Right to Choose for ADHD and Autism Assessments
This update is about Right to Choose for ADHD and autism assessments in North East and North Cumbria.
It explains how the process works, recent changes, and what you need to know before a referral is made.
What is Right to Choose?
Right to Choose is an NHS system.
When someone needs specialist care, they may be able to choose who provides it.
It gives some patients a choice about where they receive planned NHS care.
For ADHD and autism assessments, this can mean choosing an NHS-funded provider outside your local NHS service.
The provider may be an NHS service or an independent provider.
You do not pay for an NHS-funded Right to Choose assessment.
This is different from going private. With a private assessment, you pay the provider.
Some providers offer both NHS and private assessments. If you want an NHS-funded referral, it is important to make this clear.
How does it work?
The process starts with your GP. You can talk about the issues or symptoms involved.
If the GP thinks an ADHD or autism assessment is needed, you can discuss the referral options.
Right to Choose may be one of these options.
If you use Right to Choose, you can choose an eligible provider.
Providers
There are lots of organisation who offer ADHD or Autism assessments.
All providers must have an NHS contract to offer Right to Choose services. But they do not all offer the same services.
Providers may differ in:
- whether they assess ADHD, autism, or both
- whether they assess adults, children, or both
- how they carry out assessments
- what care they offer after an assessment
Choosing a provider
The North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (NENC ICB) has a list of providers available through Right to Choose in our region. The list gives information about the services each provider offers.
NENC ICB also has an accreditation process for providers. Providers that have successfully completed this process are marked on the list.
If Right to Choose is the right option for you, we’ll send you the provider list so you can choose the provider that suits you.
A note on waiting times
NENC ICB has set an equalised waiting time of around 78 weeks for a first assessment.
The same wait applies whichever eligible provider you choose.
You may see shorter waiting times on provider websites or elsewhere online. These times may not apply to patients from our region.
Many providers work across the country, and their published times may be for patients referred from other areas.
The NENC ICB provider list has the information that applies to patients in our region. Please use this when choosing a provider.
Already waiting for an assessment?
Your waiting time will not be reset. If you have already been referred and are waiting for an assessment, the time you have already waited will count towards your wait.
If you choose to change provider, your waiting time will not transfer to the new provider. You will start a new waiting period when your new referral is accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I get an assessment?
How do I ask for a Right to Choose referral?
The process starts with your GP.
If a referral is appropriate, you can discuss Right to Choose and your choice of provider with your GP.
Registered patients can send requests through AskMyGP.
Your request should include:
- the provider you would like to use
- a short summary of your symptoms and how they affect you
- an ASRS form if the referral is for ADHD
- an AQ10 form if the referral is for autism
Your chosen provider may also ask for other forms or information. These will need to be completed before your referral can be sent.
What happens after my referral is sent?
Your chosen provider will manage your referral and waiting list.
We cannot see your place on the provider’s waiting list. We also cannot give you an expected assessment date.
If you have questions about your referral or waiting time, please contact the provider directly.
Can I choose any provider?
No. The provider must be able to accept referrals from North East and North Cumbria.
The provider must also offer the type of assessment you need.
The NENC ICB provider list shows which providers are available and what services they offer.
Can I have more than one Right to Choose referral?
No. You can only have one open Right to Choose referral at a time.
If you want to change provider, you must first end your existing referral.
Your previous waiting time will not transfer to the new provider.
You will start a new waiting period when your new referral is accepted.
Do all providers offer the same service?
No. Providers offer different services.
Some only assess ADHD or autism. Others assess both.
Providers may also differ in:
- the age groups they assess
- how they carry out assessments
- what care they offer after an assessment
- whether they offer treatment as well as assessment
Check the NENC ICB provider list before choosing a provider. This will help you understand what each provider offers.
What if I have other health or mental health needs?
Right to Choose may not be suitable for everyone.
Some people may need a wider assessment or more specialist support. In these cases, your GP may recommend a local NHS service instead.
Some Right to Choose providers also have rules about which patients they can accept.
Your GP can discuss the referral options with you.
What happens after a diagnosis?
Who provides my care after an ADHD diagnosis?
Your ADHD provider remains responsible for your ADHD treatment.
This includes prescribing and monitoring ADHD medication, if medication is needed.
We does not currently accept new shared-care arrangements for ADHD medication.
This means your ADHD provider must continue to provide your specialist care if you need ADHD medication.
Can the practice provide blood tests or an ECG for my ADHD medication?
No. We cannot not provide physical health monitoring for ADHD medication.
Your ADHD provider should arrange any blood tests, ECGs or other checks that you need.
You can use the POD machine at the practice to check your height, weight and blood pressure. This is free to use and will give you a record of your results.
What happen after an Autism diagnois?
Autism is not treated with medication.
Support after diagnosis is based on your individual needs and may include advice, practical support and reasonable adjustments at work, in education or when using health services.
The NHS website has more information about autism and available support.
What support is available after an assessment?
The type of support available will depend on your diagnosis and your needs.
Your provider should explain what happens next and what support they can offer.
Information about local support is also available on our website.
I already have a private diagnosis
Can I use a private diagnosis to get NHS care?
Having a private diagnosis does not give you faster access to NHS care.
If you want to move from private care to NHS care, the next steps depend on your diagnosis and your needs.
For some people, an accredited Right to Choose provider may be able to review an existing private diagnosis.
For people with more complex needs, a local NHS service may need to assess the diagnosis and decide what care is needed.
Will I have to wait for another assessment?
This depends on the provider and your circumstances.
A private diagnosis does not automatically mean that you can move straight into NHS treatment.
The provider may need to review the information from your private assessment before deciding what happens next.
For patients who need a new assessment through Right to Choose, the standard NENC waiting time applies.
Can the GP practice take over my ADHD medication after a private diagnosis?
No. We do not currently accept new shared-care arrangements for ADHD medication.
If you need ADHD medication, the specialist provider responsible for your ADHD care must prescribe and monitor it.
This applies whether the original diagnosis was made privately or through Right to Choose.