Under the NHS Choice Framework, patients have the right to choose their provider and select their consultant, and in some cases to receive faster treatment. However, many patients are unaware of this right, often missing the opportunity to take control of their healthcare and make decisions that best suit their needs.
The awareness gap: what patients don’t know
Doctify, a healthcare review platform, has discovered that many patients are unaware of their rights under the NHS Choice Framework.
Stephanie Eltz, CEO and co-founder of Doctify, explained: “Under NHS law, you have the legal right to choose your healthcare provider at no extra cost. This right is guaranteed by the NHS Constitution, giving you control over who manages your care. You can choose both NHS and private providers with NHS commissioning contracts, allowing for a broader range of options – all at no additional cost.”
Despite the clarity of these rights in the NHS Constitution, many patients are unaware of the freedom they have to choose beyond local hospitals or the first available specialist. As a result, they miss the opportunity to make healthcare decisions that are right for them.
Key rights under the NHS Constitution
The NHS Constitution outlines several rights that every patient should know:
- Choosing your provider – the hospital or clinic you want to be referred to
- Selecting your consultant – the healthcare professional who will manage your care
- Faster treatment: If your waiting time exceeds 18 weeks for non-urgent care or two weeks for urgent cancer treatment, you have the right to request a referral to a provider with shorter waiting times
Why many patients aren’t exercising their right
Dr Nadira Awal, a Doctify-rated NHS General Practitioner and founder of Pause & Co Healthcare, commented: “Despite having the legal right to choose, many patients aren’t aware of their options. A survey by the Independent Healthcare Provider Network revealed that only 53% of patients knew they had the right to choose a hospital or clinic for their first outpatient appointment. Fewer knew about other rights, such as the ability to change hospitals if waiting times exceed 18 weeks (46%) or choose who performs a specialist test (41%).”
Dr Jonathan Webster, another Doctify-rated General Practitioner, added: “The one exception is when patients seek referrals for conditions like ASD or ADHD assessments, where they’re usually more aware of their options. This shows that when patients are given the right information, they can be proactive. But in most cases, they simply don’t realise the full extent of their choices.”
The role of your GP in helping you choose
Your GP is often your first point of contact when seeking specialist care and plays a crucial role in helping you choose where to receive treatment. GPs use a combination of digital tools, clinical guidelines, and patient data to assess which providers offer the best care for specific conditions.
The NHS e-Referral Service (e-RS) plays a central role in this process, enabling GPs to manage referrals efficiently and make informed decisions. However, as Stephanie Eltz explained: “Even for professionals deeply embedded in the system, it’s difficult to objectively determine which hospital or department provides the best care. With so many choices, decisions are often made based on availability rather than the most effective treatment for the patient’s specific needs.”
Barriers to patient choice
Several challenges prevent patients from fully exercising their right to choose. Time constraints during GP appointments often mean that patient choice takes a backseat. Dr Webster explained: “Most patients don’t realise they have the right to choose their hospital or consultant under the NHS Choice Framework, and it’s not something GPs usually bring up because of time limits”. With appointments often lasting just 10 minutes, GPs must prioritise immediate medical needs over in-depth choice discussions. Dr Webster explains: “Patient choice often takes a backseat because consultations are so short. There just isn’t enough time to explore all the best options.”
Another challenge that GPs are facing includes information gaps. While e-RS provides waiting times and locations, Dr Awal notes: “There’s still a gap in real-time data, especially for specialised treatments. Information on success rates and patient satisfaction is often missing”. She also noted that because of these hurdles, your GP may ask you to research options independently and bring your preferences to a follow-up appointment.
Practical tips for patients to take control of their healthcare
To help you make the most of your options, Stephanie Eltz shared these tips:
- Ask the right questions: When your GP gives you a list of providers, don’t hesitate to ask for more details. Inquire about their experience with your condition and how they approach treatment. This will help you make a choice that’s based on expertise, not just availability
- Know your options: Many patients don’t realise that they can choose from both NHS and private providers who work with the NHS. This means you have access to high-quality care, with no extra cost to you
- Take control with research: Your GP is there to guide you, but your own research is crucial. Dive into patient reviews, explore feedback, and see how others with similar conditions have been treated. This deeper insight will help you make a confident, informed decision about your care
Empowering patients through informed decisions
Dr Awal continued: “Patient choice is a fundamental principle of modern healthcare, but when it comes to exercising these rights, despite enthusiasm for patient choice, practical uptake is inconsistent. Efforts are ongoing to improve awareness and support for patient choice through better promotion and information sharing, as outlined in NHS guidance”.
“Understanding all options is the foundation of informed decision-making – empowering patients through better information and involvement in decision-making processes can lead to improved health outcomes and greater satisfaction with care. When patients are actively engaged in their healthcare, they are more likely to adhere to treatment plans and manage their conditions effectively”.
Doctify: supporting patients in their journey to better care
Eltz added: “Finding the right healthcare provider can feel overwhelming, especially when managing complex or less common conditions. You might start by looking online, but the sheer volume of information can make it hard to find what’s most relevant to you. Doctify makes it easier to find the right provider by letting you explore verified patient reviews, filtered by treatment and condition. This gives you insights into how providers have managed cases similar to yours, helping you focus on reviews that matter most”.
“Ultimately, your health is yours to manage, and the NHS Choice Framework allows you to make decisions that are right for you. Whether you’re looking for a specialist for a complex condition or a routine procedure, Doctify helps you choose a provider who meets both your clinical needs and personal preferences”.
