Patients seen under “Right to Choose” are regarded as Private patients being seen outside of the NHS.
Where it is felt appropriate, we will refer patients requesting ADHD “right to choose” referrals to their chosen provider. However this referral will only cover the initial consultation and will not include ongoing support from the provider or medication provided on prescription by the practice.
Where a private specialist has initiated and reviewed treatment with any of the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) medications and considers the patient to be stable on treatment, Herts and West Essex ICB (our NHS board) do not recommend prescribing to be transferred directly into primary care as diagnosis and management does not necessarily follow approved NHS ADHD pathways/criteria and there is a requirement for an NHS specialist to undertake an assessment to confirm the diagnosis and review that the prescribing is in line with NHS criteria.
Herts and West Essex ICB only support shared care agreements between an NHS specialist and NHS GP. Shared care between a private consultant and an NHS GP is not supported because if the private part of care is interrupted (e.g., patient unwilling or unable to pay) then the GP is left isolated without the support of an NHS specialist. GP’s cannot take on shared care with private providers.
Please see the the ICB patient guidance below for more information.
https://www.hweclinicalguidance.nhs.uk/all-clinical-areas-documents/search-results/shared-care/
Additional information
Please watch this video here from Dr Sophie on Adult ADHD, including diagnosis, self help, NHS referral waiting times and why choosing to go private may not be beneficial.
Adult ADHD patient information and resources letter here