How to Book an Appointment with GP Online in the UK?

When you’re feeling unwell, knowing how to book a GP appointment is crucial. Getting the right medical care quickly can make a big difference, especially in an emergency. It’s important to know exactly what steps to take when you have a health concern. Should you call your GP, seek advice online, or visit a clinic in person? This guide will help you understand how to book a GP appointment and find the best way to address your health issues quickly.

What to do if I can’t get a doctor’s appointment?

If you can’t get a doctor’s appointment, there are several options and strategies to consider, depending on the urgency of your situation. Here’s an expanded look at each step, including examples and recent changes since COVID-19.

1- Request an emergency appointment with your NHS GP

If you have severe pain or a sudden illness, try to get an emergency appointment with your GP. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many NHS GP surgeries have used triage systems. Usually, there is a receptionist between you and your GP. When you call GP, you might wait up to 30 minutes for the receptionist to answer. Some GP surgeries offer a call-back service. Due to high demand, you might not get a same-day appointment. If you feel very unwell, go to your GP surgery first thing in the morning, around 8:00 am. There may be a long queue at the receptionist’s desk. Explaining the urgency of your situation in person is often more effective.

If you have worsening asthma symptoms or suspect an infection like pneumonia, explain this to the receptionist. They may prioritise your case, even if regular appointments are fully booked.

2- Speak to a pharmacist

Pharmacists are highly trained professionals who can advise on a range of minor illnesses, like coughs, colds, allergies, shingles, UTIs and digestive issues. This can be a quick alternative to seeing your GP, especially for non-urgent conditions.

Since May 2024 the Pharmacy First Scheme has allowed patients in England to get prescription-only treatments for seven common conditions at their local pharmacy, without needing to see a GP. This can include prescribing and supplying antibiotics and antivirals when appropriate. Your local pharmacy can provide prescription-only treatment for the following conditions:

• Sinusitis (for patients aged 12 years and over)
• Sore throat (aged 5 and up)
• Earache (aged 1 to 17)
• Infected insect bite (aged 1 and up)
• Impetigo (aged 18 and up)
• Shingles (aged 18 and up)
• Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (women aged 16 to 64)

3- Use NHS 111

If you’re unsure whether your flu symptoms require medical attention or if you should simply rest at home, NHS 111 can help assess whether you need further care or can manage your symptoms with home remedies.

NHS 111 is a UK helpline available 24/7 for urgent but non-life-threatening medical issues. Here’s how it works:

• Call 111 or use the online service anytime.
• Answer questions about your symptoms and medical history.
• Receive guidance 
• Get directed to local services if needed.
• If it’s life-threatening, you’ll be advised to call 999.r

The service provides quick, appropriate care and eases pressure on emergency services around the clock.

4- Book an online GP consultation

With the rise of COVID-19, virtual GP appointments have become more common, both within the NHS and through private health insurance providers. These appointments can be more convenient and often faster to arrange than in-person visits. Many NHS practices now offer online booking systems where you can secure a video or phone consultation. However, it’s important to note that private GPs typically don’t have access to your complete NHS medical records, which might limit their ability to provide comprehensive care.

If you have a recurring condition like eczema, a virtual GP can assess your symptoms via video call and prescribe treatments, often without the need for an in-person visit. However, if you have a complex medical history, it may be beneficial to stick with your regular NHS GP for more continuity in care.

5- Visit an NHS Walk-In Centre

NHS walk-in centres are designed for urgent but non-life-threatening conditions. They’re particularly useful outside of GP surgery hours or if you can’t get an appointment. You don’t need to be registered, and they typically stay open late on weekdays and weekends.

If you sustain a minor injury, like a sprained ankle or a minor burn, but can’t see your GP, a walk-in centre can provide treatment, including x-rays or dressings, without needing an appointment.

6- Consider private GP treatment

If you can afford it, private healthcare can offer quicker access to consultations and treatments. This option can be particularly useful if you’re in urgent need of care but can’t secure an NHS appointment. Since COVID-19, virtual consultations have become a standard offering in private health insurance plans.

If you’re experiencing persistent migraines and need to see a specialist quickly, a private consultation could be arranged within days, rather than the weeks or months it might take through the NHS. However, remember that private GPs won’t have access to your NHS records unless you share them.

7- Call later in the day

If your health issue isn’t urgent and can wait a day or two, try calling your GP surgery after 11 am. Mornings are often busiest with emergency cases, and waiting until later can increase your chances of getting through to someone who can help.

If you have a mild concern like a skin rash that’s not spreading or causing significant discomfort, you might wait until the afternoon to call, when the surgery is less busy.

8- Choose the less busy day

The timing of your call can make a difference. Midweek days, such as Tuesday or Wednesday, are typically quieter at GP surgeries compared to the rush on Monday or the pre-weekend rush on Friday.

If you need a routine check-up or want to discuss a non-urgent matter, try scheduling it for a Wednesday. You’re likely to experience shorter waiting times, both on the phone and at the surgery.

9- Set up a repeat prescription

If you take medication regularly, ask your GP to set up a repeat prescription and send directly to your local pharmacy. This allows you to refill your medication without needing a new appointment each time. Your GP will review your condition periodically to ensure the medication is still appropriate.

If you have high blood pressure and need regular medication, setting up a repeat prescription ensures you won’t run out of your medication and only need to see your GP for periodic check-ins.