Call:
01522 454373
Existing Patients:
New Patients:
Frequently Asked Questions
Finding answers to common questions about our services, assessments, appointments and ongoing care
Whether you're considering an assessment, preparing for an appointment or receiving ongoing support, it's natural to have questions.
Our Frequently Asked Questions cover a range of topics to help you better understand our services, what to expect and where to find additional support.
Right to Choose FAQ
What is Right to Choose (RTC)?
If you live in England, and your GP refers you for a physical or mental health condition, in most cases you have the legal right to choose the organisation (qualified provider) you would like to go to, giving you greater freedom of choice and control over your care. Please note that RTC does not cover Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
Do you accept Right to Choose referrals for anyone?
We accept Right to Choose referrals for any adult living in England, with only one exception. As we are currently contracted with NHS Lincolnshire ICB, we cannot accept RTC referrals for Lincolnshire patients, instead you would need to be referred to them directly by your GP and the ICB would then refer them to us.
Do you accept children via Right to Choose?
We can currently only accept adults aged 18-65 via the Right to Choose pathway. Children can very often be diagnosed through the Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) via school referral.
What is the current waiting time for Right to Choose referrals?
We continue to experience increasing demand for both our Adult ADHD and Autism services, which have inevitably created longer waiting lists for assessment and treatment. Due to varying factors, the time you will need to wait for an assessment can fluctuate but currently the waiting time from receiving your Right to Choose referral from your GP surgery to your initial consultation is approximately 18-20 weeks.
before sending this to you via email to ensure your privacy. DNA and Discharge
​
If I am diagnosed with ADHD, is there a long wait until I am started on medication?
Once you have been diagnosed with ADHD, the clinician who diagnosed you will refer you to our Titration Team. You will then receive an appointment for medication titration, currently within 6 weeks, but subject to change depending on varying factors.
I paid privately for an ADHD diagnosis with you. Can I be referred via the Right to Choose pathway for medication?
No,. If you have undergone a diagnosis with us as a private patient, then you need to continue your treatment as a private patient and you won't be able to be referred to us via the Right to Choose pathway by your GP for medication management and titration.
I was diagnosed by another ADHD provider, but they do not offer medication titration. Can I be referred to you via the Right to Choose for this?
Yes, you can be referred to us via Right to Choose if you have an existing diagnosis of ADHD. However, due to the terms of our contract, you will require an initial ADHD Assessment with us first before you can be referred to our medication titration team.
Once I have completed my ADHD/ASD Assessment, when will I find out if I have it or not?
At the end of your consultation, if not earlier, your clinician will let you know whether you have been diagnosed with ADHD/ASD or not. This declaration of diagnosis is the start of a new journey and one that we will share with you throughout your treatment. If you are not diagnosed with either condition, we will explain why and suggest your next steps.
When will I receive my diagnosis report?
We aim to send you your full assessment report within 6-8 weeks of your assessment date. Our admin team will password protect your report before sending this to you via email to ensure your privacy. DNA and Discharge
DNA and Discharge FAQ
What if I cannot attend my appointment?
If you are unable to attend your appointment, please notify us as soon as possible as we have a 72-hour policy for appointment cancellations. Please note that if you cancel your appointment within this timeframe, it will be recorded as a DNA (Did Not Attend).
What happens if I miss my appointment and will I be offered another one?
If you miss your appointment, then this will be recorded as a DNA (Did Not Attend). We will arrange another appointment for you, however, we do have a strict 2 x DNA policy in place. If you DNA twice, without advising us in advance that you cannot attend, then you will be discharged from our service, as our clinicians still need to be paid for their time allocated to all appointments, and most NHS Integrate Care Boards (ICBs) will also only fund 2 missed appointments.
What happens if I change my address?
If you change your address, please inform us as soon as possible. If you a Right to Choose patient and you change GP surgery, we will need to change the funding to your new ICB to continue your treatment. If, however, you are an NHS Lincolnshire ICB patient and move outside of their area, then unfortunately we will no longer be funded to see you and you will need to get a fresh referral to us from your new GP.
Medication and Prescriptions FAQ
I have just requested a new prescription, when will it arrive?
Due to the increasing volume of prescription requests that we receive, we advise allowing 7-10 working days for your prescriptions to arrive.
How do I request another prescription?
Please use the link attached Repeat Prescription Form-Dr J and Colleagues. To help us expedite your request, be sure to include your up-to-date blood pressure, pulse rate and weight readings which we will forward on to your allocated clinician. PLEASE NOTE THAT WE CANNOT DEAL WITH PRESCRIPTION REQUESTS OR MEDICATION QUERIES OVER THE PHONE.
How often will I need to check and provide my blood pressure readings?
We ask you to provide your up-to-date blood pressure, pulse rate and weight readings at every appointment. We are unable to send you any prescriptions without this information. We have a duty of care to our patients and need these details to ensure safe prescribing.
Why can’t you check my blood pressure readings?
As most of our appointments are conducted virtually, we ask that patients either attend their GP surgery, local pharmacy or use a home blood pressure monitor to take these observations.
How is my prescription sent to me?
If you are a Right to Choose or Staffordshire patient, your prescription will be sent to our private pharmacy, PPG. They will then contact you to arrange delivery of your medication which is usually delivered by DPD. If you have not received you prescription or missed a delivery, please contact PPG direct on 01923 858 322. If you are a private or NHS Lincolnshire patient, your clinician will send your prescription direct to your home address via the post office. You can then take this prescription to any pharmacy of your choice.
When can I start getting my prescription from my GP surgery?
Once you are stable on your medication, which differs from patient to patient, your allocated clinician will send a Shared Care Agreement to your GP surgery. Your GP will then either accept or reject this agreement. If they accept, then you can start ordering your medication through them and we will see you for annual reviews. If they reject the Shared Care Agreement, then you can request out of appointment prescriptions from us, and we will see you for annual reviews.
Titration FAQ
What is titration?
Titration is the process that introduces your body to medication safely and works out the most suitable medication and dose for you. Safe clinical practice involves careful prescriber monitoring and supervision until you have reached a stable or optimised dose to help you achieve the maximum benefit with minimum side effects. Your prescriber will ask you for regular feedback, including the reporting of any potential side effects.
How long will the titration process last?
The titration process is personalised to each patient, so we do not place a specific timeframe on the length of the titration journey. On average, the process lasts 2-4 months, but the timeframe can be shorter or longer, depending on the individual.
Can my GP carry out my titration?
The medications used to treat and manage the symptoms of ADHD are known as controlled drugs and initially need to be prescribed through a specialist ADHD clinician. The medication needs to be titrated with careful monitoring, and not all GPs are happy to carry out this process
What happens once my titration has been completed?
The titration process typically takes 2-4 months, or longer if needed. This will allow your body to adjust to the new medication and find your optimal dose. This means that you will feel maximum treatment effects from your medication with minimum side effects. At this stage, you will then be referred back to your assessing consultant for an end of titration review. If your consultant is happy that your treatment is now stabilised, they will write to your GP to recommend that your prescription be continued under a Shared Care Agreement. This means that ongoing prescriptions will be issued by your GP surgery, and there will be an expectation that your medication will be reviewed on a six-monthly basis by your GP. You will also be offered an annual review either by us or perhaps by another service, such as your local NHS team.
Is there an age limit for ADHD assessments?
Yes, there is an age limit for ADHD assessments. Currently, assessments are available for individuals up to the age of 65. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer ADHD assessments for those over 65.
End Of Titration FAQs
What happens when I reach the end of titration?
When you are stabilised on a medication for your ADHD, shared care will be requested will be your GP.
What is Shared Care?
Shared care is the process of us asking your GP to take over prescribing of your ADHD medication. Your GP can accept or refuse shared care. If your GP accepts shared care, it means they will be responsible for issuing your prescriptions going forward and you will need to request your repeats from your GP. If your GP refuses shared care, you continue to order repeat prescriptions from Dr J & Colleagues.
How will I know if my GP accepts or refuses shared care?
You will receive an email from Dr J & Colleagues notifying you of the outcome. Note, this will only happen if your GP responds directly to us which they don’t always. If you don't hear from us in the next 3 weeks about the outcome of your shared care, contact your GP first to check if they have an update about whether they have refused or accepted the shared care. If they don't accept or have not yet decided, please use the patient portal to keep ordering your medication (do this at least 7-10 days before running out of medication) - https://portal.drsj.co.uk/.
Please ensure you do follow up the outcome of the shared care and order your repeat prescription as if there is an extended gap in you taking medication, you will not be able to restart it immediately.
​
If my GP accepts shared care, will I no longer be seen by Dr J & Colleagues?
Irrespective of whether your GP accepts shared care or not, you will have an annual review with Dr J & Colleagues. You must attend these reviews even if your GP accepts shared care as this depends on you having your annual reviews with our specialist team.
Is there anything else I need to know?
Your BP, pulse and weight must be monitored 6-monthly and ahead of each annual review. If your GP is issuing prescriptions as they have accepted shared care, they will complete this. If you are continuing to order repeat prescriptions from Dr J & Colleagues, you will need to submit these each time you request a repeat prescription.
Important Notice – ICB Funding Caps
Due to funding limits set by certain Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), the current waiting time for Right to Choose referrals in the areas listed below is now around 12 months.
Unfortunately, this delay is outside of our control.
​
Affected ICBs:
-
Sussex
-
Leicestershire
-
Bedfordshire, Luton & Milton Keynes
-
Birmingham & Solihull
-
Black Country
-
Frimley
-
Hampshire & Isle of Wight
-
Kent & Medway
-
Norfolk & Waveney
-
Suffolk & North East Essex
-
Greater Manchester
-
Somerset