How to ask about provider choice

In many non-urgent consultant-led referrals, you can ask about provider choice. This depends on clinical suitability, service availability and NHS referral rules.

Before asking

• Check what type of referral you have.
• Compare published waiting-time data carefully.
• Remember that shorter published waits do not guarantee a transfer.
• Ask your GP or hospital whether another provider is clinically suitable.

Suggested wording

“I have seen published waiting-time information for this specialty. Could you advise whether provider choice applies to my referral, and whether another clinically suitable provider is available?”