Here is a summary on what GPs can and cannot do regarding private medical care:
Shared Care Arrangements
“Shared care” agreements formally define responsibilities shared between your GP and the specialist who is monitoring your condition.
GPs can decline entering into new shared care arrangements with private providers.
There are usually shared-care agreements already in place for commissioned NHS services.
Your GP has a responsibility to ensure they can safely manage any medications they prescribe. So, while shared care can be convenient, it is not automatic. Your GP will make this decision carefully based on their competence, your specific case, and their current workload capacity. If shared care is not possible, your medication prescribing and related monitoring will remain under the care of your specialist and their team.
We are currently not entering any new Shared Care Agreements.
ADHD Shared Care Agreements
We are committed to providing comprehensive and equitable healthcare to all our patients. With this guiding principle in mind, we have recently undertaken a review of our policies regarding the management of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and the prescribing of ADHD medications. Our decision to update our ADHD Shared Care Agreement Policy and prescribing practices stems from a conscientious effort to align with the latest guidance as many NHS ‘Right to Choose’ providers do not offer a shared care policy that meets our local NHS required standards.
As a practice we do not accept any ADHD shared care agreements from private clinics or specialists.
It is crucial to recognise that the management of ADHD, particularly through medication, necessitates regular monitoring and specialist oversight. While we remain dedicated to delivering high-quality care to our patients, our resources and capabilities may not extend to providing the specialised monitoring required for patients diagnosed and treated privately.
As such, we kindly request that patients who have received a diagnosis of ADHD through private consultation continue to seek medication prescriptions from their private specialists. This approach ensures that individuals receive the comprehensive care they deserve, tailored to their specific needs and under the supervision of a specialist equipped to provide ongoing support and monitoring.
If a patient is diagnosed with ADHD in the private sector we can facilitate referrals to the NHS service where possible. In the meantime any prescribing or reviews will need to be undertaken by the diagnosing specialist.
Referrals to Private Care
You can self-refer for private treatment without involving your GP.
Some private consultants may require a referral from a GP to see you.
GPs do not charge for providing a referral letter, as this is part of their NHS work.
Sharing Medical Information
You can share copies of hospital letters or access your medical records via the NHS App to provide information to private providers.
Your GP can provide a medical report summarising your records to a private provider, but they may charge an administrative fee for preparing it.
Arranging Private Tests/Investigations
GPs are not required to arrange tests or investigations requested solely by private healthcare providers.
GPs may order tests if available to them if they deem them clinically necessary and can interpret/manage the results as part of your NHS care.
You can access results of any tests done by your GP via NHS App and share them with private providers.
The results of any tests carried out by private providers remain the responsibility of that provider for interpretation and follow-up. Your GP can not respond to results from testing that they have not requested.
Prescribing Medications from Private Care
GPs can prescribe medications on the NHS if they agree with the private provider’s recommendations and feel competent managing the prescriptions.
If the GP is not comfortable prescribing a private provider’s medication, the prescribing remains the responsibility of the private provider.
In general, a clear separation is maintained between private care you pay for and the NHS services provided by your GP.