When an Online Consultation Is a Smart Choice – and When It Is Not

A doctor conducting a telemedicine consultation

Summary

This guide explains when an online medical consultation can be effective, safe and convenient — and when it is not the right option. It helps you understand what can be done by video, what requires an in-person assessment, and when you should seek urgent medical care instead. If you want online medical consultation explained clearly and sensibly, this guide is for you.

Who this guide is for

This guide is for you if:

• You’re unsure whether to book an online appointment, wait for your GP, or attend in person.

• You have symptoms or test results you want to discuss with a senior doctor.

• You want to know if specialist input is possible remotely.

• You want clarity on the limitations of telemedicine so you can make the right choice.

If you already feel very unwell or your symptoms are escalating quickly, go straight to the red flag section below.

Red flag checklist: when to seek urgent help

Call 999 or attend A&E immediately if you experience:

• Severe chest pain or pressure, especially if spreading to the arm, jaw or back.

• Difficulty breathing, very fast breathing, or blue lips or face.

• Sudden weakness of the face, arm or leg, or sudden difficulty speaking.

• Collapse, confusion, seizures or being very hard to wake.

• Heavy bleeding or vomiting blood.

• Very high fever with shaking chills and feeling extremely unwell.

This clinic is not an emergency service. If your symptoms are severe, getting worse quickly, or you think they may be life-threatening, call 999 or attend your nearest A&E immediately.

When an online consultation IS a smart choice

Online consultations are highly effective for many medical situations. They allow quick access to a senior doctor from anywhere in the UK, without waiting weeks for an in-person slot.

1. Reviewing test results

Ideal for discussing:

• blood test results

• X-rays, CT scans, MRIs (already performed)

• hospital letters or discharge summaries

Much of medical decision-making relies on history and results — both can be reviewed remotely.

2. Persistent but non-urgent symptoms

Online consultations work well for:

• long-standing fatigue

• stable palpitations

• mild or fluctuating breathlessness

• digestive symptoms

• recurrent headaches or migraines

These often require careful questioning rather than an immediate physical exam.

3. Second opinions and complex cases

If you’ve seen several professionals but still don’t have a clear plan, a remote consultation can help bring everything together.

4. Follow-up after an A&E visit

If you left A&E with brief explanations and lingering questions, an online consultation can help clarify what was done and what still needs to happen.

5. Planning appropriate tests

A doctor can decide whether you need:

• private blood tests (UK-wide)

• Holter heart rhythm monitoring (UK-wide)

• other targeted investigations

This planning stage does not require a physical exam in many cases.

When an online consultation is NOT enough

Some situations require an in-person assessment because a physical examination is essential.

Do not choose online care if:

1. Your symptoms could indicate an emergency

(See red flag list above)

2. You need an examination to reach a safe diagnosis

For example:

• new or worsening shortness of breath

• swollen leg or suspected blood clot

• severe abdominal pain

• severe wheeze or crackles

• possible severe infection

3. Your condition is changing rapidly

Telemedicine is not suitable if your symptoms worsen day by day.

4. Heart or lung examination is essential

In-person consultation is often required for:

• new heart murmurs

• abnormal lung sounds

• very high blood pressure needing accurate measurement

• significant leg swelling

5. You simply prefer a physical examination

Some people feel more reassured with a face-to-face assessment. That is a perfectly valid reason to choose an in-person visit.

What you can safely do at home for now

While deciding:

• Keep a brief symptom diary (timing, triggers, duration).

• Gather any medical documents or results.

• Note whether symptoms are stable or changing.

• Consider what you want from the consultation: explanation, diagnosis, or next steps.

When and how to seek non-emergency medical help

1. Your GP

Best for:

• common infections

• routine monitoring

• prescription reviews

• known long-term conditions

2. A consultant physician like Dr Paraiso

Helpful when:

• symptoms are complex or unclear

• several tests are abnormal

• you need a comprehensive review

• you want a senior opinion without long waits

3. Choosing online vs in-person

• Online (UK-wide): excellent for interpretation, planning and follow-up.

• In-person (Salford): necessary when a physical exam is essential for safe diagnosis.

How Dr Paraiso’s clinic can help

Dr Hassan Paraiso is a Consultant in Acute and General Internal Medicine. He supports patients with complex, persistent or unexplained symptoms, providing clear explanations and practical plans.

You can access his care in three ways:

1. In-person clinic in Salford

• Location : Eric Healthcare, Bowsall House, 3 King Street, Salford, M3 7DG

• Telephone: 0121 838 1869

Ideal for full physical assessments and investigations.

2. Online consultations — UK-wide

Suitable for:

• reviewing results

• discussing symptoms

• planning tests

• second opinions

3. Direct-access tests — UK-wide

Including:

• private blood tests

• Holter monitoring

You receive clear written results and can add a consultation if you want to discuss them.

Frequently asked questions

1. Are online consultations as effective as in-person ones?

Often yes — depending on the problem and whether an examination is needed.

2. Can I be examined remotely?

No. Physical exams require an in-person visit.

3. What happens if the doctor feels I need to be seen in person?

You will be advised clearly, and guided towards the right type of appointment — or to urgent care if necessary.

4. Can I order tests without a consultation first?

Yes. The clinic offers direct-access tests UK-wide, including blood tests and Holter monitoring.

5. Will you write to my GP?

Yes. A clear summary letter is provided after every consultation.

Key takeaways

• Online consultations work well for many non-urgent situations.

• They offer rapid access to senior medical advice without travelling.

• Some symptoms and conditions require an in-person physical exam.

• Dr Paraiso offers in-person consultations in Edgbaston and online consultations UK-wide.

• You can also access private blood tests and Holter monitoring throughout the UK.

Final safety reminder

This clinic is not an emergency service. If your symptoms are severe, getting worse quickly, or you think they may be life-threatening, call 999 or attend your nearest A&E immediately.