ADHD referral process and Right to Choose (RTC)

This document outlines the Right to Choose (RTC) referral process for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) assessments. It aims to provide clear guidance for patients, ensuring an efficient and safe referral process.

There is no local ADHD service in Herefordshire and Worcestershire and therefore we have to use the right to choose pathway.

What is the Right to Choose?

Patients have the right to choose their provider for an ADHD assessment under the NHS Right to Choose scheme. We will provide send the referral directly to your chosen provider upon request.

RTC providers are typically private companies with NHS contracts and are based all around the country.

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

Referrals

Since each provider has its own referral process, our GPs cannot complete different forms for every provider. However, most require the same core information. To streamline this process:

  • Patients will receive an AccuRx questionnaire to complete. Please ensure all information is filled out or your referral will not be processed.
  • This will allow us to automatically collect the necessary information for the referral.
  • If the provider needs additional details, they can request them directly from the practice or the patient.

Diagnosis and Follow-up

  • Most RTC providers operate remotely and conduct online assessments.
  • NHS services may not accept these diagnoses.

 

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 not accept these agreements.
    • 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.

Please click here for more information about our shared care agreements: https://www.belmontmedicalcentre.co.uk/welcome-to-belmont-medical-centre/practice-information/

 

Next Steps for Patients

  • Step 1: If you want to be referred for an assessment please let us know and we will send you a text questionnaire to complete.
  • Step 2: Fill in the questionnaire making sure you answer all the questions. This will include reporting your ASRS score (link in the questionnaire and here: 10852_elto_question_fhp2.PDF  You will also need to state the right to choose provider you want to be referred to.

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.
Referral process We will send an AccuRx questionnaire to collect necessary details.
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 will not 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.