How to See a Doctor Online: A Complete Guide for 2026

Seeing a doctor no longer requires a waiting room. From video consultations with physicians to AI-powered health guidance, you have more options for accessing healthcare digitally than ever before. Here's how each option works and how to choose what's right for your situation.

Your Online Healthcare Options

Digital healthcare comes in several forms, each suited to different needs:

AI health assistants. AI-powered tools that discuss your symptoms, answer health questions, and provide evidence-based guidance. Available 24/7 without appointment. Best for initial exploration, health questions, and determining whether you need physician evaluation. Video consultations with doctors. Live appointments with licensed physicians conducted over video call. You see and speak with a real doctor who can assess, advise, and often prescribe. Best for conditions requiring medical evaluation but not physical examination. Telephone consultations. Phone calls with doctors or nurses for brief discussions, prescription renewals, or advice on existing conditions. Best for simple issues or follow-up conversations. Asynchronous messaging. Text-based exchanges with healthcare providers, either through specific platforms or patient portals. Best for non-urgent questions and ongoing condition management.

When Online Works Well

Digital healthcare is particularly effective for:

Straightforward symptoms. Urinary tract infections, skin rashes visible on camera, cold and flu symptoms, hay fever, straightforward mental health consultations. Chronic condition management. Blood pressure monitoring, diabetes check-ins, medication reviews when you have a stable condition. Prescription renewals. Continuing medications you've been on successfully. Test result discussions. Reviewing blood work or imaging results that have already been conducted. Mental health support. Therapy and psychiatry often work as well or better via video due to convenience and reduced barriers. Initial exploration. Understanding whether symptoms warrant in-person evaluation. Second opinions. Discussing a diagnosis or treatment plan with another physician.

When to Choose In-Person Care

Some situations genuinely require physical presence:

Physical examination needed. Abdominal pain requiring palpation, heart or lung sounds needing auscultation, musculoskeletal assessments requiring hands-on evaluation. Procedures. Anything requiring hands—vaccinations, blood draws, biopsies, minor surgery. Urgent or emergency situations. Severe symptoms requiring immediate assessment and potential intervention. Complex or unclear presentations. When the diagnosis is uncertain and thorough examination might reveal clues.

Getting Started With AI Health Assistants

AI health assistants like The Wellness A\ provide immediate access to health guidance.

Create an account. Sign up to enable persistent memory and personalised guidance. Connect your data. Link wearables, health apps, or other data sources for contextualised insights. Describe your situation. Use natural language to explain symptoms or ask questions. Engage in conversation. Answer follow-up questions, ask for clarification, explore different aspects. Get guidance. Receive evidence-based information, differential considerations, and recommendations for next steps. Escalate if needed. If the AI suggests physician evaluation or you want human consultation, book an appointment directly through the platform.

AI health assistants are available 24/7, remember your health context, and provide immediate responses. They're ideal for initial exploration, health education, and determining urgency.

Booking Video Consultations

Video consultations with doctors typically involve:

Choose a provider. Select a telehealth platform, private practice offering video appointments, or your regular doctor if they offer remote consultations. Book appointment. Choose a time that works for you. Many services offer same-day or next-day slots. Prepare. Gather relevant information—symptom details, medication list, questions. Just like an in-person appointment, preparation improves outcomes. Check technology. Test your video setup beforehand. Ensure adequate lighting and privacy. Attend the appointment. Log in at appointment time. Have a stable internet connection. Follow up. Receive prescriptions electronically, get referrals if needed, schedule follow-up.

Getting Prescriptions Online

Many conditions can be treated with prescriptions issued after video consultation. The doctor assesses your situation, determines appropriateness, and sends the prescription electronically.

Controlled substances and certain medications have restrictions and may require in-person evaluation. Doctors will advise when this applies.

What About Quality?

A common concern: is online care as good as in-person?

For appropriate conditions, evidence suggests telehealth achieves similar outcomes to in-person care. Patient satisfaction is often higher due to convenience.

Quality depends on:

Appropriate case selection. Using telehealth for conditions suited to remote care. Qualified providers. Seeing licensed, regulated healthcare professionals. Good communication. Clear description of symptoms, thorough history-taking. Follow-up capability. Ability to escalate to in-person care when needed.

Combining AI and Human Care

The most powerful approach combines AI and human medicine:

Start with AI for immediate guidance and exploration. Use it to understand your symptoms, clarify your questions, and determine urgency.

Escalate to human consultation when needed—whether that's video, phone, or in-person based on what's appropriate.

The Wellness A\ is designed around this model. Consult mode and learn mode provide 24/7 AI-powered guidance. When you need a doctor, same-day appointments with London physicians are available through the platform.

It's healthcare access that works around your life.

Costs and Coverage

Pricing varies by platform and location:

AI health assistants. Often free for basic use, with subscription tiers for enhanced features. Private video consultations. Usually paid per consultation or via subscription. Public health system video appointments. Free in countries with universal healthcare (where available). Insurance coverage. Many insurers now cover telehealth consultations equivalent to in-person visits.

How The Wellness A\ Helps

The Wellness A\ provides a complete digital health experience:

AI consultation available 24/7 in consult mode for symptom exploration and differential considerations. Health education through learn mode for evidence-based answers to any health question. Connected health through integration with wearables and health data for personalised insights. Physician access through same-day appointments with London-based doctors when you need human evaluation.

Key Takeaways

• Digital healthcare options include AI assistants, video consultations, telephone appointments, and messaging

• AI health assistants provide 24/7 immediate access for exploration and guidance

• Video consultations work well for conditions not requiring physical examination

• In-person care remains important for examinations, procedures, and complex presentations

• The best approach combines AI guidance with human care access when needed

• Prepare for online consultations just as you would in-person appointments

Try The Wellness A\ free at thewellnesslondon.com/ai-doctor

FAQ Section

Can online doctors prescribe medication?

Yes. Doctors conducting video consultations can prescribe medications when appropriate for the condition assessed. Certain controlled substances and medications may require in-person evaluation.

Is online healthcare safe?

When using regulated healthcare providers and reputable AI platforms, online healthcare is safe for appropriate conditions. Quality platforms clearly communicate limitations and escalate to in-person care when needed.

Will my regular doctor see my online consultation records?

This depends on the platform and healthcare system. Some integrate with health record systems; others are separate. You can usually request records to share with your regular doctor.

How quickly can I see a doctor online?

AI health assistants provide immediate response. Video consultations vary—some platforms offer same-day or even same-hour appointments; others may have waiting times.

What technology do I need for a video consultation?

A device with camera and microphone (smartphone, tablet, or computer), internet connection, and usually a specific app or web browser. Most platforms send technology instructions when you book.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personal medical concerns.