At Talbot Medical Centre we know that long waiting times for ADHD and Autism (ASD) assessments can be very stressful. This information is to explain how “Right to Choose” (RTC) referrals work, what we can and cannot do as a GP practice, and what you should expect if you decide to use this route.
1. What is “Right to Choose”?
Under NHS England’s Right to Choose arrangements, in some situations patients can choose to be referred to an alternative provider for certain services, including diagnostic assessments for ADHD and Autism.
Key points:
- These providers are NHS-funded, but are often separate from local NHS trusts (such as local mental health providers)
- They have been commissioned to provide assessment services , usually via remote or regional clinics.
- They often offer quicker access to diagnostic assessment than local NHS services.
2. Information we need from for referral to a right to choose provider
- Adults -> ADHD
Please complete the ADHD referral Questionnaire on the Talbot Medical Centre website and follow the guidance in the link below.
Adult ADHD – Talbot Medical Centre
- Adults -> Autism (ASD)
Please let us know the full details of your preferred Right To Choose provider [email protected] with ‘Request ASD RTC Assessment’ in the subject line and a statement describing your signs or symptoms – please ensure this is a CQC registered provider (CQC logo usually visible on home page of Right to Choose provider)
- Children
When referring to Community Paediatrics or CAMHS, schools are required to prepare a detailed report. This is also required in order to access Right to Choose referral.
This usually includes things like:
– School reports about learning, behaviour and attention
– Observations of your child in the classroom and playground
– Any support plans, SEN support, or EHCP information
– Relevant safeguarding or pastoral concerns
Without this information, it is difficult for us to make a safe and appropriate referral.
If you are considering a Right to Choose referral, please:
– Speak to your child’s SENCO or class teacher
– Let them know you are seeking an assessment, and
– Ask them to complete any school questionnaires or reports requested by the GP or the assessment provider.
Once you have the above information, please choose which Right To Choose provider you would like your child to be referred to. This must be CQC registered (CQC logo usually visible on the home webpage of most Right To Choose providers).
– Email this information to [email protected]with “Request Right To Choose Referral” in the subject line. *IMPORTANT* Please state which Right To Choose provider you would like your child referred to – this must be chosen by you – all we ask is that it is a CQC registered provider. This will then be saved to your record and passed to the secretarial team to progress to the next steps.
3. Assessment vs. prescribing – what’s the difference?
It is important to understand the difference between:
- Diagnostic assessment – where a specialist team assesses for ADHD and/or Autism and provides a report and recommendations.
- Prescribing and monitoring medication – if medication is recommended (for example, for ADHD), this involves ongoing prescribing, dose adjustments, monitoring of side effects, and regular reviews.
Right to Choose providers can:
- Offer an assessment and
- Make recommendations, which may include starting medication.
However, a recommendation to start medication does not mean that your GP will automatically prescribe it.
4. Our prescribing position at Talbot Medical Centre
GPs can only prescribe medication if a shared care agreement is in place, which is equivalent to those agreed with Dorset ICB for local NHS services and prescribing is considered safe and appropriate.
- Shared care requests are reviewed on an individual basis
- Prescribing medication is not guaranteed
- Your GP may decline shared care if it is not appropriate
5. What this means for you
If you choose to use a Right to Choose provider for ADHD or Autism assessment:
- You may be seen more quickly for an assessment.
- You will usually receive a diagnostic report and recommendations.
- If medication is recommended, Talbot Medical Centre will review the request for Shared Care for safety and appropriateness – prescribing is not guaranteed
6. And lastly,
Dorset ICB has asked that when Right To Choose referrals that are done for pathways outside of Dorset for ADHD or Autism referrals, any local referrals should be cancelled.
Patients should not be on a local waiting list and another waiting list in the UK at the same time.
