ADULT
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) REFERRALS
This document outlines the options, responsibilities (of patients and GPs) and referral process for adult ASD referrals, including the Right to Choose (RTC) referral process. It aims to provide clear guidance for patients, ensuring an efficient and safe referral process.
You do not need an appointment with a GP to be referred for an ASD assessment.
NHS Local Pathway
You can be referred within the NHS, and this will provide you with a local, comprehensive face-to-face assessment. Unfortunately, the waiting time for an NHS referral is currently more than 2 years. If you feel that this is too long to wait, you have the ‘Right to Choose’(RTC) an assessment from a provider in the private sector, under the NHS (info on the RTC pathway is in the next section under Right to Choose Pathway).
Provider:
Listed below is the current provider that NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB has directly commissioned and hold a contract to deliver ASD services to residents with a Lancashire and South Cumbria registered GP.
Due diligence has been undertaken against this provider and monitoring against quality standards is in place. Assurances can be provided that each provider algins to local agreements, including shared care guidance.
Clinical Partners
Service information:https://www.clinical-partners.co.uk/nhs-services/nhs-partnerships
Telephone number: 0203 326 9160
Email: rtc@clinical-partners.co.uk
Online: See link above
Right to Choose Pathway
Right to Choose (RTC) allows patients to choose their preferred NHS-contracted provider for an ASD assessment. This process is designed to ensure referrals are handled quickly and consistently while maintaining patient safety and minimising administrative burdens. RTC providers are typically private companies with NHS contracts and are based all around the country.
GPs cannot select a provider on a patient’s behalf. You must research your options and choose a provider that meets your needs.
Exclusion Criteria for the RTC provision:
- If you're already receiving mental health care for the same condition.
- If you're under urgent (or crisis) care.
- If you're receiving highly secure psychiatric care.
- If your referral comes from your local health service commission (exceptions apply for cases from the Better Care Fund 'BCF' or Section 75).
- If you're a serving member of the armed forces.
- If you're already receiving in-patient care via the NHS, you may not qualify for the RTC provision.
Points to consider when choosing a RTC provider:
- Most RTC providers conduct assessments remotely or online only.
- Local commissioned providers within Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS may not accept diagnoses made by RTC providers and could require their own assessment process.
Providers:
The following providers are based in England and have been approved by the Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) to deliver ADHD and/or ASD services under the Right to Choose policy.
Psychiatry UK (PUK)
Services commissioned: An online service approved to deliver adult ASD
Service information: Right To Choose (ADHD) - Psych-UK Limited
Telephone number: 0330 124 1980
Email: p-uk.RTC-referrals@nhs.net
Online: See link above
Problem Shared/ Teledoctor
Services commissioned: Eligible for Adult ASD
Service information: ProblemShared – Caring for your mind health
Telephone number: 020 3835 4727
Email: enquiries@problemshared.net
Online: See link above
RTN Mental Health Solutions
Services commissioned: Adult ASD assessment
Service information: Diagnostic Assessments | RTN Diagnostics
Telephone number: 0333 772 1164
Email: enquiries@rtnmedical.com
Online: Right to Choose | RTN Diagnostics
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REFERRAL PROCESS
If you would like referring for an ASD assessment, please follow the process below.
No GP appointment is needed.
Print out this form and ensure its is completed fully:
Once completed, please send them to the secretary email blmcsecretaries@nhs.net with the following information:
Name
Date of Birth
Contact number
Email address
Chosen provider and which speciality (ADHD or ASD) including RTC pathway or local provider pathway
** Specific providers may require additional details. They will request this from you directly once they receive the referral from us. This may require duplicate completion of forms **
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By opting for a RTC referral, you understand and accept the following:
-
Most RTC providers operate remotely and conduct online assessments.
- Your RTC provider may ask your GP to take over your ongoing care (this is called a Shared Care Agreement between the service provider and your GP practice). This is reviewed by your GP on a case-to-case basis. Your GP does not have to agree to this request. If a shared care agreement is accepted by your GP, you may require ongoing annual physical health monitoring.
- If a RTC provider ceases trading or loses its NHS contract, continued care may be suddenly discontinued. It is not the GP’s responsibility to automatically take over your care.
Note:
The information given above has been provided by the Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (LSC ICB)
Useful Links: