Common Questions About eConsult

What Is eConsult?

eConsult is an online consultation service designed by NHS GPs to help you access medical advice quickly and easily. It allows patients to submit medical or administrative requests to their GP practice without visiting in person. By filling out an eConsult form, you give the practice the information they need to decide the best way to take care of you.

Why Use eConsult?

With eConsult, you can:

• Get advice anytime: No need to wait on the phone or rush to make a same-day appointment.
• Use any device: Submit an eConsult from your mobile, tablet, or computer.
• Save time and effort: You may not even need to go in for a face-to-face appointment, as many issues can be managed over the phone or with self-help advice.

Who can use it? eConsult is available to patients of virtually all ages. Parents or guardians can submit eConsults for young children, while adults can submit their own.

How Does eConsult Work?

Using eConsult is designed to be straightforward. Here’s what happens step-by-step:

1. Submit Your eConsult
Visit your GP practice’s website and fill out the form. You’ll answer questions about your symptoms or request. It usually takes just a few minutes.

2. Wait for a Response
Your GP will review the information by the end of the next working day (or sooner if urgent).

3. Receive Advice or Next Steps
Your GP practice might:

• Offer an appointment (in person or by phone) if it’s needed.
• Direct you to other health services, such as a local pharmacy or physiotherapy.
• Provide self-help advice if that’s suitable.
• Automatically stop the consultation and prompt you to seek urgent help if emergency symptoms are reported.

Is My Data Safe with eConsult?

Yes, your data is secure with eConsult. They transfer your information almost instantly to the GP practice and do not sell any patient data. This helps you get care without delays and keeps your personal info safe.

Common Questions About Using eConsult

Can I Use eConsult for Repeat Prescriptions?

No, repeat prescriptions should be ordered through your GP practice’s normal processes or via the NHS App. eConsult focuses on new or updated concerns, rather than ongoing prescriptions.

What if I Can’t Use eConsult?

Not everyone is a fan of digital forms—and that’s perfectly fine! eConsult is just one tool. If you prefer not to use it, you can stick to good old-fashioned phone lines or in-person visits.

Is eConsult Suitable for Emergencies?

If you report serious or urgent symptoms during an eConsult, it will stop the form and advise you to contact emergency services or call NHS 111. For truly life-threatening issues, call 999 or go straight to A&E.

Why Are Practices Looking For Alternatives To eConsult?

Despite its early promise, many GP practices (around 2,000 in the past year) have decided to look elsewhere. eConsult offers limited integration with certain core systems and hasn’t introduced many new features compared to rapidly advancing competitors. Additionally, the length of time it takes to complete an eConsult can seem daunting for patients, and clinicians may find requests overwhelming.

One of the more popular alternatives is Hero Health’s Care Navigation Triage, which provides greater flexibility for practice-level configuration and is simpler for patients to use. At just 45p per patient, per year, Hero’s solution is also brilliantly cost-effective. Check out Hero’s Care Navigation Triage if you’re considering a new triage provider.

To dive deeper into eConsult’s strengths and weaknesses, have a look at our article Is eConsult Any Good?. If you’re still curious about how the system works in detail, we also recommend eConsult: How Does It Work?

So why not explore an alternative that won’t make you rage-quit your laptop in frustration? With easy integration into EMIS or SystmOne, plus the option to customise triage pathways, Hero Health could be the perfect fit.

• Hero Health Care Navigation