ADHD Referrals, right to choose and private providers
ADHD Medication & Right to Choose: Important Information from Highfield Surgery
We’re receiving an increasing number of queries regarding ADHD medication and the NHS Right to Choose pathway, so we’d like to clarify our practice policy.
At Highfield Surgery, we do not enter into agreements with private providers to prescribe medication requested via the Right to Choose pathway. This pathway allows patients diagnosed with a condition in the private sector to choose an NHS provider to receive ongoing care, such as prescriptions.
What is the Right to Choose Pathway?
The Right to Choose gives patients diagnosed privately the option to have their NHS GP take over their shared care agreement for prescribing medication.
Pros of Right to Choose:
Potentially quicker access to medication after a private diagnosis.
Continued care within the NHS system.
Cons of Right to Choose:
Your NHS GP can choose not to accept the transfer of care and prescribing responsibilities, as is the case at Highfield Surgery. This is due to factors including capacity, resources, and the GP’s ability to provide safe and effective care based on the information received from private providers.
Shared care requires clear communication and shared responsibility between the private provider and the NHS GP, which can sometimes be complex.
Why doesn’t Highfield Surgery participate in Right to Choose for ADHD medication?
As we are not commissioned to provide these services, we’ve made this decision to ensure we can continue providing safe and effective care to all our patients. Accepting shared care agreements for privately diagnosed ADHD often requires significant additional resources and administrative work, which impacts our capacity to deliver timely care to our existing patients. We also need to ensure continuity of care and complete medical records, which can be challenging with externally initiated treatments.
We understand this may be frustrating for some patients. If you have been diagnosed with ADHD privately, please discuss your medication needs with your private provider. They can advise on alternative options for accessing prescriptions.
For further information about ADHD services within the NHS, please contact your local Integrated Care Board (ICB) or visit the NHS website.
