Switching from Private to NHS Referral – Before Your Assessment

If you’ve paid for a private ADHD assessment with CARE ADHD but also have an active NHS referral, you might be considering switching to the NHS pathway. This article explains what’s possible before your private assessment takes place.

Important: This Guidance Applies Before Your Assessment

You can only cancel your private appointment and request a refund if:

• Your assessment has not yet taken place, and

• If already booked, your appointment is more than 48 hours away.

Once your private assessment has taken place, this process no longer applies - but you may still be eligible to move to the NHS pathway. Please refer to our separate article: 'Transferring to Care ADHD on Right to Choose: Your Questions Answered' for more information on that scenario.

What Happens If I Switch?

If your private assessment has not yet happened and you choose to switch to your NHS referral:

• Your private appointment will be cancelled immediately once a refund is confirmed.

• Your NHS referral will be reactivated based on the original referral date.

• NHS assessments are offered in strict date order.

  • They cannot be fast-tracked to match your private booking date.

• There may be a significant wait before your NHS assessment is scheduled, depending on your place in the queue.

Will My Forms Still Be Valid?

• All pre-assessment forms remain valid.

• However, if your clinical forms (e.g. physical health questionnaire) are over 3 months old, you’ll be asked to submit updated versions before your NHS appointment.

Refund Policy

• You can request a refund if your private appointment has not yet taken place.

• If your appointment is less than 48 hours away, we unfortunately cannot process a refund.

• Once your refund is confirmed, your private appointment will be cancelled immediately and your NHS referral resumed.

• A £10 admin fee will be deducted from your refund, as outlined in our Terms and Conditions - charged by the payment card provider.

What Should I Do?

To switch to the NHS pathway before your private assessment, email: appointments@careadhd.co.uk

Please include your full name, NHS number and date of birth, and confirm one of the following:

• Option A:

  • 'I would like to cancel my private appointment and switch to my NHS referral. I understand this will be processed based on my original referral date and may involve a wait.'

• Option B:

  • 'I would prefer to keep my private appointment and cancel my NHS referral.'

Why Do We Have This Policy?

We want to ensure:

• Fairness for all patients on the NHS waiting list.

• Clear expectations about timelines and processes.

• A smooth and consistent experience for both private and NHS patients.