Private Prescriptions

Can I get a private prescription transferred to an NHS prescription?

If you have seen a private specialist or doctor and they have prescribed a particular medication or treatment for you, this is a private prescription. Your GP Practice will not usually be able to transfer a private prescription onto an NHS prescription. 

Dental prescriptions cannot be transferred to an NHS prescription (including antibiotics) as GPs are not insured to prescribe for dental issues.

What happens if I wish to continue my treatment on the NHS?

If you ask your GP to take over a private prescription, they will only be able to do so if they are satisfied that the prescribing is appropriate, responsible and what they would prescribe for other NHS patients with the same condition.

Your GP may not be able to prescribe if:

• The medication is not generally prescribed on the NHS
• The use of the medication is not compatible with national or local prescribing guidelines
• The medication is not licensed in the UK or is being used for a purpose not included in its UK licence
• The GP does not believe the medication is appropriate or necessary for you
• The mediction is complex, requiring ongoing monitoring and must therefore remain with the prescribing consultant
• We have not yet received the specialist letter detailing the medication prescribed - we are unable to consider a request based on a copy of a prescription
• The medication is a "shared care" medication which has to be started by a specialist and stabilised before the GP can take over. We cannot prescribe until this stage has been reached.

If your GP is not able to prescribe the medication suggested by your private specialist, they may suggest an alternative but equally effective medication prescribed on the NHS. Alternatively, if you prefer, you can pay for your private prescription through your private doctor.

This will not affect any medications that you are currently being prescribed by your NHS GP. Please keep us informed of any medications you are accessing privately so we can check drug interactions when prescribing NHS medications.

ADHD and Autism Assessment via NHS Right to Choose

An increasing number of patients and families are seeking private treatment for ADHD. Patients who have been privately diagnosed and treated for ADHD might request that further treatment/medication be provided within the NHS. Patients seeking a new referral to ADHD services for diagnosis and treatment of potential ADHD, may be eligible to choose from an alternative consultant psychiatrist led, approved provider under the NHS Right to Choose.

What is Right to Choose?

Right to Choose (RTC) allows patients in England to choose any NHS-contracted provider for an ADHD or Autism assessment, as long as the GP agrees that a referral is clinically appropriate. This may offer shorter waiting times compared to local services.

What Woodcote Medical will do:

• Assess your symptoms and decide whether a referral is appropriate
• Provide a referral to your chosen RTC provider
• File any diagnostic letters sent to us
• Continue ADHD repeat prescriptions only for patients who were already receiving them before this policy came into effect (21/11/2025)

What Woodcote Medical cannot do:

• We do not prescribe ADHD medication recommended by RTC providers
• We cannot take part in shared care agreements for ADHD started externally
• We cannot complete titration, monitoring, or annual ADHD medication reviews for RTC patients
• We cannot amend or adjust medication doses recommended by external providers.

Why?

Current national and local prescribing guidance requires specific shared care arrangements, governance and monitoring that many RTC providers cannot supply. For patient safety, the provider initiating medication must manage it fully.

If you proceed with an RTC Assessment:

• Your chosen provider will assess you
• If medication is recommended, they must prescribe and monitor it
• You will remain under their care for any ADHD treatment needs

Who is eligible?

You may choose an RTC provider if:

• You are registered with a GP in England
• You are not already under mental health care for ADHD
• You are not in crisis or urgent care
• The provider holds an NHS contract

Will this affect other NHS care?

No. You will continue to receive routine NHS care from Woodcote Medical as normal.

Questions?

You can discuss your options with a GP or read more on the NHS website.