Convincing NHS GP to accept private diagnosis

[cakecoffeecakecoffee]

DS 4, is showing every single sign of ADHD and it’s really impacting on his schooling (he’s just started reception).

I spoke to the GP today to discuss a referral to CDC for assessment and they said it would likely take 18-24 months to be assessed. I knew this was likely to be the case.

I asked what would happen if I managed to get a private assessment done - we could manage this with some support from grandparents, who have offered already. I had read that it is up to each practice whether or not they accept and take on private diagnoses and medication recommendations but that they are able/allowed to do so.

Their policy is that they don’t accept private diagnoses and will only accept a diagnosis from the NHS.

Has anyone been told this and successfully challenged it with their surgery?

I can get an assessment done but I really can’t afford to then fund private prescriptions for DS entire childhood if this is what is recommended. I don’t want to pay for an expensive assessment which is essentially useless.

To be honest, I think you might struggle to get an assessment and medication at his age. Most only assess from the age of six, as earlier than that, it can be hard to tell what behaviour is just developmental.

I guess in that case being on a waiting list for a couple of years may not be a bad thing then.

If you get a private assessment from someone who follows the proper procedures (NICE guidelines etc) and is fully qualified then you should be able to hand it into the NHS to be "ratified" via your GP - their EP reads the report, says "sounds legit" and adds it to your child's file as "NHS approved". Much quicker than waiting for their EP to have time to do the whole assessment themselves.

Yes, this is what I wanted to do. But although the GP can do this, they don’t have to and mine said they wont. Blanket policy across their group (6 practices in my city). Very frustrating!

Yep. I’m having the same problem. We are going private with my 8yo and the GP has made it clear they won’t accept the diagnosis or take over shared care if needed! It’s a bit frustrating. The waiting list in my area is over 2 years!