Patients can choose to self-refer to a private specialist, this does not need to come from a GP (although private providers do sometimes ask for a GP referral letter). Please be careful when choosing a private provider as this person needs to have the right training and expertise to provide good quality care, they also need to be able to arrange tests privately and provide prescriptions long-term if needed. GPs are not obliged to take over the prescribing of privately recommended medications, and in many cases will not be able to as they may not feel that prescribing the medication is within their limits of competence. They also need to be satisfied that the prescription if needed and appropriate.

If a private provider asks general practice to request investigations for you like blood tests or scans, please be reminded that these requests are outside the scope of NHS primary medical services and so in the majority of cases we will not to take on this work.

GPs are also sometimes asked to take over the prescribing of specialist-only medications under a ‘shared care protocol’. These arrangements are voluntary, and so a GP surgery is under no obligation to enter into these arrangements unless they feel they have the clinical competence, and capacity to do so. The responsibility for the patient’s care and ongoing prescriptions therefore remains the responsibility of the private provider. Please ensure you confirm with your private provider (before you consult with them) that they have the ability to provide long-term prescriptions, monitoring and reviews should they be required.

Please note that due to the volume of work currently being experienced by general practice, we are not able to take on any new shared care prescribing of ADHD medications from private providers. Please remain under the care of your private provider and ensure you continue to get prescriptions from them.