NHS Right to Choose for ADHD & autism assessment

What Right to Choose actually is

Under the NHS Constitution and the NHS Choice Framework, most adults in England referred for a first outpatient appointment — including a mental health assessment such as ADHD — have a legal right to choose which NHS-funded provider carries out that assessment. That includes independent providers who hold a valid NHS contract for the pathway.

In practice this means you don't have to accept the local NHS waiting list. If a qualifying provider has shorter waits, you can ask your GP to refer you to them at NHS cost.

Who is eligible

• You must be registered with an NHS GP in England.
• You must be an adult (Right to Choose does not apply to children's services in most areas).
• The provider you choose must hold an NHS contract for the assessment pathway you need.
• The assessment must be clinically appropriate — your GP retains clinical discretion over whether to refer.

Autism-only assessments are covered by Right to Choose in some Integrated Care Boards but not all. Check the provider's own eligibility criteria before requesting a referral.

Step-by-step

1. 1

   Search WaitAtlas for eligible providers

   Enter your postcode on the WaitAtlas home page, filter to the Right to Choose route, and review the provider list. Each card shows the current estimated wait and last verification date.

2. 2

   Read the provider's referral requirements

   Every Right to Choose provider publishes its own referral form or process. Follow the link on the provider profile page and note anything the GP will need to include (referral form, contact details, condition).

3. 3

   Book a routine GP appointment

   Explain that you'd like a referral for ADHD or autism assessment and that you want to exercise your Right to Choose. Bring the printed template letter below.

4. 4

   Hand over the letter and provider details

   Your GP will process the referral through their normal e-Referral system (eRS) or via the provider's own referral form. Ask for a copy for your records.

5. 5

   Wait for the provider's acknowledgement

   The provider will confirm receipt of the referral and add you to their waiting list. If the provider cannot accept your referral, they must tell you why so you can choose an alternative.

Template letter for your GP

Copy the letter below, fill in the bracketed sections, and take a printed copy to your GP appointment. It sets out the legal basis for the referral so your GP can process it without further research.

Dear Dr [GP name],

Re: [Your full name], DOB [DD/MM/YYYY], NHS number [if known]

I am writing to request a referral to [Provider name] for an NHS-funded
[ADHD / autism / combined] assessment under my legal right to choose my
provider (NHS Constitution, right to choose your provider for a first
outpatient appointment following a GP referral).

[Provider name] holds an NHS contract for this assessment pathway and
their published wait time is currently shorter than the local NHS
waiting list. Their referral information is available at:
[Provider referral URL from the WaitAtlas profile page].

I understand that the referral remains at your clinical discretion and
I am happy to discuss any questions you have at my appointment.

Thank you for your help.

Yours sincerely,
[Your name]
[Contact number]
[Email address]

This template is a starting point, not legal or medical advice. Your GP may adjust the wording to fit their local referral system.

Common questions