When to see a doctor (and when not to wait)
Which symptoms are fine for a video consultation, and which ones mean you should be at a clinic immediately.
Last reviewed 2026-10-10 · 4 min read
Key takeaways
- PrimeMeds telemedicine is for stable, non-emergency concerns only.
- Breathing difficulty, chest pain, severe bleeding and loss of consciousness need a clinic or hospital now.
- A pharmacist can answer medicine questions; only a doctor diagnoses and prescribes.
What telemedicine is for
A video consultation suits stable, non-emergency concerns: chronic condition reviews, dermatology questions, medication side effects, follow-ups after a recent visit, and cases that need a full clinical assessment but not same-day hands-on care.
Every consultation on PrimeMeds is with a BHPC-registered practitioner, and the doctor is responsible for any prescription they issue.
- Chronic disease reviews and repeat prescriptions
- Skin, hair and nail concerns
- Medication questions and side effects
- Follow-ups after a recent consultation
What needs a clinic now
Some symptoms are emergencies, and they should never be handled through an app. Go to the nearest clinic or hospital, or call emergency services, if you have difficulty breathing, chest pain, heavy bleeding, a seizure, sudden severe headache, confusion or loss of consciousness.
For a child, a high fever with drowsiness, a rash that does not fade under pressure, or refusal to drink needs urgent assessment.
What a pharmacist can do
A pharmacist can explain how to take a medicine, check a script, suggest what to ask your doctor, and tell you when a symptom needs a doctor instead.
A pharmacist cannot diagnose a condition or issue a prescription. Only a registered doctor does that.
The two gates
Before we let you book, we ask you to confirm two things: that this is not an emergency, and that you consent to a telemedicine consultation. If either does not apply, our triage will point you to a clinic instead of taking the booking.