A NETFLIX-style GP subscription service costing less than £1 is being launched in the UK.
It will provide patients with same day GP appointments, either by phone, video call or in person.
Launched by healthcare provider Bupa UK, the service has two subscription options.
For £16.66 a month – or one bulk payment of £200 a year – patients can discuss their health concerns with a doctor via a 15-minute phone or video call.
For those who prefer the idea of speaking to a GP face-to-face, there’s the option of paying £21.66 a month or £260 a year for same day in-person appointments at Bupa Health Clinics across the UK.
Free prescription delivery to either a home or nearby pharmacy is included in both subscription options.
Subscribers will also have access to Anytime HealthLine, a 24-hour nurse-led helpline available every day of the year.
Patients can speak to a nurse or get a call back from a GP for any of the following concerns through the helpline:
Carlos Jaureguizar, CEO for Bupa Global, India & UK, said: “We know that being able to see a GP when needed, gives people peace of mind.
“Our new GP subscription service will provide more support, giving them face-to-face access to GPs in our 54 health clinics, as well as remotely.
“Our new on demand service aims to offer people fast and easy access to healthcare professionals and treatment, as and when they need it, for all their healthcare needs.”
It comes as research commissioned by Bupa found that a third of Brits find it difficult to get a GP appointment, while 22 per cent said they wait on average between three and seven days to see a GP.
Thirty per cent of people responding to the survey found the idea of a healthcare subscription service appealing as it would be easier to get and appointment.
Another 18 per cent liked the option of having remote GP appointments from the comfort of their own homes.
Meanwhile, 32 per cent of respondents said they would value a GP or dental subscription service more than their television streaming subscription.
Dr Elizabeth Rogers, Clinical Director for Primary Care at Bupa Health Clinics, added: “Our Netflix-style GP subscription gives customers easy access to same day appointments with doctors and 24/7 access to our Anytime Healthline.
“An additional benefit of the subscription service is being able to do the appointment in the comfort of your own home at a time that suits you.
“We know early intervention can stop conditions from getting worse, so this fast access and convenience means people get the treatment they need and are then onto the road to recovery quicker.”
Some limits do apply to the services included in the GP Subscription.
If you’ve got one of 11 minor conditions, you can pop into your local pharmacy instead, experts at Landy’s Chemist shared.
Like doctors, pharmacists have extensive training in medicine use and can provide clinical advice as well as point you to the appropriate over-the-counter treatment for minor illnesses and injuries.
1. Cold and flu symptoms
If you’re experiencing fits of coughing, congestion, a sore throat, a runny nose or fever, you can get these seen by a pharmacist.
They’ll be able to advise you on what treatments to take and how to best alleviate your symptoms.
2. Allergies
Allergy symptoms can be pretty bothersome, but thankfully you can get them seen promptly by a pharmacist.
You can also visit a pharmacy if you’re experiencing a minor allergic reaction.
3. Aches and pains
You can get minor aches and pains – such as a headache, muscle aches and joint pain – checked out by a pharmacist.
4. Digestive issues
Indigestion can cause you to feel pain or discomfort in your upper abdomen, while a burning pain behind your breastbone could be heartburn.
You probably have diarrhoea if you’ve had more than three loose, watery poos in a row.
Meanwhile, if you’re straining over the loo, you might be suffering from constipation.
You can speak to a pharmacist about all four of these uncomfortable digestive conditions rather than waiting to see a GP.
5. Skin conditions
It can sometimes be hard to gauge how best to treat skin rashes or itchy bug bites.
A pharmacist can advise you about the best course of action for minor rashes, insect bites as well as sunburn.
6. Minor Infections
Your chemist can also help you with some minor infections, such as urinary tract infections.
You can also seek advice for minor skin infections.
7. Eye Conditions
See your pharmacists if you have red or irritated eyes or a minor eye infection.
But you should see a GP if your baby has red eyes, you wear contact lenses and have an eye infection, or your symptoms haven’t cleared up after two weeks.
8. Ear trouble
Having pain in your ear is something most of us assume we need to see a doctor about.
But a pharmacist can see to your earache, as well as any wax buildup.
9. Minor Injuries
You might already seek the help of your chemist for minor cuts, scrapes and bruises.
But you can also consult them about minor sprains and strains.
10. Oral health
You might think anything to do with your mouth is a dentist’s department.
But pharmacists can also give you advice on how to care for mouth ulcers, cold sores and gingivitis, a common form of gum disease.
It can cause your gums to become red, sore or bleed.
11. Health checks
You can also get a few tests at your local chemist, instead of waiting weeks for a GP appointment.
Get your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels assessed at your pharmacy
Scans and tests are not included in the cost and subscribers will be able to talk to a GPs from 6am to 10pm on weekdays and 8am to 8pm on weekends.
The cost of the medication is also not included in the plan.
Any prescription issued by a GP through the service will be private, meaning you’ll have to pay for it at the pharmacy you choose to get your medication from.
There may also be extra costs if your GP recommends further tests or refers you to a specialist.
Appointments made through the service need to be cancelled 24 hours in advance, after which Bupa will charge a £20 fee.
You might also incur a fee if you miss a phone appointment and the doctor can’t reach you.
