Video, Phone or Async: How Online GP Consultations Differ
The three formats UK online GP services use (video, telephone and written form), what each can and cannot handle clinically, how prescriptions and follow-up work in each, and where providers' own listed prices are shown.
Quick answer: online GP services use three formats: a written (asynchronous) form, a phone call or a video call. Each named provider's own listed price is on our private GP page, and the service fees online doctor services publish are on our online doctor page.
The three formats
| Online route | Suited to | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Written (asynchronous) form | Simple issues, repeat requests, admin | No live conversation |
| Phone GP | Advice, follow-up, certificates | No visual examination |
| Video GP | Same-day discussion and triage | Still limited for physical signs |
A provider's listed online price is usually its shortest appointment. Check the length and the format before comparing two figures.
What may cost extra?
Check whether the price includes prescription issuing, a referral letter, a sick note, follow-up messaging and the medicine. A low appointment fee can lead to a higher total if each document or follow-up is billed separately.
See UK online GP providers alongside in-person and home-visit private GP routes.
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Important context
TreatCompare uses public data, provider-published information, official datasets, structured research and analysis. Figures can change and may not be complete in real time. Use this page for research and comparison only, then verify directly with the relevant provider.
- Source type
- Named public and provider sources
- Primary source
- General Medical Council register
- Reporting period
- 2026-10-26
- Last updated
- 2026-10-26
- Figure type
- Mixed sources
- Use
- Research and comparison only
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Frequently asked questions
How much does an online GP consultation cost?
It depends on the provider and the format (written, phone or video). Our private GP page lists each named provider's own lowest listed price, and online GP service fees read from providers' own pages are on our online doctor page, each with its source. They are starting prices, not a typical fee.
Can an online GP prescribe?
An online GP can prescribe where clinically appropriate, but some symptoms, medicines or controlled drugs may require in-person assessment.
Sources & further reading
- General Medical Council register — Doctor registration checks.
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