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A Step by Step Guide to How Online Video Consultations Work and What to Expect

NowPatient delivers all clinical services through live, real-time video consultations. This step by step guide walks you through every stage of the process, from booking your appointment to receiving your treatment.

Written by Raj Patel
Updated over a week ago

Step 1 — Check you are eligible for a video consultation

Video consultations are suitable for most patients who do not need a physical examination. They may not be appropriate if you:

  • Require hands-on physical examination

  • Need laboratory tests that cannot be done remotely

Important: Video consultations are not a substitute for your regular doctor if you have a serious or life-threatening condition.

Step 2 — Complete your health profile

Before booking, ensure your health profile is up to date. Your clinician will use this information to provide safe, personalised care. You may need to provide:

  • Current medications and supplements

  • Known allergies and adverse reactions

  • Existing medical conditions

  • Previous surgeries or hospitalisations

  • Family medical history (where relevant)

  • Current symptoms or health concerns

  • Height and weight (for BMI calculation)

  • Blood pressure readings (where required)

Step 3 — Check your device is ready

Make sure:

  • NowPatient has permission to access your camera and microphone

  • You have a stable internet or Wi-Fi connection

  • You are using a compatible smartphone, tablet, or PC

Step 4 — Select your service

Log in to your NowPatient account and navigate to the relevant Service Card on your homepage. Follow the prompts for the service you need (e.g., NHS Pharmacy First, Weight Loss, Buying Treatments Online). Please remember, some services have eligibility requirements before you can book a consultation.

Step 5 — Choose a date

Select your preferred consultation date. You can add notes at this stage to help the clinician prepare for your session. Click Continue.

Step 6 — Choose a time

Select your preferred appointment time from the available slots and click Continue. Slots are available up to 7 days in advance.

Step 7 — Choose a clinician

Browse available clinicians trained for your chosen service. You can filter by:

  • Gender

  • Spoken languages

Each clinician’s full name, licence number, and specialist credentials are displayed. Select your preferred clinician and click Continue.

Step 8 — Review your booking

Check the summary of your appointment and read the Pre-consultation Requirements for tips on how to prepare. Click Continue.

Step 9 — Provide safety information

Enter your:

  • Consultation address (where you will be during the call)

  • Emergency contact details

You can also opt in to receive an SMS reminder 30 minutes before your appointment.

Step 10 — Confirm your booking

Click Confirm Booking. You will receive:

  • An in-app confirmation pop-up

  • Push and in-app notifications

  • A confirmation email with details of what to expect

Step 11 — Take your blood pressure via the app (if required)

Some services require a recent blood pressure reading before your consultation. If prompted during booking, use the NowPatient app’s built-in blood pressure tool:

  1. Open the blood pressure tool when prompted.

  2. Read and agree to the disclaimer.

  3. Enter your age, height, and gender.

  4. Follow the on-screen instructions — stay still when prompted.

  5. Ensure you are in a well-lit room with a stable Wi-Fi connection.

The NowPatient blood pressure tool uses your smartphone’s front-facing camera — no cuff or wearable required. It is classified as a Class I Medical Device (CE and UKCA certified). Available on iOS and Android only.

Step 12 — Join your video consultation

At your scheduled time, open the NowPatient app and join your consultation.

Step 13 — Identity verification

Your clinician will introduce themselves and verify your identity. Please have your ID ready.

Step 14 — Confirm your declarations

You will be reminded that you must:

  • Complete the consultation for yourself

  • Disclose all medical conditions, illnesses, and operations

  • Disclose all prescription medications you are currently taking

  • Provide accurate and honest responses throughout

Important: Withholding or providing false information can severely harm your health and may have life-threatening consequences.

Step 15 — Your clinical assessment

Your clinician will carry out an assessment relevant to your chosen service. Depending on the service, this may lead to:

  • Issuance of a prescription (this will be added to your cart)

  • Guided counselling

  • Discussion of test results

  • General health advice (e.g., healthy living or smoking cessation)

Step 16 — Consent to inform your doctor (recommended)

With your consent, your clinician may inform your regular doctor of the consultation outcome. NowPatient strongly recommends agreeing to this, as your GP is responsible for your overall care.

You can end the consultation at any time if you feel it is necessary.

Step 17 — Receive your post-consultation summary

You will receive a notification summarising:

  • The outcome of your appointment

  • Any referrals made to your doctor

  • Any advice given by your clinician

If a referral letter was issued, you can view it in the Documents section of your account.

Step 18 — Complete your order (if treatment was prescribed)

If your clinician prescribed a treatment, follow these steps:

  1. Go to your Cart via the account navigation.

  2. Complete any payment exemptions, such as NHS Exemption Declaration if applicable.

  3. Select Checkout.

  4. Choose your delivery address and delivery method.

  5. Confirm your billing address.

  6. Review your order and submit payment.

Your order will be sent to NowPatient’s licensed online pharmacy for processing and dispatch.

Step 19 — Complete the feedback survey

You may receive a short survey about your experience. NowPatient encourages all patients to complete it. Your feedback helps improve the service for everyone.

Cancellations & Missed Appointments

To cancel an appointment:

  1. Go to the Consultations section of your account.

  2. Select Upcoming Consultations.

  3. Choose the appointment you wish to cancel.

  4. Click Cancel and confirm.

Please cancel at least 24 hours in advance.

Missed appointments: After two missed appointments, your booking rights will be temporarily revoked. Contact the NowPatient support desk if you believe this was applied in error.

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