GP waiting lists: Boots launches Online Doctor service

Boots has launched a new service that aims to help people with various issues, including sexual health and skin conditions, without having to navigate queues at their local GP.

Booking a GP appointment isn’t easy at the moment. I’ve been through it myself of late ‒ calling bang on 8am to try to get through to a receptionist, but getting an engaged tone, until finally getting through half an hour later to find that all the appointments for the day have gone.

It’s enormously frustrating when you have an issue that needs addressing but isn’t serious enough that it merits a trip to A&E.

But if you’re willing to cough up a few quid you can avoid those lengthy phone calls and get treatment the same day.

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Speaking to a doctor at Boots

Boots has launched a new Online Doctor service, allowing users quick access to medical advice and prescription-only medicine without having to go to your local GP.

The service is available through the Health Hub on the Boots website, and you don’t need to book a slot in advance. 

You simply visit the website and select from a range of services the one that’s most appropriate for you. There are currently six different categories: general health, men’s health, women’s health, sexual health, acne and skin, and testing services.

You will need to register, and then complete an online consultation where you are asked a series of questions about your issue.

You’ll then get a response between two and 24 hours later. If medication is required, you can pick it up from any Boots pharmacy across the UK that same day or get them sent to your home.

What’s more, you’ll also get a video from a clinician with follow up advice on how to manage your condition.

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Coughing up for treatment

Perhaps the biggest selling point of the NHS and our traditional GP service is that it’s free at the point of access.

There’s no fee to pay for heading to your local doctor to get something checked, whether it’s something minor or a more significant medical condition.

Obviously, this isn’t the case with the Boots Online Doctor, as there will be costs to consider. 

Prices start at £15 per appointment, but it’s worth noting this includes prescription costs. Bearing in mind that the current prescription charge per item is £9.35, it means that for many people a session will really only set them back a little over a fiver.

There’s another positive to consider for those who regularly shop at Boots, as you can get Advantage points on your spending.

It won’t work for everyone

Now it’s worth reflecting on the fact that this isn’t a comprehensive replacement for a traditional GP service.

The Boots Online Doctor is designed to help with 45 healthcare conditions, like diabetes testing, family planning, sexual health, skin conditions and menopause treatments.

As a result, if you have something serious that you want to get checked, then the Online Doctor may not be an appropriate route for you to take.

There are limits to what can be checked out in an online format too. Inevitably there will be occasions when your ailment needs to be seen in person for a proper diagnosis to take place.

But if your problem isn’t quite at that level then it’s certainly worth considering.

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Making use of online GP services

It’s worth noting that online GP services are becoming more common and may be included in certain insurance policies.

Unsurprisingly it’s becoming a common part of private medical insurance policies, meaning that you get something back from the money you shell out in premiums even if you don’t need to claim for full-on medical treatment. 

There are standalone online GP services too, from the likes of Livi, PushDoctor and others, which may also be worth considering if you’re desperate to be seen but are struggling to get an appointment with your GP. 

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