Will my GP accept a private ADHD diagnosis? Shared care explained
For a lot of people, the biggest worry about going private for ADHD isn't the assessment. It's what happens afterwards, when the private prescriptions start adding up and you want your GP to take over. That's shared care, and it's the part of the process where people get caught out most often.
What shared care actually is
Shared care is an agreement between your private specialist and your GP. Once you're on a stable dose of ADHD medication, your specialist writes to your GP asking them to take over prescribing. Your specialist stays involved, usually with an annual review, while your GP issues the prescriptions on the NHS.
If your GP agrees, you'll pay the standard NHS prescription charge (or nothing, if you're exempt) instead of paying privately every month. Over a year, that can save you well over a thousand pounds.
Why some GPs say no
Your GP is under no obligation to agree. When they take over prescribing, they take on clinical responsibility for it, so they want to be confident in the diagnosis and the monitoring plan. Common reasons for saying no include:
- A practice or local policy of not accepting shared care from private providers
- Concerns that the assessment didn't clearly follow NICE guidance
- The provider isn't registered with the CQC
- The GP doesn't feel they have the capacity or expertise to monitor ADHD medication
- Missing information, such as a clear titration summary or monitoring plan
Some local health boards also have their own rules about shared care with private and Right to Choose providers, so what happens in one area can be quite different from the next.
How to give yourself the best chance
Before you book
Ring your GP practice and ask whether it accepts shared care for ADHD medication from private providers. It's a short call, and it tells you more than anything else. If the answer is no, you'll know to budget for private prescriptions or think about Right to Choose.
When you choose a provider
Pick a clinic that's CQC registered, follows NICE guideline NG87, and says clearly that it supports shared care requests. Ask them how often GPs in your area accept their requests. A good provider will give you an honest answer.
After titration
Make sure your GP receives the full assessment report, a titration summary and a clear monitoring plan. If your GP declines, ask for the reason in writing. Sometimes it's a missing document that can be fixed.
Shared care vs paying privately: a quick comparison
| With shared care | Without shared care | |
|---|---|---|
| Who prescribes | Your GP | Your private clinic |
| Typical cost | £9.90 per item in England, or free if exempt | Around £70 to £180 a month |
| Specialist reviews | Usually yearly | As agreed with your clinic |
| Main risk | GP may withdraw if monitoring lapses | Ongoing cost |
For the full picture of costs and the whole process, read our complete guide to private ADHD assessment in the UK.
Sources and further reading
Common questions
Will my GP accept a private ADHD diagnosis?
Many will, but it isn't guaranteed. A GP can decline shared care, and practice and local policies vary. Asking your practice before you book is the best way to find out.
How long does it take to get shared care?
Shared care usually starts after titration, once you're on a stable dose. That's often a few weeks to a few months after diagnosis, depending on how quickly the right dose is found.
What happens if my GP refuses shared care?
You can continue with private prescriptions, ask another GP at the practice, or ask your provider to supply more information. Some people consider Right to Choose instead.
Do I still see my private specialist under shared care?
Usually yes, typically for an annual review, while your GP handles day-to-day prescribing.
Sick of waiting? Book private.
Tell us who the assessment is for and how soon you want to be seen. We'll match you with a registered practitioner who has availability, and you'll know the costs before you commit.
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This guide is general information, not medical advice. Speak to a qualified clinician about your own situation. BookPrivate is a booking platform and does not provide clinical care.