FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
How do online GP consultations work?
Online consultations work just like traditional GP appointments, but from the comfort of your home. You'll have a video or phone call with a UK-qualified GP who will discuss your symptoms, medical history, and provide diagnosis and treatment. Our GPs can prescribe medication, make referrals, and provide sick notes—everything a traditional GP can do except physical examinations.
What conditions can you treat online?
We can treat most conditions that don't require physical examination, including:
Common infections (UTIs, chest infections, skin infections)
Chronic condition management (diabetes, hypertension, asthma)
Mental health concerns (anxiety, depression, stress)
Skin conditions (with photo upload)
Women's health issues
Men's health concerns
Travel health and vaccinations advice
General health queries and preventive care
We cannot treat medical emergencies—always call 999 for emergencies.
Are online consultations as effective as in-person visits?
Research shows that for many conditions, online consultations are just as effective as face-to-face appointments. In fact, patients often share more openly in the comfort of their own environment. If you need physical examination or tests, we'll arrange appropriate referrals to local services.
How long do consultations last?
Standard consultations are 15 minutes, giving you more time than typical NHS appointments. For complex issues, we offer extended 30-minute consultations. You won't feel rushed—our GPs dedicate their full attention to you.
Booking & Appointments
How do I book an appointment?
Simply WhatsApp us on [NUMBER]. Send "Hi" and our booking system will guide you through:
Selecting your preferred appointment time
Briefly describing your concern
Confirming your details
Making payment
Most appointments are available within 2 hours during our operating hours.
What are your opening hours?
Monday-Friday: 8am-10pm
Saturday: 9am-6pm
Sunday: 10am-4pm
Bank Holidays: 10am-4pm
Can I book recurring appointments?
Yes! If you have a chronic condition requiring regular reviews, we can set up recurring appointments with the same GP for continuity of care.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule?
Life happens! You can cancel or reschedule up to 2 hours before your appointment via WhatsApp. Cancellations within 2 hours are charged at 50% to cover the GP's reserved time.
Can I request a specific GP?
Absolutely. Once you've had your first consultation, you can request to see the same GP for follow-ups. This ensures continuity of care, especially important for ongoing conditions.
Preparing for Your Consultation
What should I do before my consultation?
24 hours before:
Write down your symptoms, including when they started and what makes them better/worse
List any medications you're taking (including vitamins and supplements)
Note any allergies or medical conditions
Prepare questions you want to ask
1 hour before:
Test your internet connection
Find a quiet, private space
Have a pen and paper ready for notes
Ensure your device is charged
For specific concerns:
Skin conditions: Take clear photos in good lighting
Mental health: Consider keeping a mood diary
Chronic conditions: Have recent test results ready
Medication reviews: Gather all current medications
What information will I need to provide?
Your full name and date of birth
Contact details
Brief medical history
Current symptoms
Current medications
Allergies
Your regular GP practice (for records)
Should I have my medical records ready?
If you have relevant test results, hospital letters, or medication lists, having them nearby is helpful but not essential. Our GPs are skilled at taking comprehensive histories.
What if I'm nervous about my first online consultation?
It's completely normal! Our GPs understand that online consultations are new for many people. They'll put you at ease and guide you through the process. Remember, it's just like chatting with a friend—who happens to be medically qualified.
During Your Consultation
How do video consultations work?
After booking, you'll receive a link via WhatsApp. Simply click it at your appointment time to start the video call. No downloads or complicated software required—it works in your phone's browser.
What if I prefer not to use video?
No problem! We offer phone consultations too. Just let us know your preference when booking. Some conditions may require video or photos for accurate diagnosis.
Can family members join the consultation?
Yes, with your consent. This is particularly helpful for:
Children's appointments (parents/guardians must be present)
Elderly patients who'd like support
Appointments where you'd like a second pair of ears
Non-English speakers who need translation help
What happens if the connection drops?
Don't worry! Your GP will call you back immediately. If technical issues persist, we'll switch to a phone consultation to ensure you receive care.
Will I be recorded?
Video consultations are never recorded. Your GP will make written notes, just like in traditional appointments. These notes are securely stored in your medical record.
Prescriptions & Medications
Can Online GPs prescribe medication?
Yes! Our GPs can prescribe most medications, with few exceptions:
Controlled drugs (strong painkillers)
Medications requiring special monitoring
Unlicensed medications
We issue private prescriptions which can be used at any UK pharmacy.
How do I get my prescription?
You have three options:
Electronic prescription: Sent directly to your chosen pharmacy
Paper prescription: Posted to you (next-day delivery available)
Pharmacy delivery: We partner with registered pharmacies for home delivery
How much do prescriptions cost?
Prescription issuing: Included in consultation fee
Medication costs: You pay the pharmacy directly (no NHS subsidy on private prescriptions)
Delivery: £3.99 for standard, £7.99 for next-day
Can you prescribe antibiotics?
Yes, when clinically appropriate. Our GPs follow NICE guidelines on antibiotic prescribing. We won't prescribe antibiotics for viral infections, but we'll explain why and suggest alternative treatments.
What about repeat prescriptions?
For stable, long-term conditions, we can issue repeat prescriptions following an initial consultation. Regular reviews ensure your medication remains appropriate and effective.
Medical Records & Referrals
Can you access my NHS records?
We cannot directly access NHS records, but we can:
Request records from your NHS GP (with your consent)
Send consultation notes to your NHS GP
Ensure continuity of care between services
Can you refer me to specialists?
Yes! We can make private referrals to specialists and NHS referrals where appropriate. We'll provide a detailed referral letter and help you understand your options.
Can you provide sick notes?
Yes, we provide:
Fit notes (official sick notes) for employers
Private medical certificates
Letters for insurance claims
Travel cancellation letters
These are legally valid and accepted by employers and insurers.
Will my NHS GP know about my consultation?
Only if you want them to. We can send a summary to your NHS GP to ensure continuity of care, but this is entirely your choice.
Technical Questions
What devices can I use?
Any device with internet and camera:
Smartphones (iPhone, Android)
Tablets (iPad, Android tablets)
Laptops and computers
Smart TVs with cameras
What internet speed do I need?
A standard broadband connection (5 Mbps) is sufficient. You can test your speed at speedtest.net. Video uses about the same bandwidth as Netflix.
Do I need to download an app?
No! Everything works through WhatsApp and your web browser. No downloads, no passwords to remember, no complicated setups.
Is WhatsApp secure for medical consultations?
Yes. WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption. We also follow strict information governance protocols and never discuss medical details via WhatsApp—only booking information.
What if I'm not tech-savvy?
Our system is designed to be simple. If you can send a text message, you can use our service. Our support team can talk you through any technical concerns.
Safety & Quality
Are your GPs qualified?
All our GPs are:
GMC registered and licensed to practice
NHS trained with minimum 5 years experience
Required to maintain continuous professional development
Insured and indemnified
You can verify any GP's registration on the GMC website.