NHS Right to Choose | ADHD Doctors

Right to Choose · Adult ADHD

Assessment and medication titration

Make an appointment with your GP

Speak to your GP about the symptoms you are experiencing. If they agree a specialist assessment is needed, you have the right under NHS Right to Choose to ask for a referral to ADHD Doctors. Referrals must come from your GP; we cannot accept self-referrals on this route.

Complete the documents and take them to your GP

It helps to bring a short covering letter and a completed ASRS (Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale). Our template letter includes the referral form your GP needs to complete. Download both below.

Ask your GP to refer to us

Your GP should complete the referral form and attach a letter with your personal details (including email), a summary of your care, your completed ASRS and a statement that the referral is for an adult ADHD assessment under Right to Choose, addressed to ADHD Doctors, [Address]. Referrals go via e-RS or to [RTC referral email].

Acknowledgement and booking

We acknowledge referrals within one working day and contact you within ten working days to explain the pathway, discuss any reasonable adjustments and book your assessment. You then receive a pre-assessment pack to complete online.

Assessment, report and treatment

A consultant-led assessment by video, followed by a written report for you and your GP within ten working days. If medication is appropriate we titrate the dose, monitor your physical health and work with your GP to set up shared care. If your GP cannot take over prescribing, we continue to prescribe and review annually.

Right to Choose · Adult autism

Adult autism (ASC) assessment

Speak to your GP

Explain your concerns about possible autism. If your GP agrees an assessment is needed, ask to be referred to ADHD Doctors under Right to Choose.

Complete the AQ-10 and template letter

Bring a completed AQ-10 (Autism Quotient) and our template letter, which includes the referral form for your GP. Download both below.

Your GP sends the referral

Via e-RS or to [Autism RTC referral email], with your personal details, a summary of your care, the completed AQ-10 and a statement that the referral is for an adult autism assessment under Right to Choose.

Early contact and reasonable adjustments

Once accepted, we contact you to confirm your preferred way to communicate and ask about adjustments: longer appointments, particular times of day, easy-read information, a supporter or interpreter. You then receive a pre-assessment pack including developmental and psychometric questionnaires, some of which need input from someone who knew you as a child.

Assessment, feedback and post-diagnostic support

A multidisciplinary assessment including ADI-R and ADOS-2, a detailed report shared with you and your GP within ten working days, and a feedback appointment to discuss the outcome, practical strategies and local support. Where further input is needed we prepare a clinical handover for your GP or receiving service.

Downloads and GP referral template

Download links are placeholders. Upload the real documents to assets/docs/ and link them here.

Template wording for your GP

Dear Dr [GP name],

I would like to request a referral to ADHD Doctors for an assessment of [ADHD / autism] under NHS Right to Choose (NHS Constitution; the NHS Commissioning Board and Clinical Commissioning Groups (Responsibilities and Standing Rules) Regulations 2012). ADHD Doctors holds an NHS Standard Contract for this service and is regulated by the CQC.

Please send the referral via e-RS or to [Referral email address]. Provider details: ADHD Doctors, [Address], [Phone number].

Thank you,
[Your name, date of birth, NHS number]

What if my GP says no?

Occasionally a GP is unfamiliar with Right to Choose. Point them to NHS England's guidance on patient choice, or contact us and we will send the practice a letter explaining the legal framework. If you are still refused you can raise it with the practice manager or your local Integrated Care Board (ICB).

FAQs

Right to Choose questions

Can I still be referred if I'm already on another NHS waiting list?

Yes, provided you have not yet had your first appointment with the other service. Your GP will need to withdraw the existing referral.

Do I have to pay for these assessments?

No. Assessment, titration and shared care set-up are fully funded by the NHS. Medication is dispensed on NHS prescription, so normal NHS prescription charges apply.

Can I self-refer?

Not on the NHS route. Right to Choose referrals must come from your GP. You can self-refer for a private assessment.

Where will my appointments take place?

Right to Choose assessments are conducted by secure video, so you will need a laptop, tablet or phone with a camera. In-person appointments can be arranged where a reasonable adjustment requires it.

What happens if I miss or need to cancel an appointment?

Please give at least 48 hours' notice. If you miss appointments we will make reasonable efforts to contact you before considering discharge, and will always inform your GP.

What happens after diagnosis?

For ADHD, titration begins if you choose medication, followed by a shared care request to your GP once stable. For autism, you receive a feedback session, a detailed report and signposting to local support.

Information for patients referred via NHS Right to Choose

Check your local NHS wait time