Boots launches online doctor service

Boots UK has launched Online Doctor services for 45 healthcare conditions, which online customers can access via its ecommerce store.

From skin conditions to sexual health and family planning, alongside weight loss support, diabetes testing and menopause treatments, the Boots Online Doctor services has been created to provide quick access to advice and prescription-only medicine without having to see a GP.

With the addition of the Online Doctor services, Boots has almost doubled its range of healthcare and pharmacy services to almost 100. The latest offering from Boots provides convenience to people who would consider private services to access treatment for non-urgent healthcare conditions.

The news comes as patients become more accustomed to remote services and increasingly look online first for their healthcare needs following the COVID-19 pandemic, with 54% of GP appointments conducted by telephone and video in March 2021.

Marc Donovan, Chief Pharmacist at Boots UK, said: “People are increasingly looking online to access healthcare at a time and place that suits them – a trend that has accelerated during the pandemic.

“Our expanding range of private digital healthcare services is integral to the work of our pharmacists in stores, who can dispense the medicines prescribed via our Online Doctor service as well as provide expert healthcare advice in person.

“We see a future where patients interact with us digitally and in person in a unique blend that suits their personal preferences. Our ambition at Boots is to become everyone’s first port of call for their health – however and whenever they need us. We hope that by providing access to both NHS services and private healthcare on the high street or online, we can help to relieve pressure on our NHS.”

After registering for the service, customers complete an online consultation by answering a series of questions – a process that can take between five to 10 minutes on average.

Patients will find out the outcome of their online consultation between two and 24 hours later depending on the service and, for services where medication is prescribed, they can collect their medicines from any Boots pharmacy in the UK on the same day, or get them delivered to their homes. They will also receive a video with follow up advice from the clinician authorising their treatment.

Patients will pay for each service as and when they need it on a pay as you go model, with prices starting from £15 inclusive of the prescription costs, with the opportunity to earn Boots Advantage Card points on purchases.