Under the NHS England “Right to Choose” framework, many patients in England have a legal right to choose their provider for their first outpatient appointment and subsequent treatment where clinically appropriate. This legal principle forms part of the NHS patient choice framework and allows eligible patients to access approved independent providers commissioned to deliver NHS-funded services.
This pathway has become particularly important within ADHD and Autism services due to the significant national increase in referral demand and exceptionally long waiting lists in many local NHS services. NHS England’s independent ADHD Taskforce acknowledged serious concerns regarding timely access to assessment and treatment and highlighted the substantial risks associated with delayed diagnosis and untreated ADHD.
National reports and parliamentary evidence have shown that some patients and families have experienced waits extending into several years for ADHD and Autism assessments. Because of these delays, the NHS has increasingly utilised independent providers through the Right to Choose pathway to ensure patients can access more timely assessments and treatment.
In practical terms, this means:
Reports from NHS England and healthcare policy organisations have repeatedly highlighted the importance of improving early diagnosis and intervention because untreated ADHD and Autism may significantly impact education, employment, relationships, mental health, emotional wellbeing, and overall quality of life.
The increasing NHS investment into ADHD and Autism pathways reflects recognition that delays in assessment may result in worsening mental health difficulties, increased healthcare costs, educational disadvantage, family stress, unemployment, substance misuse, and social exclusion.
At ADHDPLUSHEALTH LIMITED, we fully support the principles of equitable, timely, evidence-based, and patient-centred care. Our objective is to work collaboratively with NHS pathways, GPs, families, schools, allied healthcare professionals, and patients themselves to deliver safe, ethical, and clinically robust neurodevelopmental assessments and treatment plans.
For Right to Choose (RTC) Patients
Once your referral has been accepted, you will receive a welcome email containing instructions to:
After your pre-assessment checklist has been fully completed, you will become eligible for appointment scheduling. As assessment slots become available, an automated booking invitation will be sent to you.
Private patients may either:
Our support team can be contacted during office hours for guidance regarding appointments, fees, and treatment pathways.
In most cases, patients will require a comprehensive initial assessment appointment. Payment is required at the time of booking to confirm the appointment.
The initial consultation fee generally includes:
Additional charges may apply for:
Where clinically appropriate, shorter consultation sessions may also be available for carers, parents, relatives, or advisory discussions.
