In person or by video: comparing appointment formats
Some appointments happen in a practice; others happen by video. Which format is possible depends on the kind of appointment, the rules that apply where you are, and what the professional can do remotely. This guide helps you compare the practical side. Whether a format is right for your health is for the professional to decide with you.
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What “in person” and “by video” mean here
- In person. You and the professional are in the same room.
- By video. You join a video call that the professional or their practice provides. The call does not take place on GMedAC, which hosts no consultations — see what GMedAC does, and what the professional does.
Other remote formats exist, such as phone-only appointments or written messages. Ask the practice which ones it offers.
Practical differences to compare
| Topic | In person | By video |
|---|---|---|
| Travel and waiting room | Yes | No |
| Physical examination | Possible | Limited or not possible |
| Tests and equipment on site | Possible | Usually arranged separately |
| Privacy at your end | The practice’s rooms | A private space and a reliable connection |
| Identity check | At the practice | The practice may ask for identification before the call |
| Documents afterwards | Often handed over or posted | Sent through the practice’s own channel |
Questions to ask before you choose a format
- Is a first appointment possible by video, or only in person?
- Which kinds of appointment do you offer by video?
- Which software or link do you use, and can I test it beforehand?
- What happens if the connection fails?
- If we start by video and you decide I should be seen in person, how is that arranged?
You can ask all of these without describing your health.
Where you are matters
Whether a professional may see you by video can depend on where you are during the appointment and on the rules of their licence. Directories often show a practice address without showing those limits, so confirm them with the practice.
This guide does not describe the law of any country.
What this guide does not decide
- Whether your situation needs an examination, a test or emergency care.
- Which professional you should see.
- Whether a video appointment is clinically enough.
In an emergency, call your local emergency number — 911 in the United States, 999 or 112 in the United Kingdom, 112 across the European Union. GMedAC is not an emergency service and cannot respond to one.
Frequently asked questions
Is a video appointment found through GMedAC held on GMedAC?
No. GMedAC is preparing a marketplace for finding professionals and arranging appointments. The appointment itself takes place between you and the professional, on the channel they provide.
Does the GMedAC catalogue separate in-person and remote appointments?
Yes. The catalogue’s “How it happens” filter separates in-person and remote offers. Booking is not open yet, so the filter helps you browse and nothing more.