Updoc

Updoc: telemedicine with GMC-registered Partner Doctors

Updoc is a UK digital health platform that facilitates online consultations with Partner Doctors registered with the General Medical Council (GMC). The service operates entirely remotely and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from anywhere in the UK. The company states that more than 40,000 people have used the platform across the country and that Partner Doctors also provide care outside normal hours and at weekends at no extra cost.

Consultation and medical documentation services

Updoc's catalogue is organised around different types of telehealth consultation. These include sick notes for work, school or travel; medical letters; good health certificates; specialist referrals; imaging referrals; pathology requests; new and repeat prescriptions; and general medical consultations. The platform also offers specific weight loss consultations, which may include prescriptions, and a health check service.

The documentation issued covers specific situations: work sick notes, adjustments to work duties, student sick leave, fit to resume studies, pregnancy, fit-to-fly certificates in cases of chickenpox or travel with medication, fit to cruise, gym cancellation, disability confirmation, Blue Badge support, housing support and vaccine exemption. Certificates are also offered for visas for Spain, Greece, France, Thailand and South Africa, as well as other countries.

How the telehealth consultation works

The process begins with a short questionnaire that the patient completes in a few minutes. A Partner Doctor registered with the GMC then reviews the request and may ask follow-up questions. If the case is suitable, a call is arranged to discuss the health issue and, where appropriate, the certificate, letter or prescription is delivered to the patient's phone. The company notes that results are usually received within a few hours, depending on the time of day, and that no prior referral is needed to request a consultation.

Access options and published pricing

Updoc structures its offering into subscriptions and single consultations. The Updoc Plus subscription, at £24.95 per month, includes unlimited consultations with a Partner Doctor for medical letters, good health certificates, specialist referrals, medical form completion, fit to do sports, disability evidence forms and health or travel insurance claims. The Updoc Pro subscription, from £32.95 per month, adds new and repeat prescriptions and general medical advice to the above. Both are subject to a fair use policy.

On a pay-per-consultation basis, the standard consultation starts from £44.95 and the priority consultation, which allows you to move ahead in the digital queue, from £59.95. The prices shown on the site may vary during periods of high demand. Specific services also appear with reference prices: sick notes and medical letters from £24.95; telehealth consultation, online prescription and imaging referral from £32.95; specialist referral and weight loss consultation from £44.95.

Professionals and the platform's approach

The platform features several Partner Doctors, including Dr Ravikumar R., specialising in metabolic health and wellbeing; Dr Justicia K., a licensed professional focused on paediatrics and general health services; and Dr Joshua N., a licensed professional focused on primary care and emergency services. Updoc describes itself as a digital health platform that facilitates consultations so that patients can speak to a healthcare professional from home. The company states that its aim is to respond to the growing demand for telehealth in the UK and to widen access to healthcare through research, data and modern technology.

Prescriptions and scope of service

Updoc clarifies that it does not guarantee the provision of prescription medications and does not sell them directly. Prescriptions are subject to assessment by the Partner Doctor, who determines whether the request is suitable. The platform operates from the UK and serves patients across the country.

Location and contact

Unit 5 of 222 Kingsland Road, E28DG