After a private psychiatric assessment, many people want to move their ongoing prescriptions to the NHS. For some medicines this happens informally; for others – most commonly ADHD medication – it needs a shared care agreement. Here’s how that works.
What is shared care?
A shared care agreement is an arrangement where a specialist and a GP share responsibility for a patient’s treatment. Typically:
- the specialist makes the diagnosis, starts the medication, adjusts the dose until it’s stable, and remains available for advice and periodic review;
- the GP takes over routine prescribing and some monitoring, such as blood pressure or weight checks.
Local NHS areas publish their own shared care protocols, which set out exactly who does what for particular medicines.
When is it proposed?
Shared care is usually only proposed once:
- a diagnosis has been made after a thorough assessment;
- treatment has started and the dose is stable;
- any required monitoring is up to date;
- you’ve agreed and understand your responsibilities, such as attending reviews.
With Happy Clinic, a dedicated shared care agreement appointment (30 min, currently £500) prepares the request to your GP. See fees.
Will my GP agree?
Accepting shared care is at your GP practice’s discretion. Practices consider things like:
- whether the medicine is covered by a local shared care protocol;
- whether they feel confident and have capacity to do the monitoring;
- whether the specialist provider will continue to offer review and advice;
- local policies on shared care with private providers, which vary across the country.
If your GP declines, you can usually continue private prescribing with your specialist. It’s worth asking your GP practice about their approach early, before you’re stable, so you can plan.
Making it more likely to go smoothly
- Tell your GP early that you’re having a private assessment.
- Consent to information sharing so your GP receives letters and summaries.
- Keep up with monitoring such as blood pressure checks.
- Stay in touch with your specialist and attend reviews.
What about medicines that don’t need shared care?
Many common medicines, such as some antidepressants, don’t need a formal agreement. Your GP may simply continue a recommendation from your psychiatrist’s letter – but, again, this is their clinical decision.
Considering an assessment? Read about adult ADHD assessment by video or book an appointment.
This article is general information, not personal medical advice. If you are worried about your mental health, speak to a doctor. In a crisis call 999 or NHS 111.
Ready to talk to a psychiatrist?
Book a secure video consultation with Happy Clinic. No referral needed, and appointments are often available within a few days.