Preparing for your first video consultation: a patient's checklist

You’ve booked your first video GP consultation. Now what? The good news is that with a little preparation, a video appointment can be every bit as thorough and reassuring as a face-to-face visit — often more efficient. Here’s a simple checklist to make sure you get the most out of it.

Before your appointment

Find a quiet, private space. You’ll be discussing personal health matters, so choose somewhere you won’t be interrupted. A quiet room with decent lighting — ideally daylight — is ideal, especially if you’re showing your GP a rash or skin condition.

Have the basics to hand. Keep your NHS number, a list of current medication (including doses), and any test results or letters from your hospital or practice near the phone or laptop.

Write it down. It’s remarkably easy to forget half your symptoms when you’re talking to a doctor. Jot down what’s wrong, how long you’ve had it, what makes it better or worse, and anything that’s already been tried.

Test your connection. Check your camera and microphone work, and make sure your device is charged. Being ten minutes early means you can sort out any technical hiccups before your GP joins.

During your appointment

Treat the video call like any other consultation. Describe your symptoms clearly and honestly, mention anything you’ve already tried, and don’t be afraid to ask questions — about the diagnosis, the treatment, side effects, or what to do if you don’t get better. A good GP will welcome them.

If you’re discussing a skin problem, make sure the room is well lit and get close to the camera so your GP can see clearly. Many services also let you upload photos beforehand, which genuinely helps with diagnosis.

After your appointment

You should receive a written after-visit summary explaining what was discussed and agreed. Check your pharmacy for any prescription before your medication runs out, and follow the doctor’s advice about follow-up. If you don’t improve as expected, don’t struggle on — book a review and tell your GP what’s changed.

When it’s not appropriate

Video consultations are right for a wide range of non-emergency problems, but they can’t do everything. Chest pain, stroke symptoms or any life-threatening emergency needs 999 and A&E, not a video call. And if your GP tells you that you need to be seen face-to-face, take that advice seriously — it’s the mark of a service that puts your safety first.