Introduction
This document outlines the Right to Choose (RTC) referral process for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) assessments. It aims to provide clear guidance for both practice staff and patients, ensuring an efficient and safe referral process.
The document is divided into two sections:
- Practice Implementation – Guidance for staff on processing RTC referrals.
- Patient Information – A structured guide to help patients understand their choices, responsibilities, and next steps.
This structured process ensures efficient referrals, patient safety, and minimal administrative burden while clarifying responsibilities for both patients and practice staff. By implementing this, we aim to streamline RTC referrals, reduce unnecessary delays, and protect practice resources.
Practice Implementation: RTC Referral Process
Overview
RTC allows patients to choose their preferred NHS-contracted provider for ADHD/ASD assessments. This process is designed to ensure referrals are handled consistently while maintaining patient safety and minimising administrative burdens.
Key Practice Considerations
- Patients must choose their own provider—GPs cannot recommend one.
- RTC providers are responsible for arranging any transition to NHS services.
- GPs cannot routinely prescribe ADHD medications, and Shared Care Agreements are NOT accepted with any private providor.
Patient Information: Right to Choose Referrals and Prescriptions
What is the Right to Choose?
Patients have the right to choose their provider for an ADHD or ASD assessment under the NHS Right to Choose scheme. Our GPs will provide the referral to the patient or send it directly to their chosen provider upon request.
If the patient has any questions about their appointment, they must contact the provider directly. RTC providers are typically private companies with NHS contracts.
Choosing a Right to Choose Provider
Our GPs cannot select a provider on the patient’s behalf. Patients must:
- Research their options.
- Choose a provider that meets their needs.
- Inform the practice of their choice so that we can advise on the next steps.
A useful resource for finding RTC providers is ADHD UK: https://adhduk.co.uk
Diagnosis and Follow-up
- Most RTC providers operate remotely and conduct online assessments.
- NHS services may not accept these diagnoses, and additional assessments may be required before transitioning into NHS care.
- The RTC provider is responsible for arranging any transfer of care into the NHS. Some providers claim they cannot do this, but this is incorrect and leads to unnecessary delays and additional work for our team.
Prescriptions and Shared Care Agreements
If an RTC provider diagnoses a patient with ADHD, they may recommend medication. However:
- ADHD medications are specialist-prescribed drugs, meaning GPs cannot routinely prescribe them.
- The prescribing responsibility remains with the specialist service.
- RTC providers may request a Shared Care Agreement, but we DO NOTE enter into these due to:
- Patient safety concerns – Each RTC provider has different prescribing protocols.
- Service continuity risks – If an RTC provider ceases trading or loses its NHS contract, prescriptions may be suddenly discontinued.
Patients should consider this before choosing a provider and ensure their RTC provider will continue prescribing any recommended medications.
Summary: Key Points to Consider Before Choosing an RTC Provider
| Topic | Key Information |
| Choosing a provider | Patients must research and select their own provider. A good starting point is ADHD UK. |
| Diagnosis acceptance | NHS services may not accept RTC diagnoses without reassessment. |
| NHS transfer responsibility | The RTC provider must arrange any transition into NHS care. Some may claim they cannot, but this is not true. |
| Prescriptions | Our GPs cannot routinely prescribe ADHD medication. Prescriptions remain the responsibility of the RTC provider. |
| Shared Care Agreements | We DO NOT to enter into a Shared Care Agreement due to patient safety concerns and service continuity risks. |
If patients have further questions, they should speak with us before making a decision.