What Right to Choose is
Patients in England who are registered with a GP have the legal Right to Choose who will provide them with certain services. This Right to Choose is set out in the NHS Choice Framework.
For example, you can choose which GP practice you register with. If your GP refers you for a physical or mental health condition, in most cases you can also choose which healthcare provider you’d like to see.
Autism assessments, ADHD assessments and ADHD medication all come under Right to Choose. If you feel you, your child or someone you care for needs an assessment for autism or ADHD, talk to your GP. If they agree, you can ask them to refer you to The Owl.
Why use your Right to Choose
NHS waiting lists are often very long. Many people, particularly people who are neurodivergent, find waiting for an appointment difficult. (You can get help from Waiting Well if you’re finding waiting difficult.)
If you ask to be referred to a private provider, you may be seen more quickly. In some cases, you may be seen a lot more quickly.
Using your Right to Choose does not affect the quality of the care you receive. It just gives you choice over who provides it.
NHS-funded care at no cost to you
There is no cost to you when you use your Right to Choose a private provider. The NHS will fund your assessment and diagnosis.
Paying for ADHD medication
After your assessment, if you’re prescribed medication to treat ADHD:
- you won’t have to pay if you’re eligible for free prescriptions
- you will have to pay if you usually pay for your prescriptions.
