A Guide to Choosing Between Virtual vs In-Clinic GP Consultations

Virtual and in-person GP appointments both offer safe, effective medical care. The right choice depends on your symptoms, urgency, need for examination, and personal preference.

At Ready Health, patients can book same-day appointments either at their CQC-registered clinic in Standish, Wigan, or remotely via video or telephone anywhere in the UK.

This guide explains when to choose an online GP appointment vs clinic visit, what each format offers, and how to decide what works best for you or your family.

Key takeaways

• A virtual GP consultation UK-wide can be ideal for advice, prescriptions, follow-ups and non-urgent concerns.
  
  

• In person GP consultation benefits include physical examination, procedures and on-site testing.
  
  

• Both formats at Ready Health offer same-day availability, prescriptions and specialist referrals.

What is a virtual GP consultation?

A virtual GP consultation allows you to speak with a qualified clinician remotely.

At Ready Health, this includes:

• Private GP video consultation, offering face-to-face interaction from home
  
  

• Telephone consultations for advice, medication reviews or straightforward concerns
  

Virtual appointments are available across the UK and can often be booked for the same day through their online portal.

Video appointments are particularly useful when visual assessment adds value, while telephone appointments may suit quick discussions or repeat prescriptions.

What is an in-clinic GP consultation?

An in-person appointment takes place at Ready Health’s modern clinic in Standish, Wigan.

This format allows:

• Physical examination
  
  

• Blood tests carried out by phlebotomy-trained clinicians
  
  

• Observations such as blood pressure or oxygen levels
  
  

• Certain procedures that cannot be done remotely
  
  

The clinical setting can be reassuring for some patients and may be necessary when symptoms require hands-on assessment.

Online GP appointment vs clinic: what’s the difference?

When comparing telehealth vs clinic appointment options, the main differences usually relate to examination, diagnostics and convenience.

Convenience and access

Virtual GP consultation UK-wide access means you can speak to a clinician from anywhere. This reduces travel time and can make it easier to fit appointments around work or childcare.

In-clinic appointments require travel to Standish, but offer the benefit of on-site services in one visit.

Examination

A video or telephone consultation relies on discussion and visible symptoms.

An in-person GP consultation allows a clinician to physically examine you, listen to your chest, assess abdominal pain directly, or examine joints and skin more closely.

Testing

Virtual appointments can lead to referrals for scans or further investigations, but blood tests are carried out at the clinic.

If your symptoms are likely to require immediate blood tests, an in-clinic visit may be more efficient.

Prescriptions and referrals

Both formats allow prescriptions to be issued and private referral letters to be arranged.

Whether you choose online or in person, your clinician can refer you to local or national private specialists if needed.

When to choose online GP

Many people search for when to choose online GP because they are unsure whether their issue requires a physical appointment.

A private GP video consultation or telephone appointment may be suitable if you:

• Need advice about symptoms that are not severe
  
  

• Require a repeat prescription
  
  

• Want to discuss test results
  
  

• Need a referral letter
  
  

• Have minor skin concerns that can be shown via video
  
  

• Want quick reassurance without travelling
  
  

Virtual consultations can also work well for follow-up reviews, medication adjustments, and discussing ongoing conditions.

For families managing busy schedules, remote access can reduce disruption while still providing regulated medical care.

In person GP consultation benefits

There are clear in person GP consultation benefits when symptoms require examination or testing.

An in-clinic appointment may be preferable if you:

• Have chest pain, breathing issues or persistent cough requiring examination
  
  

• Need blood tests on the same day
  
  

• Have abdominal pain that requires palpation
  
  

• Need a physical check for joint swelling or injury
  
  

• Feel more comfortable discussing concerns face-to-face
  
  

Children with new or worrying symptoms may also benefit from physical assessment where observation and examination are important.

If there is uncertainty, booking in person can sometimes reduce the need for follow-up visits.

Is virtual care as safe as in-person care?

Safety depends on appropriate clinical judgement.

Ready Health is a CQC-registered provider, meaning both virtual and in-clinic services meet regulatory standards for quality and governance.

A clinician will always assess whether remote consultation is appropriate. If an issue cannot be safely managed online, you may be advised to attend the clinic or seek urgent care.

The key is choosing the right format for the right clinical situation.

Same-day GP appointments: does format matter?

Ready Health offers same-day appointments for both virtual and in-clinic formats.

This allows patients to prioritise speed without sacrificing choice.

For example:

• If you need urgent reassurance but no examination, a same-day virtual appointment may resolve your concern quickly.
  
  

• If you suspect you need tests, booking directly into clinic may save time.
  
  

Being able to choose both options reduces delays and gives flexibility based on symptoms.

Telehealth vs clinic appointment for families

Families often ask whether remote GP care works for children.

Virtual consultations can be helpful for discussing mild symptoms, rashes visible on camera, or medication advice.

However, younger children with high fever, breathing changes, or persistent pain may benefit from in-person examination.

The decision should balance convenience with clinical need.

What about referrals and ongoing care?

Both appointment types allow:

• Private referral letters
  
  

• Follow-up appointments
  
  

• Ongoing management of chronic conditions
  
  

This continuity is important. The format may change over time depending on your condition. For example, an initial in-person visit might be followed by remote reviews.

Healthcare does not have to be limited to one approach.

How to decide what’s right for you

Choosing between online GP appointment vs clinic often comes down to three questions:

1. Do I need physical examination or tests today?
   
   

2. Are my symptoms stable and suitable for discussion only?
   
   

3. Would I feel reassured by being seen in person?
   
   

If the answer to the first question is yes, in-clinic is usually better.

If your main need is advice, medication review or referral, a virtual GP consultation UK-wide access may be more practical.

Ready Health’s approach

Ready Health provides both formats to ensure access does not compromise quality.

Patients can:

• Book same-day appointments online
  
  

• Choose video, telephone or in-clinic consultation
  
  

• Receive prescriptions following remote appointments
  
  

• Access on-site blood testing at their Standish clinic
  
  

• Obtain specialist referrals when required
  
  

Being CQC-registered means care is delivered within regulated standards, whether online or in person.

The choice is not about which is better overall. It is about which is better for your specific medical need.

The bottom line

Virtual and in-person GP consultations both play an important role in modern healthcare.

A private GP video consultation can provide convenient, timely access for many everyday concerns.

An in-person appointment offers the benefit of examination and on-site testing when needed.

Understanding the difference between telehealth vs clinic appointment helps you choose confidently and avoid unnecessary delay.

If you are unsure, booking a same-day appointment in your preferred format allows a clinician to guide the next step safely and appropriately.

FAQs

Is a virtual GP consultation as effective as seeing a doctor in person?

For many conditions, yes. Virtual consultations work well for advice, follow-ups, medication reviews and minor illnesses. However, some symptoms require physical examination, in which case an in-person appointment is more appropriate.

When should I choose an online GP appointment?

An online GP appointment is often suitable for mild illness, repeat prescriptions, mental health discussions, referral letters and reviewing test results.

If your symptoms are stable and do not require examination, remote care can be convenient and efficient.

When is an in-person GP consultation better?

An in-clinic appointment is better if you need physical examination, blood tests, investigations, or if your symptoms are severe, unusual or worsening.

Can I get a prescription from a virtual GP appointment?

Yes. After a private GP video consultation or telephone appointment, prescriptions can be issued where clinically appropriate.

Are virtual GP appointments safe?

Yes, when delivered by a regulated provider. Ready Health is CQC registered, meaning both virtual and in-clinic care meet professional standards of safety and governance.

Can children have virtual GP appointments?

Yes, in many cases. Minor illnesses and follow-ups can be managed remotely. However, young children with more serious symptoms may benefit from in-person assessment.

What if I book virtual but need to be seen in clinic?

If during your remote consultation the clinician feels you need examination or testing, you may be advised to attend the clinic. Clinical safety always guides the decision.