Frequently Asked Questions
Contents
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Section 1: New enquiries and making a referral
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Section 2: Referral updates
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Section 3: Pre-assessment questionnaires & screening
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Section 4: Assessment pathway
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Section 5: Medication pathway
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Section 6 : Why should I choose Atrom Mindcare under Right to Choose
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Section 1: New Enquiries
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Which services can I access through NHS Right to Choose?
Only Adult ADHD assessments and medication titration are available under RTC at Atrom Mindcare. All other services with Atrom Mindcare are private only.
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How can I access a Right to Choose referral?
Under the NHS Right to Choose framework, referrals must be made by your GP. Please book an appointment with your GP to discuss your concerns. Please ensure you have completed the ASRS self screening by clicking the link and take copy of this to your GP.
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If your GP agrees that a referral is clinically appropriate, they can either
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complete our referral form on the Atrom Mindcare website (Referral form link)
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or by sending a duly completed referral form to RTC@atrommindcare.com
Some GPs may not be familiar with the Right to Choose pathway. If this happens, you can let them know that Atrom Mindcare is an NHS-commissioned provider offering adult ADHD assessments and treatment under RTC.
Do I need a GP referral for private care?
No, you can book directly with us.
Can I switch from private to NHS care later?
We have been instructed by NHS to keep our private pathway separate to RTC pathway. If you would like to be treated under RTC you should see your GP and follow the process above to be referred by your GP under RTC to our service.
Can I self-refer?
No. We can only accept referrals that come directly from your GP.
Do you accept all referral requests?
We accept referrals for Adult ADHD assessments only. We cannot accept referrals for:
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Medication/treatment if you have been assessed and diagnosed for ADHD by a private provider. Any private provider assessed ADHD patients must go to their GP and must be referred into Right to Choose pathway under NHS through your GP. You are likely to require a re-assessment under Right to Choose pathway.
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Individuals who pose a risk to themselves or others.
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Individuals with severe co-morbid, chronic, enduring or acute mental health conditions or significant learning disabilities that would prevent a valid assessment
Where do assessments take place?
Currently our assessments are carried out both face to face at our clinic in Epping or online (remote video appointments), if clinically suitable.
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I already have an ADHD diagnosis. Can I be referred for treatment only?
Once you have been assessed by a NHS provider, you will need to seek treatment from the same provider. We are not accepting patients directly for treatment who have been assessed by any other NHS provider.
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I’ve had a private ADHD assessment. Can I access an NHS Right to Choose assessment?
If you have had a privately funded ADHD assessment, you can still be referred to us for a full NHS-funded assessment under Right to Choose if you are referred to by your GP. However, we will need to do a full assessment for it to be covered under NHS. We are not allowed by NHS to let patients with private assessments undergo treatment via NHS. Please note that the outcome of our NHS assessment may differ from your private one.
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I’ve already had an NHS or RTC ADHD assessment. Can I be reassessed?
No. If you have already had an NHS or Right to Choose-funded ADHD assessment, we cannot process a new referral. You should contact your original provider or local NHS service for reassessment.
Where can I find out more about Right to Choose?
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Section 2: Referral Updates
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How will I know you’ve received my referral?
Once your GP submits a referral via our online form, we will contact you to discuss next steps.
What are the waiting times for assessment?
As we are a new provider, for eligible ICBs we currently are able to offer you appointments within 4-6 weeks of referral. This wait time is shorter for patients from Mid and South Essex ICB. However, this may change based on demand for our services and you can see weekly updates on our website.
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Section 3: Pre-Assessment Questionnaires & Screening
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Does everyone referred to by the GP get an ADHD referral?
We need all referrals to undergo a screening via filling an online ADHD quiz. Only if you qualify for an assessment following this screening, should the GP refer you to us. If you are referred, you will be offered an assessment provided you meet our criteria which are listed above.
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​What happens once all questionnaires are returned?
Your questionnaires will be reviewed by you consultant during your assessment appointment. Please note that failure to submit completed questionnaires within 48 hrs of booking may lead to the appointment slot being offered to someone else.
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Section 4: Assessment Pathway
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What is the assessment process?
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Screening – You complete pre-assessment ASRS form. Download it and take it to you GP for getting ADHD assessment under Right to Choose.
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GP Referral – Your GP completes our referral form (online or prints a form and sends to us by email).
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Review – Our clinical team screens based on the questionnaire result and risk factors.
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Waitlist – If suitable, you will be added to the waiting list.
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Appointment confirmation – Once a slot is available, the team would send you a provisional appointment with links to all forms that need to be filled in. You are required to submit the completed form within 48 hrs of your booking for your appointment to be confirmed.
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Assessment Appointment – A specialist will meet with you via face to face or video consultation.
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Report – You and your GP will receive a detailed report with the outcome and recommendations.
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Post assessment tests – In some cases, the Consultant Psychiatrist will recommend tests which are a prerequisite for starting medications. You will need to get these tests done through NHS and reach out to the team with results for follow-up to review and commence medication.
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Medication (if appropriate) – If diagnosed, you may discuss treatment options with the clinician
What can I do while I wait for an assessment?
You may find the following resources helpful:
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ADDISS – ADHD information and resources
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ADHD UK – Support and guidance for adults with ADHD
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Your local NHS mental health services (via GP or NHS 111) if you need additional support
If you are in crisis or feel unsafe, please call 999 or go to your nearest A&E.
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What happens after the assessment?
Within approximately 2 weeks of assessment, you will receive a comprehensive report with treatment plan outlined in it . The report will be shared with you and your GP.
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Section 5: Medication Pathway
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Can I access medication if I am diagnosed with ADHD by Atrom Mindcare?
Yes. However, if you are diagnosed by Atrom Mindcare privately you will have to be re-referred by your GP under RTC, if you would like to access medication under RTC.
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Is there a waiting list for starting medication?
As we are a new service, currently there is no wait time once we receive your GP referral and all necessary documentation. However, this may change based on the demand for our services.
What does the medication pathway involve?
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Initial consultation with a Consultant Psychiatrist.
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Review of your medical history, blood pressure, weight, and other health checks
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Discussion of risks/benefits of treatment
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Development of a treatment plan and, if appropriate, first prescription
Regular follow-ups are required until your medication is stable. At that point, we will request a shared care agreement with your GP so they can continue prescribing and monitoring.
If your GP does not accept shared care, you will be referred a GP Federation who should be able to engage in shared care.
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Section 6: Why should I choose Atrom Mindcare for Right to Choose
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Atrom Mindcare is Consultant led and delivered service
At Atrom Mindcare, your assessments, reviews and medications are all done by experienced Consultant Psychiatrists.
Shorter waiting times.
We have a shorter waiting time than most of the ADHD assessment providers.
Faster turnaround time
We aim to do fast turnarounds. Within 2 week of assessments, a detailed report is generated for both you and your GP.