ADHD Assessment and the Right to Choose Pathway

Posted by: Eliott - Posted on:

We understand the frustration caused by long waiting times for local NHS services. These delays are a national issue and reflect increasing demand. However, we want to ensure you are fully informed before deciding to pursue an ADHD assessment through the Right to Choose route.

Important Information About the Right to Choose Pathway:

You have a legal right under NHS policy to choose any provider for your ADHD assessment, as long as the provider holds a valid NHS contract. While this can offer faster access in some cases, it is important to understand the following potential limitations:

  1. Not all Right To Choose providers offer full NHS-funded treatment. Many offer assessments and diagnoses only, without follow-up or prescribing services.
  2. A diagnosis from an Right To Choose provider may not automatically grant you access to local NHS services for treatment or support, especially if the provider is outside the locally approved pathway.
  3. Our GP practice is only able to prescribe ADHD medications under shared care arrangements which must meet the below criteria:
    • The diagnosis and treatment plan originate from a provider who has a formal, locally approved shared care agreement with Navigo (our local mental health service).
    • We receive written confirmation from Navigo that they accept shared prescribing responsibility.

Unfortunately, most Right to Choose providers do not have an approved agreement with Navigo. This means we cannot take over prescribing or monitoring responsibilities, which may leave patients with a diagnosis but no access to medication or treatment via the NHS locally.

Our Recommendation:

To ensure you receive safe, coordinated, and recognised care, we strongly recommend pursuing referral through the locally approved NHS ADHD service. This route, while subject to delays, guarantees:

  • A diagnosis accepted by local NHS services.
  • Access to follow-up treatment and medication.
  • A shared care pathway supported by Navigo and your GP.

If you still wish to explore an RTC provider, we advise checking that:

  • They are currently eligible under NHS rules.
  • They offer both diagnosis and treatment.
  • You understand that follow-up prescribing may not be possible through our practice unless arrangements are approved locally.

We hope this provides clarity an