A guide to digital GP consultation
Booking an appointment with your GP can sometimes present challenges. Navigating online booking systems or finding the right time to call may not always be convenient for everyone. Also, aligning an appointment with your work and personal schedule can sometimes result in delays in receiving care.
This is where digital GP services come into play. They offer the flexibility to schedule appointments at times that suit you, all with a fully qualified and registered GP.
In this guide we explain what a virtual doctor’s appointment is and what to expect when you book one. After reading the guide, you should feel fully prepared and confident about making a digital GP appointment.
What is a digital GP?
A digital GP is a fully qualified private doctor that you have an appointment with via call or a video call virtually on your phone, tablet or laptop. They're also known as a virtual doctor, or digital doctor. With some providers, you can book an appointment 24/7 and often be seen the same day. You get access to a digital GP through private health insurance or via a pay-as-you-go private GP service.
Private health insurance companies, like Vitality, will provide an app that you can use to book an appointment. You'll be able to choose a time and date that suits you, which makes this service especially convenient.
A virtual GP appointment could be the answer if you:
- are looking for a more timely way to access healthcare,
- find it challenging to fit appointments around your busy life,
- have mobility problems that make visiting a GP surgery more difficult.
How does a virtual doctor's appointment work?
You'll usually need to download an app to book an appointment. The virtual GP service will need to know a bit about you so they can verify who you are. When you're set up, you can book an appointment by logging into the app.
Once in the app, you'll need to describe your symptoms. With the Vitality Video GP app, you'll be guided through a range of questions depending on your symptoms. And you can also upload photos if you think it will help your diagnosis.
Then all you need to do is select a time and date for your appointment and confirm that you're happy with the information you've provided. Appointments take about 15 minutes, so you'll get time to fully explain your medical issue.
When it's time for your appointment, the doctor will call you via the app. During the appointment, you'll be asked to describe your symptoms. You may also be asked to show any physical signs of your medical condition, such as a rash.
When you've been assessed, your virtual doctor will explain what happens next. They may write a prescription, refer you to a specialist or send you for tests for example.
How do I prepare for a virtual consultation?
Taking a few simple steps to get ready for your virtual appointment can help the experience go smoothly.
- Know your appointment time and date. Vitality provides a countdown to your appointment in the app, so you know exactly when it starts. It could be useful to add the appointment to your calendar as well, so you don't double-book yourself.
- Get comfortable using the device on which your virtual GP will call you. This could be your mobile phone, tablet, or laptop. The app will need access to your microphone and camera so you can use them during the appointment. If you're not confident with your device, try to have someone on hand who can help.
- Check your internet or Wi-Fi connection. Make sure there are no connection issues. And if you're not on Wi-Fi, you'll need enough mobile data to support a video consultation.
- Make sure your device is fully charged. Have a charging cable nearby just in case it's needed.
- Find a quiet space for the appointment. Try to make sure the space is well-lit, especially if you think you'll need to show the doctor a physical condition.
- Limit disruptions. This can be tricky if you have children in the house, but try to focus on the appointment as best you can. It might be useful to put your device in ‘Do Not Disturb' mode during the appointment.
- Have your medications to hand. The doctor may want to know what medicines you're currently taking.
How do I make the most of my virtual appointment?
Get prepared for your virtual doctor appointment, so you can make the most of your time with the GP.
- Think ahead about how you plan to describe your symptoms. Make sure you're being clear about how your condition is affecting you.
- Include all symptoms, even if they feel trivial to you.
- Think about the questions you want to ask in advance. Jot your questions down, so you don't forget any.
- Have a notepad to hand so you can take notes during the appointment.
- Make sure you understand what the next steps of your treatment are. Do you need tests? Are you starting a new medication? Do you need to make a follow-up appointment? Where do you need to get your prescription?
- Clarify anything you don't understand with your doctor.
- Ask how to get in touch if you have any more questions.
Vitality GP – what to expect?
All Vitality GP doctors are fully qualified and experienced. You can book a virtual doctor appointment 24/7 and often be seen the same day, but always within 48 hours. We'll also do our best to accommodate you if you have a specific request, such as wishing to see a female doctor.
Your doctor will provide medical advice during the appointment, which is recorded in the Vitality GP app. You can choose whether you want to share this information with us. These notes are available for you to see in the app and are a useful reminder of the meeting and actions taken.
The doctor will be able to prescribe medication. You should be able to collect your prescription locally or have it delivered.
If you need follow-up treatment or tests, they can arrange these for you as well. The cost of the virtual doctor appointment is included in your private health cover.
Key takeaways
- A digital GP is a fully qualified doctor that you have an appointment with via video or on the phone.
- Using a digital GP service is a quick and easy way to see a GP at a time that suits your busy life. Or if you need to see a GP urgently. And you don't need to travel to use the service. So, it's also a convenient way for those with mobility issues or who just feel too unwell to go out, to see a doctor.
- You get access to a digital GP through private health insurance or via a pay as you go private GP service.
- Getting an appointment is simple. You can do it online via an app or call an advice line. You then choose the date and time that suits you best. When the appointment is due, the doctor will call you.
- Try to get prepared for the appointment, so you can make the most of your time. Your doctor will talk you through the outcome of their assessment and explain what happens next.
- Virtual doctors are an easy and convenient way to access primary healthcare services at a time and place that suits you best.
