Right to Choose: common questions

Common questions about Right to Choose, answered simply

Right to Choose can feel confusing because it involves NHS policy, GP referrals and individual providers, all of which can vary and change. This guide answers frequently asked questions in general terms. It applies to England and is educational only, not legal or medical advice. Rules and provider participation change, so always confirm current details with your GP and the provider.

"Is this the same as going private?"

No. Right to Choose relates to NHS-funded care delivered by an alternative NHS-commissioned provider, not to a fully private, self-funded assessment. If a provider only offers private (self-pay) services with no NHS-commissioned pathway, Right to Choose would not usually apply to that service. Some providers offer both an NHS-commissioned route and a separate private-pay route, so it's worth asking which options are available and how they differ.

"Do I need a diagnosis of anything already to ask about this?"

No formal existing diagnosis is required to ask your GP about assessment options generally. What matters is whether your GP considers a referral for assessment appropriate based on your symptoms and history, and then whether an alternative provider route is suitable. Your GP will usually want to discuss your situation first.

"Can I choose any provider I like?"

Not necessarily. For Right to Choose to apply, a provider generally needs to be commissioned to deliver the relevant NHS service, and your GP needs to consider it a reasonable and suitable referral. Some providers are well set up to accept these referrals and publish information about doing so; others may not currently participate. Always check directly rather than assuming.

"Will it be faster than my local pathway?"

It might be, but this is not guaranteed and can change over time as demand shifts between providers and areas. Waiting times vary and NeuroLynk does not publish specific waiting-time figures because they change frequently and differ by provider and location. Ask providers directly for their current estimated waiting times before deciding.

"What if my GP says no?"

GPs can decline a specific referral request if they don't think it's appropriate, for example if the provider isn't suitable, isn't commissioned for the service, or if there are clinical reasons to proceed differently. If this happens, it can help to ask your GP to explain their reasoning, and to ask whether there are other options, such as the standard local pathway or a different provider.

"Does Right to Choose apply to follow-up care too, like medication reviews?"

This depends on the specific commissioning arrangements for the provider and service in question. Assessment and ongoing management (such as medication monitoring) may be delivered under different arrangements, and not all providers offer both. Ask the provider directly how post-diagnosis care and any shared-care arrangements with your GP would work before you proceed.

"Can children use Right to Choose for autism or ADHD assessment?"

The general concept can apply to children as well as adults, depending on local and national arrangements, provider commissioning and CAMHS or paediatric pathways. Processes for children's services often involve additional considerations, such as school input, so ask your GP or local paediatric/CAMHS service about what applies for a child's referral.

"What information should I gather before asking my GP?"

It can help to have ready:

• A brief, honest description of the difficulties you or your child are experiencing and how long they've been present.
• The name of a specific provider you are interested in, and confirmation from that provider (in writing if possible) that they currently accept Right to Choose referrals for the assessment you need.
• Any relevant previous reports, such as school information, previous NHS assessments, or GP records.

"Is there a cost to me?"

Where Right to Choose genuinely applies and the referral is accepted, the assessment itself should be NHS-funded. Be cautious of any provider that asks for payment for an assessment they've told you is being delivered under Right to Choose; confirm funding arrangements clearly in writing before any appointment.

"What should I do if I'm not sure Right to Choose applies to me?"

Speak to your GP practice, or contact NHS England or your local Integrated Care Board (ICB) for current guidance. NeuroLynk is a directory and cannot confirm your personal eligibility or give legal advice; we can help you find general information and provider listings, but decisions about referrals sit with your GP and the NHS.

Key takeaways

• Right to Choose is about NHS-funded provider choice, not a route into fully private care.
• Your GP still has a role in deciding whether a referral is reasonable and suitable.
• Provider participation, waiting times and local rules all change, so verify everything directly.
• For children, additional pathways such as CAMHS may also be relevant.
• Always get personalised advice from your GP or NHS England rather than relying solely on general guides.