In the last year or so, more GP surgeries around the UK, and indeed Europe, are pushing for their patients to use online GP appointments. These appointments have many benefits. For one thing, they keep vulnerable people in their homes and away from areas where they may catch COVID-19. Another benefit is that they allow more people to seek medical help in a day and they are easier to fit into your busy schedule. However, if you have never had an online GP appointment before, you may be curious as to what exactly is involved, and in this article, 5 common questions relating to online GP appointments or answered.
How Do Online GP Appointments Work – What Do I Need for an Online Appointment?
To have a video consultation with a GP, you will need either a mobile phone, a tablet, or a laptop that has a good camera, a working microphone, and a strong internet connection. You will also need to have downloaded an app, like TapGP, to undertake the appointment.
In many instances, you’ll also need to show a valid form of photo identification, such as a passport, driving licence, or a military ID card, just to prove that you are who you say you are. Of course, be sure to remember exactly what you are calling for and aim to have the appointment in a quiet area of the home.
There are plenty of credible online sources that you can visit ahead of your online appointment, such as health information site Health Prem. While sites like this one cannot give you an official diagnosis, they can provide you with information and reassurance ahead of your appointment.
How Do Online GP Appointments Work – Can I Get Online GP Appointments Outside the UK?
If you are a UK resident, but are abroad on word or holiday, then the legislation surrounding online GP appointments and prescribing of medications will likely be prohibited. Many clinicians are only able to provide prescriptions and treatments to people that are within the UK. So, to use the service, you may need to come back to the UK to have the appointment, even if you are registered for the service.
How Do Online GP Appointments Work – What Do I Do If I Miss the Appointment?
If you miss your online GP appointment, you should get in touch with your GP appointment app patient liaison team. However, if you are certain that you are going to miss your appointment, you have a bit more leeway relating to cancellation, as many of these services allow you to cancel the appointment up to four hours beforehand. If you are using a private service, in which you will pay for the appointments, the return of deposits and costs may or may not apply to you.
How Do Online GP Appointments Work – What Can I Do If I’m Late for the Appointment?
This is a different situation, as you cannot simply call them up and tell them that you are going to be late. However, many of these online appointments have a waiting room service and the next available GP will be able to consult with you. However, please note many of them offer around an hour for you to join the waiting room, and after this, your appointment may no longer be available.
How Do Online GP Appointments Work – How Do I Get a Regular Appointment?
If you need to see a regular doctor for a standard appointment, it is worth mentioning all of your symptoms during your online GP appointment and they may be able to set this up for you by putting this into your medical notes. However, if you want to bypass the online appointment altogether, simply contact your regular GP surgery as normal for a regulation visit.
*Collaborative post
Debz Louise is a plus-size blogger based in Yorkshire. Behind many nationwide campaigns such as #WeaAreTheThey & winner of Best Blogger at the UK Plus Size Awards, she talkas about life as a plus-size 40-something woman in South Yorkshire.
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