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Right to Choose ADHD Assessment
Under the NHS ‘Right to Choose’ scheme, patients can choose from approved providers for certain services — including ADHD assessments. This means you can decide which NHS-contracted provider you would like to complete your ADHD assessment - rather than being referred only to local NHS services.
If you decide to use the Right to Choose route, our GPs can provide or send the referral to your chosen provider once you have selected them.
How the Process Works
Step 1: Choosing Your Provider
- You are responsible for researching and selecting your own ADHD assessment provider. Our GPs cannot recommend or choose a provider for you.
- A good place to start is the ADHD UK website, which lists current Right to Choose providers
- When choosing, consider waiting times, whether they offer online or in-person assessments, and what support they provide after diagnosis.
Step 2: Completing the Questionnaire (text or email)
- You’ll receive a questionnaire by text or email to collect the information needed for your referral.
- Please complete this promptly to avoid delays.
- If your chosen provider needs extra details, they can contact us directly.
After Your Assessment
Most ‘Right to Choose’ providers conduct remote (online) assessments. If you receive a diagnosis and treatment plan from one of these providers, please note:
- Some NHS services may not automatically accept ‘Right to Choose’ diagnoses, and you may need reassessment before transferring into NHS care.
- The ‘Right to Choose’ provider is responsible for arranging any transfer of care into NHS services.
Prescriptions and Medication
If your ‘Right to Choose’ provider recommends ADHD medication:
- ADHD medications are specialist-only prescriptions, and GPs cannot routinely prescribe them.
- The prescribing responsibility remains with the specialist service that diagnosed and manages your condition.
- Our practice can only enter into Shared Care Agreements with NHS providers to ensure safety and continuity of care.
Before You Choose a Provider
Choosing a provider
- You must research and select your own provider. Start with ADHD UK
Referral process
- We’ll send a questionnaire to collect your details before referring you
Diagnosis acceptance
- Some NHS services may not accept RTC diagnoses without reassessment
Transfer into NHS care
- The RTC provider must arrange this — not the GP.
Prescriptions
- Our GPs cannot routinely prescribe ADHD medication. The RTC provider remains responsible.
Shared Care Agreements
- We only enter into Shared Care Agreements with NHS providers.
Summary
- You choose your preferred NHS-contracted provider.
- We send you a questionnaire to complete.
- You notify us once you have chosen your provider.
- We prepare and send your referral.
- Your provider arranges your assessment and any transfer of care
Need Help Deciding?
If you’re unsure about using the ‘Right to Choose route’ or have questions about how it works, please speak with one of our team before making a decision. We’re here to help guide you through the process safely and clearly
National Support
National Autistic Society
Founded in 1962, they are the UK’s leading charity for autistic people and their families. Their goal is to help transform lives, change attitudes and create a society that works for autistic people.
Autism Independent UK
Autism Independent UK helps to increase awareness of autism to the notice of all, together with well established and newly developed approaches in the diagnosis, assessment, education and treatment.
Dimensions
They support people with learning disabilities and autism to have a louder voice, choice and control in their lives.
ASD Helping Hands
ASD Helping Hands will support all service users affected by an Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) regardless of age or what stage of life they are at. We aim to offer guidance, practical advice and support whether you are personally affected or you are an associated family member, carer, friend or professional. We will actively champion the rights of all people affected by an ASD and aim to make a positive difference to their lives while delivering a service that is accessible, reliable and trust