How to Book an Online GP Appointment in the UK

Why book an online GP in the UK?

NHS GP waiting times have lengthened significantly in recent years, with many patients waiting 2-3 weeks for a routine appointment. Private in-person GPs offer faster access but require travel, often cost more, and typically have limited evening and weekend availability.

Online GP services like GeraClinic offer same-day access for most concerns, transparent pricing starting from £29, and no travel time. Your GMC-registered GP can prescribe medication, issue sick notes, write referral letters, and order blood tests — all remotely.

A 2023 British Medical Journal review found patient satisfaction with online GP consultations equivalent to in-person visits for the majority of primary care presentations, with improved access being the primary driver of uptake.

What can an online GP treat?

Online GPs handle the full breadth of general practice. Common reasons patients book include:

• Respiratory infections — colds, flu, chest infections, sinusitis
• Urinary tract infections and cystitis
• Skin conditions — rashes, eczema, acne, fungal infections (via video)
• Mental health — anxiety, mild depression, stress, sleep disturbances
• Chronic condition reviews — diabetes, hypertension, asthma management
• Prescription renewals and medication adjustments
• Sick notes and medical certificates
• Referral letters to specialists
• Results interpretation — blood tests, X-rays, scan reports
• Travel health advice and vaccinations
• Contraception advice and sexual health
• Digestive issues — IBS, acid reflux, constipation

When NOT to use an online GP

For non-emergency urgent concerns that still need same-day attention, use GeraClinic Emergency Teleconsultation — doctors available within 15-30 minutes.

How to book an online GP on GeraClinic: step by step

1. 1

   Create your free account

   Sign up at geraclinic.com with your name, email address, and a password. Takes under 2 minutes. No NHS number required for private consultations.

2. 2

   Select General Practice

   From the home screen or specialties list, select "General Practice." Filter available GPs by gender, language, availability window, and fee. Read profile bios, qualifications, and patient reviews.

3. 3

   Complete the pre-consultation form

   Describe your main symptom and how long you have had it. List current medications (name and dose) and note any allergies. Upload relevant photos if your concern is visible (skin condition, rash, wound). The more detail you provide, the more efficiently your GP can help.

4. 4

   Choose your appointment slot and pay

   Same-day slots are displayed in real time. Select your preferred time and pay by card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. Fee is displayed upfront — no surprises.

5. 5

   Join the video consultation

   At your appointment time, click the link in your confirmation email or in your GeraClinic dashboard. The video room runs in your browser — no app download required. Your GP will confirm your identity and the reason for your visit before beginning.

6. 6

   Receive your care plan

   Within minutes of the consultation ending, your care plan appears in your account. This includes your GP's clinical notes, any prescriptions (sent electronically to your chosen pharmacy), referral letters, sick notes, or lab test orders.

How to prepare for your online GP appointment

A well-prepared patient gets more from a 15-minute consultation. Before joining:

• Write down your symptoms: When did they start? How have they changed? What makes them better or worse? What have you already tried?
• List your medications: Name, dose, and how long you have been taking each. Include supplements and over-the-counter medications.
• Note your allergies: Drug allergies are particularly important if a prescription may be needed.
• Upload photos in advance: If you have a skin concern, take 2-3 clear, well-lit photos and upload them in the pre-consultation area.
• Have recent test results handy: If you are discussing a chronic condition, upload recent blood results or monitoring readings.
• Prepare your questions: Write down 2-3 key questions so you do not forget them in the moment.
• Find a private, well-lit space: Good lighting improves what your GP can observe on video.

E-prescriptions: how they work

GeraClinic GPs can issue e-prescriptions for most medications. Your prescription is digitally signed and transmitted to your chosen pharmacy. In the UK, GeraClinic prescriptions are private prescriptions (not NHS prescriptions), which means:

• • The prescription cost is typically paid at the pharmacy (not free via NHS)
• • You can use any UK pharmacy that accepts private prescriptions
• • Many medications are significantly cheaper than the £9.90 NHS prescription charge
• • Your prescription is also stored in your GeraClinic health record and can be re-printed

Most common medications including antibiotics, antihistamines, blood pressure medications, inhalers, topical creams, and pain relief can be prescribed. Controlled drugs (Class A/B/C) require additional assessment and cannot be issued via standard online consultation in most cases.

Frequently asked questions