We asked our GP adviser Dr Mark to give his view of Virtual GP services, what they do, don’t do, and what to look out for.
Are Virtual GP services worthwhile?
“Virtual GP services can be really valuable. They’re especially useful for employees who work shift patterns, or in hands-on in-person roles that mean someone can’t be waiting on or by the phone.
“Most practices have done away with the ‘8am rush’ and use online access tools open during the day, but not everyone pick up or speak on the phone randomly when a Dr calls back. That includes people like teachers, machine operators, call centre workers and van drivers. Being able to book a time and place that works for them means more people can get more of the attention they need, exactly when they need it.”
What’s the NHS view of private virtual GP services?
“I can’t speak for the whole NHS, but as a General Practitioner myself, I find private virtual GP services can be helpful when used the right way.
“If people have the resource and access to get simple health issues seen to relatively quickly and easily – without clogging up their NHS surgery – they should absolutely use it. Everyone benefits. It can take pressure off the system and puts choice into the hands of patients.
“Sometimes, it can even save me some work if they are able to deal with the issue without it ever having to get to me, for example with referrals or medical conditions which can be managed remotely.
“It’s also worth keeping in mind that many ‘virtual’ GPs are also NHS GPs – developing a ‘portfolio career’ in a number of different roles to widen their experience and spread their income sources.”
What can a virtual GP do?
“You’d be surprised how much a virtual GP can do.
“For a start, they often have the luxury of longer appointment times, so they’re not limited to ten minutes and one issue per patient. My patients have told me they can have a longer chat, and get really good advice and guidance on their broader health issues.
“Virtual GPs can look at images, for instance of skin conditions or rashes, and if something is clear they can also prescribe medication – for instance a short course of antibiotics for a throat infection or a suspected urinary tract infection. (Just remember employees will have to pay for a private prescription themselves).
“Because people can get appointments generally very swiftly – usually within 24 hours – this can nip issues in the bud quickly. Virtual GPs should also be able to share notes with someone’s NHS surgery (with their permission) so things can stay linked up.
“For more serious issues, a virtual GP may be able to give advice on what to say to an NHS GP, and what sort of attention to ask for.
“At Equipsme, the virtual GPs can actually write Open Referral letters to help people (who have diagnosis as part of their plan) to get a claim assessed for cover to see a specialist (as long as the issue is not excluded under the terms of their plan).”
What can a virtual GP NOT do?
“Obviously they cannot do physical examinations, take blood, urine or stool samples, measure blood pressure or heart rate, or run any scans.
“If these sorts of initial diagnostic measures and checks are required (things that need to happen before an Open Referral) they will have to send people back to their own NHS GP.
“To put this into some perspective, around 87% of Equipsme calls result in a first-time diagnosis so there’s no need for people to come back to their NHS GP. However, if people are referred back it tends to be for a good clinical reason – something that needs to be dealt with in-person. They may of course also recommend you go to A&E or a walk-in centre if the issue is urgent.”
What should you be looking for from a virtual GP service?
“I think in order to get most value out of a virtual GP service, it really does need to be 24/7. Choice of when and where to do the appointment is also key - as is that ability to provide an open referral that can be submitted as part of claim.
“That’s particularly relevant if private diagnosis or treatment are part of your health benefits, because it can often remove the need for people to have to go through their NHS GP to get the referral first.
“Finally, look out for regulation by the Care Quality Commission, which is the independent regulator of health and adult social care in England.”
Author: Abi Stevens
Created June 2026
