Is a private diagnosis recognised by the NHS?

Is a private ADHD or autism diagnosis recognised by the NHS?

This is one of the most common questions people ask before considering a private assessment. The short answer is that a diagnosis from a properly regulated private provider is generally recognised as a valid clinical diagnosis, but how it is used within the NHS can depend on local policy and the specific service involved.

What "recognised" means in practice

A diagnosis made by a qualified clinician, whether through the NHS or a private provider regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), is a formal medical diagnosis. It does not become less valid simply because it was obtained privately.

However, some NHS services, such as shared care arrangements for ongoing ADHD medication, may have their own local policies about accepting private diagnoses, particularly around prescribing. This varies between areas and services, so it is important not to assume the same approach applies everywhere.

Shared care and medication

If you are diagnosed privately with ADHD and prescribed medication, some people arrange "shared care", where an NHS GP takes over prescribing after the initial specialist assessment. Not all GP practices offer shared care, and local Integrated Care Board (ICB) policies can affect whether this is available. It is worth asking your GP practice about their specific approach before starting a private assessment, if ongoing prescribing is an important consideration for you.

Checking the provider is properly regulated

To help ensure your diagnosis is taken seriously wherever you access support, check that:

• The clinic is registered with and regulated by the CQC (or the equivalent body in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland)
• The assessing clinician is appropriately qualified and registered with a relevant body such as the GMC, HCPC or NMC
• You receive a full written report following your assessment

Autism diagnosis and other services

A private autism diagnosis is similarly recognised as a formal diagnosis and can be used to access support such as workplace adjustments, educational support or Disabled Students' Allowance. Again, specific local services may have their own evidence requirements, so check directly if you are applying for a particular type of support.

What to do if you are unsure

If shared care or specific NHS follow-up is important to you, it is worth speaking to your GP practice before booking a private assessment, so you understand their local policy in advance.

A note on this guide

This is general educational information, not legal or medical advice. Policies vary between areas and can change, so always confirm current arrangements directly with your GP practice or local NHS service.

Differences across the UK

Health policy varies across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and Right to Choose specifically applies in England. If you live elsewhere in the UK, ask your GP practice about equivalent local options and how private diagnoses are handled in your area, as arrangements can differ.

Getting the most from your diagnosis

Whichever route you take, keeping your written assessment report safe and easily accessible is worthwhile, as you may need to share it later for workplace adjustments, student support, or future healthcare appointments.

Keeping records

It's worth requesting a copy of your full written report from any private assessment, rather than a brief summary letter. A thorough report explaining how the diagnosis was reached tends to be more useful later, whether for NHS follow-up, workplace requests or educational support applications.