Video GP Consultations From Anywhere
Video consultations have transformed healthcare access. Professional medical care from your home, office, or anywhere with a decent internet connection.
But video is not always the right choice. Understanding when online works well helps you choose the best option for your situation.
When Video Consultations Excel
Video appointments work brilliantly for many common GP needs.
Prescription reviews and renewals. If you take regular medication and need a routine review, video allows discussion of how treatment is going without requiring you to travel.
Discussing test results. Your blood work came back. You want to understand what the numbers mean. A video call lets your doctor explain findings and recommend any needed actions.
Mental health consultations. Depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns often benefit from the comfort of being in your own environment during difficult conversations.
Follow up appointments. You saw the doctor last week. They want to check how you are responding to treatment. Video is perfectly adequate for most follow ups.
Minor visible conditions. Rashes, eye problems, skin concerns you can show on camera. The doctor can see what you describe and often reach useful conclusions.
General health questions. You have been wondering about something. You want professional input. A conversation answers your questions without needing examination.
Sick notes and documentation. If you are too unwell to travel but need medical documentation, video consultation can provide what you need.
Travel health advice. Planning a trip and need vaccination recommendations or antimalarial prescriptions. Discussion does not require physical presence.
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When In Person Is Better
Video has limitations. Physical examination cannot be replicated through a screen.
Abdominal pain needs proper palpation. Chest symptoms need listening with a stethoscope. Lumps need to be felt. Joints need to be moved. Ears and throats need proper visualisation.
New or concerning symptoms generally benefit from thorough in person assessment. If the doctor might need to examine you to reach a conclusion, start with an in person appointment.
Complex presentations where multiple things might be happening often need the additional information that physical examination provides.
If you are unsure whether your concern suits video, ask us. We can advise based on your specific symptoms whether video is appropriate or in person would be better.
The Video Consultation Experience
Booking works the same as in person appointments. Choose video consultation when selecting your appointment type.
You receive a link by email before your appointment. Click the link at your scheduled time to join the video call. Most systems work on any device with a camera and microphone. Phones, tablets, and computers all work.
Test your setup beforehand. Check your camera and microphone work. Find a quiet, private space. Good lighting helps the doctor see you clearly.
The consultation itself mirrors in person appointments. The doctor asks about your concerns, takes relevant history, and discusses findings and options. The main difference is visual assessment replaces physical examination.
Prescriptions Via Video
Doctors can prescribe medication following video consultation just as they can after in person appointments.
The same clinical judgment applies. Is this medication appropriate for this patient with this presentation? Video does not change the prescribing decision, just the consultation format.
Prescriptions are sent electronically to your preferred pharmacy or posted if you prefer paper prescriptions.
Some pharmacies offer delivery. Medication arrives at your door without you leaving home.
Referrals and Investigations
Video consultations can result in all the same outcomes as in person appointments.
Referrals to specialists are written based on clinical presentation. If examination is not needed to make a referral decision, video works fine.
Blood tests, imaging, and other investigations can be arranged following video consultation. You then attend the testing facility at your convenience.
Fit notes can be issued when clinically appropriate based on video assessment.
Technical Requirements
Video consultations need stable internet. Mobile data usually works but wifi is more reliable.
You need a device with a camera and microphone. Smartphones work well. Tablets and computers also work.
A private space matters. Medical conversations are confidential. Conducting your consultation in a busy coffee shop is not ideal.
Good lighting helps. Position yourself so your face is clearly visible. Avoid sitting with bright windows behind you which shadows your face.
What If Technology Fails
Technology sometimes glitches. Connections drop. Video freezes. Audio cuts out.
If technical problems occur, we have backup options. Phone consultation if video fails. Rescheduling if connection problems persist.
Technical issues do not leave you without care. We work around problems to ensure you get the medical input you need.
Privacy and Security
Video platforms used for medical consultations meet healthcare privacy requirements.
Consultations are encrypted. Recordings are not made without explicit consent. Your medical information is protected just as it would be during in person visits.
You should ensure your end is private too. Use headphones if others might overhear. Conduct consultations from spaces where you can speak freely.
Video Consultations While Travelling
One of video's greatest advantages is location independence.
Away on business but need your regular doctor's advice. Video connects you.
On holiday and something comes up. Video provides professional input even when far from home.
Time zones can be accommodated with careful scheduling. We have patients who consult from different continents.
If you develop something while abroad that needs in person care, video consultation can provide guidance on seeking appropriate local healthcare.
Hybrid Approaches
Video and in person care complement each other.
Initial consultation in person for thorough assessment. Follow ups via video for convenience.
Video triage for new concerns. The doctor advises whether in person examination is needed or whether video assessment is sufficient.
Ongoing care relationship maintained through regular video check ins with periodic in person reviews.
Cost of Video Consultations
Video consultations cost slightly less than in person appointments, reflecting reduced overhead.
Our video consultations are £150 compared to £180 for standard in person appointments. Same quality medical input, just different delivery format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is video consultation as good as in person?
For suitable conditions, yes. Video cannot replace physical examination, so conditions requiring examination need in person care. For everything else, video provides equivalent quality.
What if the doctor thinks I need to be seen in person?
They will tell you. Sometimes video assessment reveals that in person examination would be valuable. We can arrange prompt in person follow up when needed.
Can I have a video consultation for my child?
Yes, with parental supervision for younger children. Video can assess many childhood concerns though some may need in person examination.
What happens if my internet drops during the consultation?
We reconnect or continue by phone. Technical problems do not mean you lose your appointment or get incomplete care.