner within any section of our site. By choosing this payment method, you will NOT need to register with PayPal, but you will easily be able to pay with credit or debit card. Just select the amount you wish to pay, enter your credit or debit card information and complete the payment by following the instructions provided by our site. In this case, please let us know the name of the person from whom the payment was made: if someone pays for you and we have not received this indication, we will not be able to trace the name of the person who has to do the visit.
By pre-authorised Credit Card: our administrative office will send you an e-mail to arrange payment.
Medicine prescriptions
Dr. Stefano Pallanti's Istituto di Neuroscienze can issue a prescription for any medication, but the cost of the medication will be borne by the patient.
Renewal of the prescription is subject to a follow-up visit to monitor the parameters of clinical conditions and for possible titration of the medicine. All follow-up visits are chargeable.
Patients are advised to request the visit and prescription at least 20 days before they run out of the stock of the medicine in their possession.
Prescriptions charged to the Italian National Health Service (SSN)
For prescriptions charged to the Italian National Health Service, the prescription must be made on the Diagnosis and Treatment Plan (PT) of Public Specialist Centers identified by the Italian Regions. Dr. Stefano Pallanti's Istituto di Neuroscienze is a private center that does not produce such a document.
Pursuant to Law 648/96, one's General Practitioner can prescribe medicines charged to the National Health System in the presence of a Treatment Plan (PT) released by the Public Center identified by the Region.
For the identification of the Specialist Center recognized by your Region you can refer to your General Pratictioner.
Should you decide to refer to the specialist centers of the SSN to request the Treatment Plan, the Istituto di Neuroscienze may issue a report containing the diagnosis and thus the indication for the specific pharmacological therapy. It is at the discretion of the SSN Specialist Centers to issue or not the prescription with reimbursement. For this reason, the Istituto di Neuroscienze and Centro di Neurologia srl do not guarantee the reimbursement of the cost.
Sale of Off-Label Medicines
The new indication for filling the prescription for off-label drugs advanced by Federfarma (Di Bella law) conflicts with state law (Presidential Decree 309/1990, Art.43 paragraph 3) in some regions.
Practically, the decision to sell or not to sell medicines against a prescription is left to each individual pharmacist.
In writing prescriptions, we follow what is indicated by state law and recognized by the Tuscany Region; it might be the case that in different regions, some pharmacists reject prescriptions written in this way, claiming that they are wrong. This is not an error in the compilation, but since the legislation has a regional character and, moreover, the interpretation of it depends on each pharmacist, it is impossible to find a method of writing prescriptions that is valid throughout Italy and for all pharmacists.
Please contact different pharmacies if a pharmacist does not accept a prescription.
In the event that a pharmacist does not accept a prescription, please contact different pharmacies.
Diagnosis and Treatments of ADHD
Precision diagnosis
Treatment with stimulant medicines can only be carried out in the presence of a correct diagnosis, supported by results obtained with specific diagnostic tools. Without it, it will first be necessary to undergo the Assessment protocol to obtain diagnostic certification, which will allow one to subsequently undergo the challenge test.
Dr. Stefano Pallanti's Istituto di Neuroscienze uses internationally recognized and scientifically validated clinical and neuropsychological instruments to achieve precision diagnosis.
Diagnosis and treatments procedure
The Diagnosis and Treatment procedure for Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) begins with an initial visit with Dr. Stefano Pallanti.
If Dr. Pallanti believes that it is ADHD, a specific neuropsychological assessment may be prescribed, which can also be done remotely via Skype.
If the diagnosis of ADHD is confirmed, the patient will have to arrange a further visit with Dr. Pallanti ― also, if desired, remotely via Skype ― to determine the most appropriate medication or neuromodulation therapy. Therapeutic choice depends on the overall health condition of the patient.
If the therapeutic choice is methylphenidate, the patient must carry out a Challenge Test before the drug is prescribed, which allows to check the efficacy of the medicine within a controlled environment. The Challenge Test must be performed on-site on two consecutive days.
Medicine prescriptions
The Istituto di Neuroscienze can issue a prescription in both Atomoxetine and Methylphenidate; however, the prescribed medicines are chargeable and the cost of the medication will be borne by the patient.
The renewal of the prescription is subject to a follow-up medical visit to monitor the parameters of clinical conditions and for any titration of the drug. All follow-up visits are chargeable.
Patients are advised to request the visit and prescription at least 20 days before they run out of the stock of the medicine in their possession.
Methylphenidate
In Italy, methylphenidate is sold in the immediate-release (Ritalin®) and modified (Medikinet®, Equasym®) form.
Methylphenidate is recognized for the treatment of ADHD in children and adolescents up to 18 years of age, after which it becomes off-label, literally "Off-Label", which means that it is used for therapeutic purposes not provided for in the package leaflet.
The Methylphenidate prescription is valid for 30 days and it is possible to prescribe up to 30 days of therapy on it by law.
Prescriptions for Methylphenidate cannot be sent by e-mail, as it must be delivered in a single original copy to the pharmacy. The patient, therefore, must come to take it in person at our Institute or, alternatively, arrange a courier shipment at his or her own expense.
Atomoxetine
In Italy, atomoxetine is sold under the Strattera® brand.
Atomoxetine is recognized for the treatment of ADHD in individuals who are at least six years old, therefore also adults.
For the Atomoxetine for now there is no limitation of prescription days.
Prescriptions charged to the Italian National Health Service (SSN)
For prescriptions charged to the Italian National Health Service, prescriptions for the "Methylphenidate" and "Atomoxetine" must be made on the Diagnosis and Treatment Plan (PT) of Public Specialist Centers identified by the Italian Regions. Dr. Stefano Pallanti's Istituto di Neuroscienze is a private center that does not produce such a document.
Please note that Methylphenidate is reimbursable by the Italian National Health Service (Law No. 648 of 23 December 1996) only for patients who started treatment as minors, in order to ensure adequate therapeutic continuity. This means that those who started taking it before the age of 18 have the right to reimbursement even in adulthood, while those who started methylphenidate treatment as adults cannot apply for reimbursement.
On the other hand, Strattera® (Atomoxetine) is recognized for the treatment of ADHD in adults, but in order to be reimbursed, the Diagnosis and Therapeutic Plan must be issued by Specialist Centres identified by the Italian Regions. In fact, in the Decrees of 6 May 2019 and 8 May 2019, published in the Official Gazette no. 113 of 16 May 2019, it was established that the medicines "Methylphenidate" and "Atomoxetine", for the treatment of ADHD, must be prescribed under the SSN system by filling out the monitoring forms on the AIFA web platform.
Should you decide to refer to the specialist centers of the SSN to request the Treatment Plan, the Istituto di Neuroscienze may issue a report containing the diagnosis and thus the indication for treatment with the above-mentioned medicine. It is at the discretion of the SSN Specialist Centers whether to issue or not the prescription with reimbursement. For this reason, the Istituto di Neuroscienze and Centro di Neurologia srl do not guarantee that you can obtain the Treatment Plan and the reimbursement of the cost.
For the identification of the Specialist Center recognized by your Region you can refer to your General Pratictioner.
ADHD medication for children under 18 years old
In Italy, only a public hospital can prescribe an ADHD medication for children. The Istituto di Neuroscienze del Prof. Stefano Pallanti is a private medical center that does not prescribe such medication for children.
To get a prescription, contact the Meyer hospital in Florence and ask them to prescribe these medicines for your children: Viale Gaetano Pieraccini, 24, 50139 Firenze ― Tel. 05556621.
If you do not speak Italian, you will need an interpreter to fix an appointment and to visit a doctor.
Sale of Off-Label Medicines
The new indication for filling the prescription for off-label drugs advanced by Federfarma (Di Bella law) conflicts with state law (Presidential Decree 309/1990, Art.43 paragraph 3) in some regions.
Practically, the decision to sell or not to sell medicines against a prescription is left to each individual pharmacist.
In writing prescriptions, we follow what is indicated by state law and recognized by the Tuscany Region; it might be the case that in different regions, some pharmacists reject prescriptions written in this way, claiming that they are wrong. This is not an error in the compilation, but since the legislation has a regional character and, moreover, the interpretation of it depends on each pharmacist, it is impossible to find a method of writing prescriptions that is valid throughout Italy and for all pharmacists.
In the event that a pharmacist does not accept a prescription, please contact different pharmacies.