DoctorLink offers you flexible, accessible healthcare advice from your PC, tablet or smartphone - any day, any time, any place!
What's causing that new pain?
Do I need a GP appointment or a visit to the pharmacy?
The surgery is closed, but I want to check my symptoms?
What's the best way to treat my problem?
Check your symptoms day or night. DoctorLink is available to access 24/7 online or via an apple or android smart phone - bringing the clinician to your pocket whenever you need them. We would suggest that you use it to decide if you need an appointment.
DoctorLink is an established clinical tool with over 15 years of proven use. DoctorLink asks you a few simple questions to establish your symptoms then makes a diagnosis. If appropriate DoctorLink will offer you self-care advice, or book you an appointment with one of our clinicians if you need one. We reserve a number of appointments every day that can only be booked with DoctorLink.
FAQs
Why are we offering Doctorlink? We have been looking at how we can improve your access to our services. Doctorlink is a new online service where you can access advice and appointments. Our symptom checker is insured and clinically safe whilst helping to streamline your journey to the right treatment outcome. It can save you time by reducing unnecessary bookings and calls, Doctorlink helps with:
• Improved access to medical advice 24/7 • Signposting to the most appropriate service • Appointment booking for the most appropriate clinician and in a timescale suited to your clinical need • Provides symptom information to our clinicians, prior to your appointment
Why can’t I just call the Surgery? You can still contact us via the usual methods, Doctorlink is an additional way to access Pioneer. However it will save you time queuing on the phone, and will offer you medical advice 24/7.
Will this guarantee me an appointment? It will result in the most appropriate recommendation, based on clinical need, from your symptom checker answers. For example, self-care advice, Nurse practitioner or GP appointment, direct you to a Pharmacist, etc. . Is this about stopping me from seeing my GP? No, this is about seeing the right clinician in the right timeframe based on your clinical need. There are many members of the practice team who can help in addition to the GP.
Is the registration process complicated? Not at all, registration is simple and takes around 2-3 minutes. All you need is your name, email address, home address and date of birth. These must match the ones held on file by your practice. You must be 16+ years to register but there is a facility to use the symptom checker on behalf of your child (age 3+) or for people within your care who are registered at the same practice.
Is the service free? Yes, free to use but data charges may apply for mobile devices. Most people have data included in their mobile packages.
Is my data safe? Yes. DoctorLink do not have access to your medical record and comply by all data protection regulations. www.doctorlink.com/privacy
I already have online access, do I have to re-register? Your existing online access is still valid. This is another system aiming to compliment and expand on existing online services. You will need to create a new account to enable you to check symptoms and book an appointment if necessary.
What about people who don’t have the internet? The usual methods of contacting the surgery will still be in place.
Why am I being told the practice will contact me? At the end of the symptom assessment, after clicking continue, you will have the option of booking your appointment directly if recommended by Doctorlink. If there are no appointments available you can “request an appointment” and the practice team will aim to respond to your appointment request within the time frame stated.
How do I know my appointment has been booked? We will contact you by text to confirm your appointment as normal (assuming we have an up to date mobile number)
What clinical algorithms does Doctorlink use and what UK accreditation does it have? (BMA, RCGP, GMC) Doctorlink uses robust clinical algorithms, not AI, developed over 15 years by clinicians. All algorithms are in line with National and NICE guidance and are updated as changes come through. We are also fully indemnified/insured for extra peace of mind.