One of the most common questions we receive from patients is: 'Can my issue really be handled online?' The short answer is — more than you'd think. But knowing when to book a virtual appointment versus visiting a clinic in person is key to getting the best care.
Virtual consultations are ideal for: prescription renewals and medication reviews, skin conditions (with photo sharing), mental health support including anxiety and depression, cold and flu symptoms, UTIs and common infections, follow-up appointments, and lifestyle advice including weight management and smoking cessation.
You should seek in-person care for: chest pain or difficulty breathing, severe injuries or suspected fractures, symptoms requiring physical examination such as abdominal palpation, any condition where you feel genuinely unwell or deteriorating, and children under 2 with a fever.
The key principle is clinical safety. A good telehealth platform will always have safeguards in place — if your doctor determines during a virtual consultation that you need physical examination, they will refer you appropriately. This isn't a failure of the system; it's the system working as intended.
Many patients find that starting with a virtual consultation saves significant time. Even if you ultimately need to see someone in person, the virtual triage can fast-track your referral and ensure the right tests are ordered in advance.