Right to Choose: Getting Fast NHS-Funded Assessment

Right to Choose Explained

Right to Choose is a legal entitlement under Section 75 of the NHS Act 2006. You can choose any approved provider for ADHD assessment, the NHS pays them (£1200-1500), and you wait 8-12 weeks instead of 18+ months on the NHS waiting list.

Who Can Use Right to Choose?

• You need a GP referral letter to "Adult ADHD Assessment Service"
• Your GP doesn't choose the provider - you do
• It's completely free to you
• Available across England (varies in Scotland/Wales/NI)

The Step-by-Step Process

1. Get a GP Referral

Book GP appointment. Explain why you think you have ADHD - use specific examples: "I lose hours to hyperfocus," "I can't organise my time despite trying," "I feel things intensely." Ask for a referral letter to "Adult ADHD Assessment Service." The letter should include brief clinical reason and your contact details.

2. Choose Your Provider

Common Right to Choose providers: Psychiatry-UK, Clinical Partners, some private psychiatrists. Visit their websites, check wait times, check if they're accepting Right to Choose patients. You choose based on location, communication style, reputation.

3. Contact Your Chosen Provider

Call or email the provider with your referral letter. Provide GP details. They'll send you a detailed questionnaire to complete (often 5-10 pages about childhood, education, symptoms, family history). Complete thoroughly and honestly - this forms the basis of assessment.

4. Assessment Appointment

Usually 2-3 hours via video or in-person. They'll review your questionnaire, ask detailed questions about childhood and current symptoms, may do cognitive screening, rule out other conditions (anxiety, depression, autism). Most providers do this in one session.

5. Diagnostic Report

Within 2-4 weeks you receive a full diagnostic report. If ADHD is confirmed, it includes medication recommendations and next steps. Report is comprehensive (10-20 pages) and suitable for GP, employer, or educational institutions.

What If My GP Won't Refer?

GPs sometimes refuse or seem dismissive. Your options:

1. Ask another GP in the practice
2. Request a second opinion
3. Explain it's your right under Section 75 NHS Act 2006
4. Go fully private

Your GP doesn't get to veto Right to Choose - they just provide the referral letter.

Right to Choose vs NHS vs Private - Quick Comparison

Route	Cost to you	Wait time	Quality
NHS direct	Free	18-36 months	Good but slow
Right to Choose	Free	8-12 weeks	Excellent
Fully private	£500-2000	4-8 weeks	Excellent