Centric Health Online Doctors - Information at Ennis Medical

1) What is Centric Health’s Online Doctor service?

Centric Health Online Doctors is a virtual GP consultation service that allows you to speak to a fully qualified Irish Medical Council-registered GP via phone or video call. This convenient service is perfect for non-emergency medical advice, prescriptions, sick notes, and more, without visiting a clinic.

2) Can I book an appointment with Centric Health Online Doctors if I am not currently a patient of a Centric Health Practice?

Yes, you can book an appointment with Centric Health Online Doctors even if you are not a patient of a Centric Health Practice.

3) Is the service free or covered by the HSE?

No. This is a private GP service and is not covered under the HSE or GMS (Medical Card) schemes. A fixed fee is required at the time of booking.

4) Can I book a consultation for my child?

Yes, children over the age of 2 are eligible to use Centric Health Online Doctors. Where a patient is under the age of 18, their parent or legal guardian must book on their behalf. 

5) What health issues can be treated by an online doctor?

Our GP doctors can assess and treat a wide range of non-urgent health issues, such as:

• General medical advice
• Coughs, colds, chest infections
• Minor Aches and Pains
• Urinary infections
• Mild nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea
• Minor Stomach Upsets
• Travel advice
• Medication advice
• Sore Throats
• Mild ear and nose complaints
• Sexual Health Advice (including Erectile dysfunction and Contraception)
• Prescription Service (See question 15)

6) What conditions can’t be treated online?

Some conditions require a physical examination or immediate medical attention. We cannot treat or assess:

• Severe symptoms of any kind (breathing issues, chest pain, difficulty breathing, headache, abdominal pain, confusion or bleeding)
• Broken or suspected broken bones
• Infants or babies – children must be over 2 years old to avail of a consultation through their parent
• Eye infections or injuries
• Conditions that require in-person examination, such as testicular or breast lumps
• Where a test is required, such as bloods or an ECG
• Where referral for diagnostics is required, e.g. scans, imaging, MR, etc.
• Requests for controlled medications like sleeping tablets, opiates or z-drugs
• Pregnancy-related issues
• Mental health conditions

If you are in doubt or experiencing a medical emergency, call 112 or attend A&E immediately.

7) Can I use this service in an emergency?

No. For emergencies, contact 112 or visit your nearest hospital.

8) What if I am pregnant?

For pregnancy-related questions, for your wellbeing and that of your baby, we recommend that you contact your own GP or caregiver. We understand that other medical matters can arise while you are pregnant, and depending on the condition, a Centric Health Online Doctor may be able to provide medical advice.

Please always advise the Centric Health Online Doctor if you are or could be pregnant.

9) How much does an online GP consultation cost?

The cost of a consultation is €55. No hidden charges or additional fees apply.

10) What are the consultation hours?

Appointments are available Monday to Friday, 7 am to 7 pm, depending on availability.

11) How do I book an appointment?

Booking is simple:

1. 1. Click the 'Book Appointment' button at the top of this page
   2. Register or sign in to your account (open to new and current patients)
   3. Select consultation type and time
   4. Enter your details and pay securely
   5. Get email/text confirmation
   6. The GP will contact you at your chosen time.

12) Can I cancel or reschedule my appointment?

Yes, through your Centric Health Online Doctors account. Changes or cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.

13) What if I miss my appointment?

If you are late for your appointment, you will be contacted 3 times by the consulting clinician. Should these attempts be unsuccessful, your appointment will be cancelled. Missed appointments, also known as "Did Not Attend" (DNA), cause disruption to clinical schedules and are therefore not eligible for a refund. You will receive an SMS confirming the cancellation. Our doctors will make three attempts to contact you. Missed appointments ("DNA") are non-refundable. Please ensure you're available at your selected time.

To avoid missing your appointment:

• Set reminders in your phone or calendar
• Ensure you're in a quiet, private space with good reception or internet
• If you're unable to attend, please reschedule or cancel at least 24 hours in advance

14) Is my data secure and private?

Yes. All consultations are encrypted and confidential. Patient data and records are stored on a GP practice management system called Socrates. This will only be accessible with multi-factor authentication by authorised GP doctors and staff. All prescriptions and referrals will be made by secure e-mail.
Our service meets strict GDPR and clinical safety standards. Your records are securely stored and only shared with your consent. See our Privacy Statement and Terms and Conditions.

15) Who will I speak to?

This service is provided by our own Centric Health GP doctors. Our GPs are expert clinicians trained in general practice and virtual healthcare techniques, with extensive experience in the Irish Healthcare System and providing online consultations. 

All our doctors are insured, work under clinical governance policies, are registered with the Irish Medical Council and are based in Ireland.

16) Can I get a prescription, sick note, or referral?

Yes, if it is clinically appropriate, your doctor can issue:

• EPrescriptions: The prescription will be emailed securely to a pharmacy of your choice during your consultation; there is no delay. You can then collect your prescription during pharmacy opening hours.
  In line with clinical best practice guidelines for remote prescribing, Centric Health Online Doctors are unable to issue repeat prescriptions for the ongoing treatment of long-term conditions. In these instances, it is in your best interest to be seen by your own GP, who will manage your care.
  Centric Health Online Doctors may be able to offer individual prescriptions for, and advice on, medication you are currently taking, short-course medication for certain acute conditions, depending on the symptoms presented.
  
  
• Sick notes - This will be emailed to your preferred email address within 24 hours of your consultation. The maximum sick note period is 5 days and cannot be used for social welfare purposes.
  
  
• Referrals - Should the GP feel that you would benefit from seeing a consultant or specialist, they can provide you with a referral letter. In some instances, the GP may advise that your own GP makes the referral to ensure continuity of medical care. If the GP provides a referral letter, it is still subject to acceptance by a consultant or specialist. We recommend you confirm acceptance before booking an appointment.

17) Will my usual GP be informed?

Only with your consent. You can request your consultation notes to be shared with your regular GP to ensure continuity of care.

18) Have a question not answered here?

If you have a query that hasn’t been answered in the above FAQ’s, please feel free to e-mail us at centricgpsupport@centrichealth.ie