What Is Right to Choose?
The NHS choice framework can allow an eligible patient in England to choose a provider for a clinically appropriate first outpatient referral. It is subject to legal exclusions, clinical suitability, provider contracts and service criteria. For autism or ADHD, ask whether the route applies to the person's age, condition and referral.
An eligible referral is NHS-funded. It is different from booking privately and seeking reimbursement; confirm whether any optional extras sit outside the NHS-funded service.
Why Does This Matter in Kent?
Autism and ADHD assessment waits can be long, but a single fixed Kent figure quickly becomes misleading. Waiting time varies by age, pathway, provider capacity and what is counted as the start or end point.
Ask both the local service and any alternative provider for a current estimate, whether the list is open, and the likely time to first contact, assessment and completed report.
How to Use Right to Choose: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Choose Your Provider
Do not rely on a copied provider list: contracts, age criteria, referral forms and whether lists are open can change. Use the current NHS Kent and Medway Right to Choose page and the provider's own NHS referral information.
Before choosing, confirm the provider accepts your age group and condition, is accepting new NHS-funded referrals, offers an accessible assessment format, and explains what happens after diagnosis.
Step 2: Ask Your GP for a Referral
Book a GP appointment and explain that you want to exercise your Right to Choose. Here's what to say:
"I'd like to discuss whether a referral for [autism/ADHD] assessment for [myself/my child] is clinically appropriate. If it is, could you check whether [provider name] is an eligible NHS choice for this age group and referral, including whether it holds the required NHS contract and is accepting referrals? I understand exclusions and provider criteria may apply."
Step 3: What Happens If Your GP Says No?
If the clinician agrees that a referral is clinically appropriate, ask them to consider your eligible provider choice. The right is not unlimited: exclusions and service-contract rules can apply, and the provider must be suitable for the referral.
If your GP is reluctant or unfamiliar:
- Show them the Kent and Medway ICB Right to Choose page
- Reference NHS England's Right to Choose guidance
- Ask to see a different GP at the practice
- Contact Kent and Medway Neurodevelopmental Service for support
- If still refused, make a formal complaint to the practice manager and contact NHS England
Step 4: After Referral
Once referred, ask the provider to confirm receipt and give its current estimates for triage, assessment and the final report. Do not assume an old website estimate still applies.
An NHS-funded diagnosis should be considered on its clinical quality and relevance. A diagnosis can inform support, but an EHCP or DLA decision is based on needs and functional impact rather than diagnosis alone.
Right to Choose vs Private Assessment
| Right to Choose | Private | Standard NHS | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free (NHS-funded) | £1,200–£2,500 | Free |
| Wait | Check current provider estimate | Check current provider estimate | Check current local pathway estimate |
| GP referral needed? | Yes | Usually no | Yes |
| How is the report used? | NHS-funded evidence; relevance depends on purpose | Evidence considered; receiving service may review it* | NHS evidence; statutory decisions still use their own tests |
*A diagnosis can inform support, but DLA and EHCP decisions turn on needs and the applicable statutory tests. No report guarantees a benefit, plan, provision or treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Right to Choose if I've already been referred to the standard pathway?
You can ask whether a new referral to an eligible provider is possible. Do not assume it is a transfer or that time already waited carries across; ask what happens to the original referral before changing route.
Does Right to Choose work for ADHD as well as autism?
Some eligible providers offer autism, ADHD or both, but condition, age and post-diagnostic services differ. Confirm the current NHS-funded scope—including whether ADHD prescribing or titration is included—before choosing.
What if my child needs both autism and ADHD assessment?
Ask the referrer and provider whether a combined assessment is clinically appropriate, available for the person's age and funded under the relevant contract. Do not assume separate concerns will be assessed through one referral.
Will the diagnosis help with an EHCP?
You can submit the report as evidence for an EHC needs assessment in Kent. The statutory test concerns possible SEN and possible need for provision through an EHCP; a diagnosis is neither required nor a guarantee.
Is there an age limit?
Provider and service age criteria apply. Check the current NHS Kent and Medway route and the provider's acceptance criteria for the person's age.