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Symptoms Checker
Raj Patel avatar
Written by Raj Patel
Updated over 6 months ago

What is the NowPatient Symptom Checker?

The NowPatient Symptom Checker is a medically licensed AI-driven tool that is free to use and allows you to find the possible causes of symptoms that you may be experiencing.

After you have input your symptoms the Symptom Checker will produce a report of potential causes and actions you may want to take.

Do I need to pay to use the Symptom Checker?

No. The Symptoms Checker is FREE to use for all registered NowPatient users, however, we do operate a fair usage policy.

Is the NowPatient Symptom Checker licensed?

Yes. The Symptom Checker is a Class 1 medical device and is certified by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). This means it also meets the European Union’s Medical Device Directive.

Is the NowPatient Symptom Checker safe to use?

If you're generally healthy and don’t have any ongoing or rare medical conditions, we can help you spot less serious conditions you can usually manage yourself. The NowPatient Symptoms Checker provides medically safe information about specific conditions to help you decide on your best next steps. This includes if you need to see a doctor or not.

But it isn't a real-life doctor, which means we can't:

  • consider all the information a doctor can when interacting with you

  • identify every possible condition or symptom you may have

  • always understand the information you give us

We often give suggestions about what you can do next, but you should only act on these if you think it’s appropriate for you to do so.

Always visit a doctor if:

  • you’re in doubt

  • your symptoms get worse

  • your symptoms don’t improve

If your situation feels serious and you feel it is life threatening then call the emergency services (999 in UK & 911 in US). Otherwise you can call NHS 111 or request a same day appointment with your doctor. NowPatient is not liable for any decisions, acts or omissions you make.

Our products and services can't be used to get information about babies, children under the age of 16, pregnant women, people who are immunosuppressed or on immunosuppressive treatment, and people with complex or long-term conditions.

For more information, please read our Terms of Use, section “Services available on our Website and/or App” and our Privacy Policy, section “Health and Medical Data”.

What does the Symptom Checker do?

The NowPatient Symptom Checker allows you to input your symptoms and other information and receive medically safe information about specific conditions to help you decide on what to do next and whether you need to see a doctor.

Is the Symptom Checker suitable for everyone?

No. Our Symptom Checker should not be used for:

  • babies

  • children under the age of 16

  • pregnant women

  • people who are immunosuppressed

  • people taking immunosuppressive treatment

  • people with complex or long-term conditions

However, if you’re generally healthy and don’t have any ongoing or rare medical conditions, we can help you spot less serious conditions you can usually manage yourself.

What are the limitations of the NowPatient Symptom Checker?

The Symptoms Checker does not provide a diagnosis, medical advice, or treatment recommendation.

The suggested next steps are based on a group of people with similar characteristics such as your age, sex, and health background, who are generally healthy and don’t suffer from any chronic or rare medical conditions.

We can’t consider all the information a doctor can, and we are not liable to identify all possible conditions or symptoms.

We are not a real-life doctor, which means we can’t:

  • Consider all the information a doctor can when interacting with you;

  • Identify every possible condition or symptom you may have

  • Always understand the information you provide


Do I need to act on the recommendations of the report?

We often give suggestions about what you can do next, but you should only act on these if you think it’s appropriate for you to do so. Always visit a doctor if:

  • You’re in doubt

  • Your symptoms get worse; or

  • Your symptoms don’t improve

If your situation feels serious and you feel it is life threatening then call the emergency services (999 in UK & 911 in US). Otherwise you can call NHS 111 or request a same day appointment with your doctor.

Always consult with your doctor before making medical decisions based on information provided by our Website and App.

What other important information do I need to be aware of?

NowPatient is not liable for any decisions, acts, or omissions you make.

The Symptoms Checker is solely for supporting users in their decision as to whether there is a need to see a healthcare professional and it is not a diagnostic tool. Reliance on information provided by the Symptoms Checker is solely at your own risk and we hereby disclaim any and all express, implied, or statutory warranties to the fullest extent permissible by law.

The Symptoms Checker is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, therapy, or treatment and you should never rely on or make health or well-being decisions based on information provided by the Symptoms Checker without first consulting an appropriate health professional.

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