Online GP services are an increasingly popular alternative to traditional face-to-face appointments. They offer a convenient, quick, and flexible way to access medical advice, without the need for long journeys and hours spent in waiting rooms.
With an online GP, you can get professional medical support, including advice, referrals, and sick notes, all from the comfort of your own home. While not every condition is suited to a virtual consultation, a lot of common health concerns can be effectively managed online.
For a lot of people, this modern approach to healthcare is a far more practical and efficient option. Read on to see if it’s right for you.
How Does Booking An Online Doctor’s AppointmentWork?
With Hola Health, online GP appointments are designed to be simple, transparent, and accessible.
Request
Start by choosing your appointment type and filling in your details – make sure to include your symptoms and medical history. Book the consultation, and pay easily with either a credit or debit card.
Speak
You’ll then meet with an NHS-trained and GMC-registered GP, often within minutes. The consultation takes place over a secure video call, with no need to download apps or install software.
Receive medical letter
If needed, your doctor can issue a referral letter or sick note following your consultation – this will be based on the information you provide and their clinical judgment. The letter is sent securely via email, allowing you to share it with whomever you need to.
What Does An Online GP Do & How Do You Prepare For An Appointment
Online GPs can provide a wide range of services, including medical letters and certificates for both personal and professional needs.
Available services include:
- Referral letters for specialists or radiology
- Sick notes for work
- Student sick notes for universities
- Fit-to-fly certificates
- Travel cancellation certificates
- Work adjustment letters
- Travel with medication letters
- Fit-to-work certificates
- Sports medical certificates
If approved, these documents are delivered quickly and securely to your email.
How to prepare for your appointment:
- Make a list of your symptoms
- Keep track of any medications you’re taking
- Ensure you have a strong Wi-Fi connection
- Use a smart device with a camera
- Have a valid form of ID ready
When is an Online Appointment Better Than an In-Person One?
Online GP appointments are helpful when convenience, speed, and comfort are priorities.
They may be a better option if:
- You want to avoid crowded waiting rooms
- You’re concerned about catching or spreading illness
- You’re too unwell to travel
- You’re on the move or away from home
What we’ll see you for:
- General Health: Back pain treatment, tonsillitis, cold sores, flu, and stomach ache
- Chronic Health: Asthma inhalers, migraines, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, gout, and type 2 diabetes
- Men’s Health: Erectile dysfunction, hair loss, acne, premature ejaculation, UTIs, and STIs
- Women’s Health: Contraceptive pill, morning after pill, bacterial vaginosis, HRT and menopause support, thrush, and period delay
- Skin & Hair Health: Hair loss treatments, contact dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, and skin infections
- Health & Habits: Jet lag, traveller’s diarrhoea, motion sickness, swimmer’s ear, altitude sickness, and vitamin deficiencies
What are the Limitations of an Online Appointment?
Online GP services are not suitable for emergencies. If you have a serious injury or urgent medical issue, you should go to the hospital or call 111 for non-life-threatening emergencies. In emergencies, call the emergency services at 999.
Also, some conditions require a physical examination, meaning a face-to-face appointment is necessary to properly assess and diagnose the issue.
Finally, it’s also important to note that this service is not suitable for children under 12 months. And for patients aged 1 to 17, a responsible adult must be present during the video consultation.
What are Some Common Myths Around Online GPs?
Despite the popularity of online GPs, there are still a lot of myths around the process of seeing one, and the quality and extent of the care they can provide. For the facts, check below.
A lack of safety
Hola Health’s online GP platforms are fully secure and designed to protect your personal and medical information.
Lack of qualifications
All of our doctors are GMC-registered and NHS-trained. They are all qualified professionals, committed to providing high-quality care.
No referrals
Online GPs can provide specialist referrals when appropriate. If your doctor determines that further care is needed, they can issue a private referral letter, which is sent to you digitally. You can then use it to arrange a consultation or test with a specialist of your choice.
Should You See An Online GP?
Online GPs are a modern, flexible alternative to face-to-face appointments. They can get you the care you need quicker. If you’re looking to book a doctor’s appointment online, Hola Health has a wide range of medical professionals ready to help you at a moment’s notice.
