Prescribing Criteria

Who can prescribe, and what they can prescribe

Both our GPs and ACPs are able to issue private prescriptions when appropriate during a consultation. As a private service, we issue private prescriptions only. We don't provide NHS or repeat NHS prescriptions, though a clinician can issue a new one-off private prescription where clinically appropriate.

What we won't prescribe remotely

We don't provide repeat prescriptions, and some medications fall outside what can safely be prescribed through a remote consultation. This includes:

  • Controlled drugs, such as tramadol, morphine, pregablin, or gebapentin.

  • Sleeping medications, such as diazepam, zopiclone, or melatonin.

  • Ongoing prescriptions for long-term conditions, such as asthma, depression, anxiety, fertility issues, or diabetes.

These restrictions exist because safe prescribing of these medications depends on monitoring, history, and follow-up that a single remote consultation isn't set up to provide. Your regular GP remains the right contact for these, as they hold the fuller picture of your ongoing care and can monitor your treatment over time.

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When we need more information first

For certain medications, a clinician may need additional information before deciding whether prescribing is appropriate. If you're asked to upload information ahead of an appointment, it's worth doing so before your consultation: it can directly affect whether a prescription can be issued on the day.

Prescription pricing 

Prescription costs sit separately from appointment fees, and pricing can be higher or lower than standard NHS charges depending on the medication and pharmacy.

Where there's a choice, our clinicians aim to prescribe cost-effective options and will flag it if a prescription is likely to be expensive, so cost is part of an informed conversation rather than a surprise. In practice, most of our top 20 most-prescribed private medications cost less than £20 per item.

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Safeguards for prescriptions for under-18s

Prescription details for patients under 18 are only sent to the Primary Policy Holder on the account, even where multiple guardians are listed. Both the Primary Policy Holder and any additional guardians can still view appointment notes and prescription details within the DCA portal.

Where you can collect your prescription

Prescriptions are issued as ePrescriptions: electronic prescriptions that can only be redeemed once, reducing the risk of duplication or misuse.

Prescriptions can be collected at Boots, Well Pharmacy, Asda, Superdrug, Morrisons, Tesco, Lloyds Pharmacy, or any independent pharmacy across the UK, or delivered straight to your door.

 

 

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Geographic limits

Our prescribing service is only available within the UK. If you're consulting from abroad on a pay-as-you-go subscription, employee scheme, or insurance plan, a clinician can still recommend an appropriate course of treatment, but obtaining medication overseas depends on local regulations, and in some countries may require a prescription from a local practitioner.