If you would like to be referred to a private services for ADHD diagnosis under the NHS Right to Choose option then please read the following information carefully before requesting a referral.
Not all private services will be funded by the local ICB under the Right to Choose offer.
To make sure that your private care is funded please check with your chosen provider the following:
• Confirm they are an accredited Provider of Choice with South Yorkshire ICB
• What their current waiting times are
• Whether or not a Provider is able to assess for all aspects of
Neurodevelopment including ADHD, ASD (or both).
• How the Provider of Choice will keep your GP informed about your care and
treatment including medication.
• Options for post-diagnostic care including medication and shared care
arrangements.
You must then let us know who your chosen provider is so we can arrange your referral – we cannot choose a provider for you.
If your chosen provider diagnoses you with a neuro-developmental issue and suggests or prescribes medication for that condition please note the following:
Conisbrough Group Practice does NOT prescribe ADHD medication which has been recommended via private clinics. This decision is a Practice wide policy and is not variable between our GP’s.
GPs in the UK are not obligated to accept private ADHD diagnoses or prescribing recommendations. Shared Care Agreements (SCA) are only accepted from local NHS ADHD clinics
This decision has been made on the grounds of safety concerns.
Patients who are referred to a private ADHD clinic even through the NHS Right to Choose route must pay for private prescriptions until transferred to an NHS specialist.
Key Aspects of GP Prescribing After Private Diagnosis
- No Automatic Transfer: A private diagnosis does not mean the NHS must take over medication management.
- Shared Care Agreement (SCA): This is a formal agreement where the specialist monitors you, and the GP prescribes – this practice does not agree to these with private providers
- Re-referral Required: To get NHS-funded medication, you need to be referred back into the local NHS adult ADHD service for a new assessment, which may involve long waiting lists.
- Refusal Rights: GPs have the right to refuse to prescribe.
- Costs: When the GP practice refuses to accept the shared care, you will need to continue paying for private consultations and prescription
