Eltham Medical Practice
Right to Choose (RTC) Referral Process & AccuRx Questionnaire
Introduction
This guide explains the Right to Choose (RTC) referral process for ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) assessments. It is designed to support both patients and staff in managing these referrals smoothly and safely.
This guide includes:
- Practice Implementation – Internal guidance for staff
- Patient Information – How the RTC process works, provider options, and what to expect
Our goal is to reduce referral delays, prevent miscommunication, and ensure safe, consistent care.
Practice Guidance: RTC Referral Process
Overview
The RTC scheme enables patients to access NHS-funded assessments through approved independent providers.
Key Points for Staff
- Patients must choose their own provider – we cannot recommend one.
- Patients will receive an AccuRx questionnaire to collect standardised information.
- We use one consistent referral format for all providers.
- Shared Care Agreements for medication are generally not accepted due to clinical risk.
- RTC providers must handle any NHS transitions after assessment.
Patient Information: ADHD/ASD Referrals
What Is the Right to Choose?
The RTC scheme allows you to choose an NHS-contracted provider for ADHD or ASD assessments. These are often independent services commissioned by the NHS.
Once you’ve chosen a provider and completed our questionnaire, we will submit the referral directly.
Finding a Provider
You must choose your own provider. A helpful resource is:
👉 ADHD UK’s RTC Provider Directory
Ensure your provider:
- Has an active NHS contract
- Offers RTC referrals
- Is suitable for your age group, format preferences, and waiting times
❗ Note: If a provider isn’t listed as offering RTC services, we cannot refer you to them.
Referral Process
- We send you an AccuRx questionnaire.
- You complete it and tell us your chosen provider (include the name and website).
- We submit the referral using our standard form.
If the provider needs more information, they may contact either the practice or you directly.
Diagnosis and Aftercare
- Most assessments are done remotely.
- NHS services may not automatically accept diagnoses from independent providers.
- The RTC provider is responsible for arranging any follow-up or NHS transition care.
Prescriptions and Shared Care
- RTC providers may recommend medication if you are diagnosed with ADHD.
- ADHD medication is specialist-only – GPs can’t prescribe it without a formal Shared Care Agreement.
- Eltham Medical Practice is unlikely to accept Shared Care due to:
- Inconsistent protocols and patient safety risks
- Lack of continuity if providers stop trading or lose NHS contracts
✅ Before choosing a provider, check whether they manage medication directly.
Next Steps for Patients
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | We send you the AccuRx questionnaire. |
| 2 | You choose an eligible RTC provider and send us their name and website. |
| 3 | We process your referral once your form is returned. |
Key Considerations Before Choosing a Provider
| Topic | Summary |
|---|---|
| Choosing a Provider | You must choose your own. ADHD UK is a good starting point. |
| Referral Form | We use one standard form – we can’t fill in provider-specific forms. |
| Diagnosis Validity | May not be accepted by NHS services without reassessment. |
| NHS Transition | RTC providers must arrange this, not your GP. |
| Prescriptions | GPs do not routinely prescribe ADHD medications. |
| Shared Care | Usually not supported due to clinical and safety concerns. |
Questions?
Please contact our admin team if you’re unsure about anything before committing to a provider.