frequently asked questions
Have a Question For Us?
You can find the answers below to the questions we get asked the most. If you can't find what you're looking for, you can see more in our FAQ section or get in touch with us directly.
Who are Paloma Health?
Paloma Health is an NHS Right to Choose provider of ADHD and autism assessments for children and young people. We are a team of highly experienced clinicians and strongly believe that every family should have better access to high quality neurodevelopmental assessments.
Is Paloma Health part of the NHS?
No, Paloma Health is an independent healthcare company. However, we have partnered with the NHS to provide our services for free under the NHS Right to Choose framework. Our assessments are regulated and follow the same guidelines as any NHS assessment would.
How long is the waiting list?
Our waiting times are much shorter than most NHS waiting lists. For many families, autism assessments can start within 2 weeks of us receiving the referral. Waits vary by where you live and which assessment your child needs. Enter your postcode in our waiting times checker to see the current wait in your area.
How do I get referred? What does my GP need to do?
It's three simple steps:
1. Book an appointment with your GP and ask for a referral to Paloma Health under NHS Right to Choose.
2. Your GP sends us the referral.
3. Once we receive the referral, we'll email you with next steps.
Parents can't refer directly. The referral has to come from your GP, but you're entitled to ask for it.
Do you offer ADHD assessments?
Yes. We offer NHS-funded ADHD assessments for children and young people across England, as well as autism assessments and joint autism and ADHD assessments. Ask your GP to name the ADHD pathway on the referral.
Can my child be assessed for autism and ADHD at the same time?
Yes. Autism and ADHD often overlap, and many children show signs of both. A joint assessment looks at both together, with one team and one set of appointments. That can give a clearer picture than two separate assessments with different providers. If you think both might apply, ask your GP to refer for a joint assessment.
Do we need to live near you? Can the assessment be done remotely?
No, you don't need to live near us. Our remote assessments are available to families across England and take place entirely by video call. If you're near one of our clinics, or willing to travel, you can choose a hybrid assessment instead, with appointments in person at either our Norwich or Exeter clinic.
Is my child the right age?
We assess children and young people aged 8 to 17. For children under 5, we need your child to have been seen by a paediatrician first. If your child is 17, the referral must be received before their 18th birthday, so it's worth speaking to your GP soon.
What does the assessment involve?
After referral, you'll complete an online questionnaire about your child. We'll also ask someone from their school and someone who knows them socially to share their views. Your child's assessment then includes:
a parent or carer interview
an observation of your child
an outcome appointment, where a clinician talks you through the results and your written report
Every diagnosis is reviewed and agreed by a team of clinical specialists before it's shared with you.
Assessments follow NICE guidance.
Is it free, or do I have to pay?
It's free. Paloma Health is an NHS provider, and assessments through Right to Choose are fully NHS-funded, with no cost to your family at any stage. Right to Choose is your legal right to choose which NHS provider assesses your child.
If my child is diagnosed with ADHD, can you prescribe medication?
Yes. If medication is right for your child, our clinicians can prescribe it and manage it for as long as it's needed, all NHS-funded. Your GP doesn't need to agree to a shared care arrangement, so a GP who doesn't offer shared care shouldn't stop you choosing us.
I'm already on another waiting list. Can I switch to you?
Yes. Under Right to Choose, you can ask your GP to refer your child to a different NHS provider, even if you're already waiting elsewhere. Your child keeps their NHS entitlement, and many families move to us to be seen sooner. Speak to your GP about changing your referral.
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