What is the Right to Choose?
Patients have the right to choose their provider for an ADHD or ASD assessment under the NHS Right to Choose scheme. Our GPs will provide the referral to the patient or send it directly to their chosen provider upon request.
If the patient has any questions about their appointment, they must contact the provider directly. RTC providers are typically private companies with NHS contracts.
Choosing a Right to Choose Provider
Our GPs cannot select a provider on the patient’s behalf. Patients must:
- Research their options.
- Choose a provider that meets their needs.
- Inform the practice of their choice so that we can advise on the next steps.
A useful resource for finding RTC providers is ADHD UK.
Referrals
Since each provider has its own referral process, our GPs cannot complete different forms for every provider. However, most require the same core information. To streamline this process:
- Patients will receive an accuRx questionnaire to complete.
- This will allow us to automatically collect the necessary information for the referral.
- If the provider needs additional details, they can request them directly from the practice or the patient.
- If a patient can not use the accuRx questionnaire then paper copies of this are available at reception.
- We are unable to refer via RTC weblinks due to governance concerns and our standard referral proforma should be accepted as per the British Medical Association Guidelines.
Diagnosis and Follow-up
- Most RTC providers operate remotely and conduct online assessments.
- NHS services may not accept these diagnoses, and additional assessments may be required before transitioning into NHS care.
- The RTC provider is responsible for arranging any transfer of care into the NHS. Some providers claim they cannot do this, but this is incorrect and leads to unnecessary delays and additional work for our team.
- Please also consider self-referral to Talking Therapies following any diagnosis.
Prescriptions and Shared Care Agreements
If an RTC provider diagnoses a patient with ADHD, they may recommend medication. However:
- ADHD medications are specialist-prescribed drugs, meaning GPs cannot routinely prescribe them.
- The prescribing responsibility remains with the specialist service.
- RTC providers may request a Shared Care Agreement, but we are unable to enter in to these due to:
- Patient safety concerns – Each RTC provider has different prescribing protocols.
- Service continuity risks – If an RTC provider ceases trading or loses its NHS contract, prescriptions may be suddenly discontinued.
Patients should consider this before choosing a provider and ensure their RTC provider will continue prescribing any recommended medications.
Next Steps for Patients
- Step 1: We will send the patient an accuRx questionnaire to complete, this includes the provider you are choosing.
- Step 2: We will confirm to the patient when the referral has been sent.
If you do not receive confirmation within 7 days then please contact us to ensure we have received your request.
