Patient Advice – Right to Choose Service Referral and Medications

If you have asked us to refer you to a specialist service for an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) assessment and/or treatment under the NHS ‘Right to Choose’ (RTC) scheme, please read the following.

If we feel a referral is appropriate, we will complete this for you and either send it directly to your chosen provider or give it to you to forward. Once the referral has been made, any questions about appointments should be directed to the provider.

Although RTC services are NHS-funded and free for patients, they are often delivered by private companies contracted to the NHS. It is important to understand what to expect from your chosen provider and from the process.

Choice

You are responsible for choosing your preferred RTC provider. We cannot do this on your behalf. The list of providers changes regularly, and the best way to find out what is available is by checking providers’ own websites. Information can also be found by searching for “Right to Choose ADHD” or “Right to Choose ASD” online, or on websites such as ADHD UK.

Referral

Each RTC service has its own referral process. We will provide the standard information required. Some providers may ask you to complete questionnaires or rating scales to support your referral. If the service requires anything further, they should request this from you or from us directly.

Diagnosis, Medication & Follow-Up

RTC providers are responsible for arranging any tests they require, such as blood tests, ECGs, or physical measurements. These should be organised by the provider and not by the practice.

It is important to know that while many RTC providers can offer a diagnosis, not all are able to prescribe or provide long-term treatment. At present, our practice is not able to take on shared care prescribing for ADHD or ASD following private or RTC assessments. If medication is recommended, it must either be prescribed and monitored by the RTC/private provider, or you may need to be referred or transferred into the local NHS service. Local NHS services may ask to carry out their own assessment before accepting you for ongoing care, which may cause some delays.

This is because most ADHD medications require close monitoring and can only be prescribed in primary care under a formal NHS shared care agreement.

Other Considerations

RTC services are independent businesses working under NHS contracts. Their ability to provide care may change if contracts end or companies close. This is one of the reasons we cannot take on prescribing without an NHS service in place for ongoing monitoring and review.

When you are choosing a provider, it may help to share this information with them, so they are aware that any tests, prescribing, and follow-up remain their responsibility unless your care is formally transferred into the NHS.

Greater Manchester ADHD and Autism

For the most up to details on how ADHD and autism assessments are arranged across Greater Manchester, including local NHS pathways and guidance, please visit the Greater Manchester Integrated Care website: https://gmintegratedcare.org.uk/keep-well/adhd-and-autism-assessments/