What is UDM and why do we use it?
Urine drug monitoring (UDM) is a standard safety practice used by clinics across the country for patients prescribed controlled medications, including stimulants for ADHD. It's a simple urine test that checks for your prescribed medication, along with any other substances that could interact with your treatment or affect your safety.
At Circle Medical, we use UDM to:
Confirm your medication is present as expected (adherence monitoring)
Check for drug interactions or undisclosed substances that could affect your health
Support safe, responsible prescribing as part of your overall care plan
UDM isn't a test to "catch" you or judge you. It's a routine clinical tool, similar to checking your blood pressure or ordering blood work, that helps your provider make informed decisions about your care.
UDM also isn't mandatory. Whether it becomes part of your care is up to your provider's discretion, and it's a decision the two of you make together. You're always welcome to ask questions, share any concerns, or discuss alternatives before any test is done.
Is drug monitoring common?
Yes. UDM is widely used in practices that prescribe controlled substances. Many primary care clinics, psychiatry practices, and specialty clinics include it in their standard protocols as part of prescribing controlled substances.
UDM is considered a best practice by organizations such as the American Academy of Pain Medicine and the American Society of Addiction Medicine.
When might UDM be part of my care?
If your provider recommends UDM, it's most often offered at two routine points:
Before you start stimulant medication (or at your first appointment, if you're already prescribed)
And then about once every 12 months during ongoing treatment.
UDM works much like checking your blood pressure or ordering annual labs, a standard part of keeping your treatment safe and effective.
UDM isn't required for every patient. Because it's up to each provider's discretion, your provider may recommend it, order it only if your care suggests it would help, or decide it isn't needed for you.
If UDM does come up, it's not a punishment or a sign that something is wrong. It's simply one of the ways your provider monitors your treatment and makes sure your medication is working as intended.
How to prepare for your UDM
To make sure your results are useful and accurate:
Take your medication as prescribed in the 2–3 days before your test. Stimulants are typically detectable for about 2–3 days after a dose.
Stay normally hydrated, but avoid drinking a lot of fluids right before your test. Too much water can dilute your urine and make the results harder to read.
Tip: Fasting isn't required for urine drug screens.
Booking your lab appointment
Most Quest and Labcorp locations accept walk-ins, but we strongly recommend booking ahead. Scheduled patients are seen first, so walk-ins often wait longer.
Quest
Visit appoinment.questdiagnostics.com and follow the instructions.
If you have a Quest account, your lab orders should appear in a menu of options.
If you don't have an account, schedule as a guest. For "reason for visiting," select:
'All Other Tests', if you're using your provider's order
'Purchased a test from Quest', if you're buying the lab order yourself
Labcorp
Visit labcorp.com/patients/labs-and-appointments and select "Routine Labwork."
What happens after the test?
Your provider will review your results with you at your next appointment or through your Secure Care Inbox in the mobile app or web portal.
Most of the time, results are straightforward and simply confirm that your treatment is on track.
If anything unexpected comes up, your provider will talk it through with you without judgment and decide on next steps together.
What if my insurance doesn't cover UDM?
If your insurance doesn't cover UDM, or you'd prefer to self-pay, you can order your own test:
Labcorp On Demand (ondemand.labcorp.com): select "Complete Drug Test"
Quest (questhealth.com): select "Drug Screening Test Panel - Expanded"
Once you have your results, upload them through the Circle Medical mobile app or web portal:
Your results go straight to your Circle Medical provider. If needed, your provider may ask you to book an appointment to review them in more detail.
What if I have questions or concerns?
If you have questions about UDM, whether about timing, preparation, insurance coverage, or anything else, start a chat in the mobile app or web portal. The Care Team can forward questions to your provider.
It's always okay to ask about your options before you decide. UDM is only ever done with your knowledge and agreement, and we're here to help you understand the process and feel comfortable with your care.