Why Use an Online GP Service

Over the years, the world has become increasingly reliant on technology. Technology has made it easier for individuals and businesses to get work done easily with less hassle. It's no surprise that there has also been a significant shift in how we now choose to access healthcare. 

In December 2021, over 750,000 people in England waited over four weeks to see a GP after booking an appointment. The situation is even worse for individuals in employment who need to take time off work to see a doctor. Not only does it affect their performance, but it also has a significant impact on their employers' finances. In 2019, absences costed UK employers more than £9 billion. 

With one's health and employment being put at risk due to long wait times to see a GP, people are now looking for faster and more convenient ways to address their healthcare needs.

Online GP service may be a solution to making healthcare more accessible to everyone. But how does it work?

What is an online GP service?

An online GP service is a new modern way of seeing a GP. It allows patients to interact with a doctor online, either on a website or mobile app, with the same functionality as visiting a GP physically.

Patients can get the same experience during an online GP service as in-person consultation without the inconvenience and risks of visiting a clinic. During the consultation, patients can ask for advice, receive prescriptions and get referred to a network of specialists. The main difference is that patients no longer need to travel and wait for weeks to see a GP, as everything is done online.

Having faster and easier access to a GP also means that individuals can get the care and treatment they need sooner, reducing the chances of further health complications and workplace absence.

Benefits of using an online GP service

Apart from quicker and easier access to a GP, there are several other benefits to having an online appointment with a doctor, which include the following:

1. Access healthcare at a time and place that suits you

Being ill is already a problem on its own. Having to wait to see a doctor or travel when you're not feeling well makes the situation even worse. As of this year, the average waiting time for a routine GP appointment is 10 days. 

With an online GP service, you can get seen by a doctor immediately, wherever you are and whenever you need it most. Most online GP services, like Mayfield Clinic, also offer same-day GP appointments so you can see a GP right away from the comfort of your home or office. It's also easier to access for people with disabilities. 

2. Reduce stress and anxiety

Waiting to get seen by a doctor can cause stress and anxiety for many. As of January 2022, over 6 million people were waiting for consultant-led elective care in the UK. With the increasing pressure on the NHS for both GP and consultant-led care, there is a need for better prevention measures. Seeing a GP online as soon as you feel symptoms can prevent further health complications, which can then lessen the need for consultant-led care, and ultimately reduce stress and anxiety.

3. Reduce workplace absenteeism and presenteeism

Absenteeism refers to the pattern wherein an employee is frequently absent from work, whilst presenteeism refers to the practice of being present at work despite having poor health conditions.

Having access to an online GP service means that employees are able to see a doctor as soon as possible, and lessen the need to take days off work or go to work ill. If they have a minor health issue, employees can access healthcare anywhere, even at their workplace. They can then quickly get the help they need and prevent their condition from worsening, which would help them get back to work faster. Not only does this boost employee morale, but it also helps with the company's finances.

4. Fast access to specialist treatment

In January 2022, the average patient waiting time for specialist treatment was 13 weeks. This waiting time also adds to the average waiting time to see a GP, which is 10 days. All these waiting times add up, which can be frustrating and have a negative impact on wellbeing and morale. Having quick access to a GP through online services also means that individuals can have faster access to specialist treatment, with streamlined transfers between different points of care.

5. Be more informed about your own health

According to the NHS, individuals now want to be more informed and involved in decisions relating to their health. Evidence shows that patients who are more informed and involved in their own health care have better results and have lower chances of getting hospitalised. 

Compared to in-person consultations, online consultations may require higher involvement from patients during the appointment. Patients may sometimes be required to examine themselves, so they end up learning more about their health condition. Online GPs also provide patients with very detailed medical information and advice to ensure that their patients have a clear and correct understanding of their condition and its treatment. 

Using Mayfield Clinic's online GP service

Online GP services are now easier to access than ever, with many different websites and mobile apps offering similar services and benefits. However, the main challenge is finding a trustworthy provider that delivers safe treatment. 

To ensure quality care and treatment, it is best to go with established private health clinics that also offer online appointments like Mayfield Clinic. 

Mayfield Clinic is a family-run private healthcare clinic, founded in 2009 by Dr Amanda Northridge. Initially operating at the Manor in Headington, Oxford, Mayfield Clinic has grown extensively, developing into both a multi-location practice and online GP service.

Mayfield Clinic's online GP service can be accessed by both individuals and businesses across the UK. Individuals may use the online GP service as a member or non-member, whilst businesses can join the membership to give their employees access to online health services. 

Individuals can book 30-minute online GP appointments with Mayfield Clinic as a member or non-member. 

On the other hand, businesses can opt for a business membership with Mayfield Clinic to give their employees access to 6 x 15-minute online GP appointments annually from as little as £10 per month per employee.

Why choose Mayfield Clinic's online GP service?

Here are some of the benefits of using Mayfield Clinic's online GP service:

• Book an appointment online - No need to call to book an appointment with a GP. You can book your appointment online, and even check the clinic's live availability, so you can book an appointment at a time and date that suits you.

• Same-day GP appointments - Avoid the long wait times when trying to see a GP. Mayfield Clinic's GPs are usually available for same-day appointments during business hours from Monday to Friday so you can get seen for your health issues quickly.

• Personalised quality care - At Mayfield Clinic, our clients' satisfaction is our top priority. We work hard to make sure that every patient gets the highest quality of healthcare, whether that's in-person or online. By having a small team of expert clinicians, our patients will have the comfort and assurance of seeing the same expert doctors they have already been in communication with. 

• World-class expert clinicians - We have a highly-experienced, multidisciplinary team of clinicians who are GMC-registered and with a breadth of experience in their field. Find out more about our specialists here.

By booking an online GP appointment at Mayfield Clinic, you will benefit from a comprehensive consultation with an expert GP. This allows you the time to discuss your health concern in full, receive detailed advice or information on your treatment plan and to ask any questions you may have.