Healthy Living / Your guide to online GP appointments
Clinically reviewed on 27/4/2022 by Bryony Lathbury
The first option is booking a face-to-face, in-person appointment at your registered practice. You can do this in advance, but availability can be limited. Some practices offer same-day emergency appointments but again, spaces are limited, and you could be on hold for a period of time without any luck.
The second option is a telephone appointment. This can sometimes be requested when ringing the practice. The GP will call you at the arranged time and you can discuss your symptoms, needs, or reason for calling. This method saves the need to go into the practice and sit in the waiting room, you can get on with your day and wait for the GP to call.
The third option available is online GP services. Conducted via a video call, you don't get the physical examination of an in-person appointment but you do get a face-to-face conversation. Appointments can be made the same day or at a time that fits your schedule, and a lot of online GP services operate out of hours as well.
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