Navigating the healthcare system to secure a diagnosis for neurodivergent conditions like Autism and ADHD can be challenging. When you already feel like you have waited a lifetime, it doesn’t feel fair to be made to wait even longer, but the waiting times in some areas of the UK are so long that it would seem that a private diagnosis would be your only option – for example in Kent, the waiting time for an ADHD assessment is around 7 years.
However, a private diagnosis is just not possible for many people. The cost is not just the diagnosis appointment itself; it’s the follow-up appointments and the titration. Did you know that in some cases, you cannot switch back to the NHS? Some people have found that their GP will not accept their private prescription or diagnosis and, therefore, have no choice but to continue paying for private prescriptions and follow-up appointments if they want to continue their treatment.
So, how can we make assessment accessible? By utilising the “Right to Choose”.
Understanding the “Right to Choose”
The NHS “Right to Choose” allows patients in England to choose where they receive their care and treatment, including selecting which hospital or service provider will handle their case. This is especially beneficial when seeking specialist assessments for conditions like Autism and ADHD which have lengthy waiting lists in certain NHS trusts.
The Right to Choose scheme came into existence in 2018, so there are still some people (and GPs) who are unaware of it, and how it can be used. Importantly, not all assessment centres are a “Right to Choose” provider. In order to become a clinic provider, they must supply the same service to the NHS somewhere in England – it cannot be a private only clinic. In order to ensure you are selecting an appropriate provider, check their website for a “Right to Choose” section. This should detail their process, what forms they require, and their current wait list length.
You should also be aware that not all clinics provide the same services. Some may only provide assessments for ADHD, or for a certain age group. Also, if medication for ADHD is important to you, be mindful that not all providers offer this service. At the time of this article, Clinical Partners do not offer this service, and Psychiatry UK offers an additional waiting time of at least 7 months after you receive your ADHD diagnosis.
Benefits of Using “Right to Choose”
- Shorter Waiting Times: By choosing a provider with a shorter waiting list, you can receive a diagnosis and start treatment sooner
- Personalised Choice: Greater control over healthcare decisions helps you feel more in control of the outcome
Steps to Use Your “Right to Choose”
- Identify a Suitable Provider: Research your options and select someone who can provide the assessment you need within a waiting time you are happy with.
- Discuss with your GP: Schedule an appointment with your GP to discuss your symptoms and the need for an assessment. If you want more than one assessment, ask for a double appointment and request them at the same time.
- Specify the Right to Choose: Clearly state that you wish to use your NHS Right to Choose. Use phrases like “I would like to use my NHS Right to Choose to be referred to [specific provider]” or “Can you please refer me to [specific provider” under the Right to Choose scheme for an ADHD/AUtism assessment?”
- Provide the Necessary Documentation: Prepare the relevant documents. This is usually a referral letter from your chosen clinic’s website, and a completed form (AQ10 for Autism and the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale for ADHD). Check the clinic’s website to ensure you have provided your GP with everything they need for the referral to prevent delays or denied requests.
- Follow up: Ensure you check that the referral was sent to your clinic. This step is very important. Many people have found that they have completed everything only to have the GP practice not send the referral or send it to an incorrect address. If you do not receive a confirmation from the clinic within two months, then confirm again with the GP practice that they definitely sent your referral and where they sent it.
What to Expect After Referral?
Once the chosen provider accepts your referral, they will contact you to arrange an appointment. It may start simply with a confirmation that you are on their system and a request for more information via forms. In some cases you may be given the opportunity to upload old school reports, if you did not supply these with your GP referral.
For more information on the assessment process, why not ask other members in our forum for advice? This way, you can get more specific advice on the experience of each individual clinic.
