Template letter · Updated June 2026
NHS Right to Choose GP Letter Template
A free copy-and-use template letter to take to your GP appointment. Ask for an NHS Right to Choose referral for ADHD or autism assessment — backed by the legal basis, so your GP has everything they need to process the referral.
This template is for patients registered with a GP in England. Before using it, find a provider using Seen Sooner and note their name and CQC registration number to fill in the letter.
What is NHS Right to Choose?
NHS Right to Choose is your legal right as a patient in England to ask your GP to refer you to any CQC-registered provider for an outpatient appointment — including ADHD and autism assessment — at no cost to you. The NHS pays for the assessment in full.
This right is set out in the NHS Constitution and was confirmed in NHS England guidance for ADHD and autism assessments in 2022. It applies to both adults and children.
Cost to you
Free
NHS-funded in full
Typical wait
12–26 weeks
Provider dependent
GP referral
Required
Cannot be refused
Before your GP appointment
To make the most of your appointment, prepare the following:
Use Seen Sooner to find a provider that accepts Right to Choose. Note their name and CQC registration number.
Write down 5–10 specific examples of how ADHD or autism symptoms affect your daily life — at work, at home, in relationships. Be concrete: "I have missed three work deadlines this month" is more useful than "I struggle to concentrate."
Bring any supporting documents — old school reports, workplace emails about performance, letters from a therapist or counsellor.
Print or save this letter and adapt the [square brackets] before your appointment.
Letter template
Copy and adapt the text below[Your name]
[Your address]
[Date]
Dear Dr [GP surname],
I am writing to formally request an NHS Right to Choose referral for a neurodevelopmental assessment for [ADHD / autism spectrum disorder / combined AuDHD — delete as appropriate].
I understand that under the NHS Constitution and the Right to Choose policy, I am entitled to be referred to any CQC-registered provider of my choosing for this outpatient assessment, at no cost to me. I would like to be referred to:
[Provider name]
CQC registration: [CQC registration number]
Website: [Provider website URL]
I have chosen this provider as they are CQC-registered, accept NHS Right to Choose funding, and have a wait time that is appropriate for my circumstances.
My concerns regarding [ADHD / autism] are as follows. I have experienced [briefly describe your main concerns — e.g. persistent difficulties with attention and organisation affecting my work and daily life / long-standing difficulties with social communication and sensory processing]. These difficulties have been present since [childhood / early adulthood] and have a significant impact on [my work / my relationships / daily functioning — describe briefly].
I am aware that NHS Right to Choose is confirmed by NHS England guidance for ADHD and autism assessments (NHS England, 2022). I understand that you cannot decline this referral on the grounds of local waiting times, ICB contracts, or the availability of alternative NHS providers.
I would be grateful if you could issue the referral letter as soon as possible. Please let me know if you require any further information.
Yours sincerely,
[Your name]
[Date of birth]
[NHS number, if known]
Adapt the text in [square brackets] before your appointment. If going for a child, replace “I” with “my child [name]” and adjust accordingly.
If your GP refuses
If your GP declines your referral, take these steps:
1. Ask for the refusal in writing
Ask your GP to document the refusal and the clinical reason in writing. This creates a record and often prompts reconsideration.
2. Speak to the practice manager
If the GP refuses, request a meeting with the practice manager. Explain that you are exercising your legal right under the NHS Constitution and that a refusal without clinical grounds is not lawful.
3. Contact your ICB's PALS service
Every NHS Integrated Care Board (ICB) has a Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS). Contact them and explain that your GP has refused a Right to Choose referral. PALS can mediate with the practice directly and often resolve issues quickly.
4. Submit a formal complaint
If PALS cannot resolve it, submit a formal NHS complaint against the practice. This triggers a formal investigation and usually results in the referral being issued.
5. Change your GP
You have the right to register with a different GP. Many patients in this situation register with a second practice and request the referral there.
Common GP objections — and how to respond
"Right to Choose only applies to elective surgery, not mental health."
This is incorrect. NHS Right to Choose applies to all outpatient referrals, including neurodevelopmental assessments. This was confirmed by NHS England in 2022 guidance specifically addressing ADHD and autism assessments. The NHS Constitution grants patients this right under Section 2(a).
"I can only refer you to providers within our ICB contract."
Under Right to Choose, you are not limited to ICB-contracted providers. You may be referred to any CQC-registered provider in England that is willing to accept the referral. ICB contracts are separate from the Right to Choose entitlement.
"The waiting list is long everywhere — Right to Choose won't be faster."
This may be the GP's honest opinion, but it is not grounds to refuse a referral. You are entitled to choose your provider regardless of waiting times. Many Right to Choose providers currently have wait times of 12–26 weeks — significantly shorter than the NHS standard pathway in most areas.
"I need more evidence before I can refer you."
A GP is not required to diagnose ADHD or autism before making a referral — that is the assessment's job. A referral for assessment requires only that you have presented with relevant concerns. Bring your symptom diary and any supporting materials to demonstrate impact on daily life.
"We don't refer adults for autism assessment."
Adults are equally entitled to autism assessment as children. NHS Right to Choose applies to adults seeking autism assessment. There is no age restriction. If your GP practice has a policy against adult autism referrals, ask them to record this in writing and raise a complaint.
Frequently asked questions
Can my GP refuse a Right to Choose referral?
Your GP cannot refuse a Right to Choose referral on the grounds of local waiting times, ICB contracts, or personal preference. They can only decline if the provider is not CQC-registered or is unwilling to accept the referral. If refused, ask for the refusal in writing with the clinical reason, then escalate to your ICB.
Does NHS Right to Choose apply to autism assessment?
Yes. NHS Right to Choose applies to all outpatient referrals in England, including autism and ADHD assessments. This was confirmed in NHS England guidance in 2022. The entitlement covers both adults and children.
Which ICB do I contact if my GP refuses?
Contact the Integrated Care Board (ICB) for your GP's area. You can find your ICB using your postcode on the NHS England website. Ask for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) or the complaints team.
Do I need a specific diagnosis already to request a Right to Choose referral?
No. You are requesting a referral for assessment — not confirming a diagnosis. You need only present reasonable concerns about ADHD or autism and their impact on your life. Your GP should refer you for assessment based on your concerns and history, not require you to already have a diagnosis.
Find your Right to Choose provider
Use Seen Sooner to find a CQC-registered provider near you that accepts NHS Right to Choose — get the name and registration number for your letter.
Find providers