Online GP Consultation: Diagnosis & Prescription

Why consult a GP online on Feeli?

Consulting a general practitioner online through Feeli means getting care in under 2 hours and without an appointment. This remote option — complementary to in-office consultations — improves access to care, particularly in rural areas. Teleconsultation also makes access to specialist consultations easier, notably in dermatology, with care possible within 24 hours.

Immediate care without an appointment

Teleconsultation significantly shortens waiting times for non-urgent matters and also avoids inconvenient travel. Several systematic reviews have concluded that teleconsultations can be as effective as in-person consultations for many common conditions. Medical studies confirm it: for the majority of common conditions, teleconsultation allows a diagnosis and care as effective as an in-office visit, without the stress of the waiting room. In addition to improving access to healthcare professionals, telemedicine also reduces waiting times and the unnecessary use of emergency services. For example, Feeli enables a teleconsultation with a general practitioner in under 2 hours, which is particularly valuable for urgent but non-life-threatening matters.

Doctors qualified in France, available 24/7

Teleconsultation is regulated by the health authorities: remote practitioners must follow the same codes of conduct as for an in-office consultation. On Feeli, doctors are therefore registered with the French Medical Council (Conseil de l’Ordre des Médecins) and trained in telemedicine. Teleconsultation via Feeli thus ensures the traceability of medical acts. If needed, referral to in-person care is also made easier. Feeli is also a practical solution for people looking to find a GP who accepts new patients.

A 100% secure and confidential care pathway

Protecting health data is a cornerstone of Feeli: data processing is strictly governed by the GDPR and the European authorities, which require technical and organisational measures. For example, Feeli applies data encryption, access control and traceability of acts, and uses hosting provided by a certified health-data (HDS) provider. The recommendations and guides published by the CNIL (the French data protection authority) and the HDS standards set out the best practices to follow. Feeli thereby guarantees the confidentiality and integrity of patient records. The platform offers fast, safe consultations delivered by doctors registered in France, and provides a service that complements local medicine.

When should you consult a GP remotely?

Online consultation is suited to common health problems and medical follow-ups that do not require an immediate physical examination. Below we detail the frequent reasons for teleconsultation, such as migraine, and what to expect from online care. For each reason, we outline the limits that call for an in-person consultation or urgent referral.

Common infections: cold, flu, sore throat, sinusitis

These upper respiratory tract infections (cold, flu, sore throat, sinusitis) are very common reasons for teleconsultation. For a sore throat, for example, the clinical exchange (history, symptoms, photographs or video) is often enough to guide the diagnosis and propose an effective treatment. A teleconsultation also helps detect early signs of severity requiring a physical examination or additional tests. However, if you have severe symptoms (signs of dehydration, respiratory distress, very high fever, deteriorating general condition), emergency care is required.

Digestive disorders: gastroenteritis, food poisoning

For gastroenteritis (vomiting, diarrhoea, acute abdominal pain), the online doctor can assess hydration status and recommend a suitable treatment. This may include prescribing an oral rehydration solution (ORS) or dietary and lifestyle measures. A teleconsultation is also an opportunity to learn about the warning signs that require in-person care, such as blood in the stool, a high fever, or localised or worsening abdominal pain. Immediate referral to the appropriate service will be advised if these signs are present. Finally, if the person is in an at-risk group (an infant, an immunocompromised or elderly person, for example), the teleconsultation must quickly lead to a physical assessment, or even emergency care depending on the severity of the symptoms.

Urinary infections: cystitis, pyelonephritis

Acute uncomplicated cystitis in women is a common reason for teleconsultation. The symptoms (frequent urination, burning when passing urine, absence of fever) are generally typical and allow remote care. In the absence of contraindications (pregnancy, signs of pyelonephritis, comorbidities), the online doctor can prescribe a treatment such as antibiotics. In case of doubt, the practitioner can refer you for a urine test or an in-person consultation.

Prescription renewal: chronic conditions, allergies

Teleconsultation is an effective way to obtain a medical certificate or to renew a prescription for chronic conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure, controlled allergies, etc.). It also allows remote follow-up for people with reduced mobility or travel constraints. If needed, recent test results may be requested.

Can you get a sick note via teleconsultation?

The law allows, under certain conditions, the issuing of sick notes via teleconsultation. However, Feeli limits this practice to prevent misuse: the platform’s doctors may only issue short-term absence certificates (maximum 3 days), when they consider it justified. For any longer absence, or when the situation requires a physical examination, the patient is referred to their regular doctor.

How does a teleconsultation work?

A teleconsultation with a doctor without an appointment via Feeli takes place mainly through secure instant messaging (video call or phone call also possible). The steps include: a pre-diagnosis questionnaire, the exchange with the practitioner and, if necessary, the issuing of an electronic prescription.

Step 1: the medical questionnaire

Before the exchange with the doctor, patients are asked to complete a short questionnaire (medical history, symptoms, current treatments, allergies) that supports the practitioner’s remote care. This not only helps assess whether a teleconsultation is appropriate, but also prepares the conversation. The information collected feeds into the medical file and supports continuity of treatment.

Step 2: the exchange with the doctor

The teleconsultation proceeds like a standard consultation: a reminder of the reason for the visit, a visual examination (photos, video framing), targeted questions and a discussion of possible treatments. All of this information is documented in the medical file. The online practitioner can also spell out the warning signs that require prompt or emergency care. For severe medical emergencies, take no risks: contact the emergency services immediately (call 15 for the SAMU in France, or 112 across the EU) or go straight to A&E.

Step 3: receiving the electronic prescription

If a prescription is indicated, the online doctor can issue an electronic prescription, accessible at any time from a secure area. This prescription is valid in all pharmacies. At the pharmacy, the pharmacist can scan the QR code to verify the prescription’s validity. They can also advise patients on how to use a medication and on drug interactions. This process includes a few checks to limit inappropriate dispensing and to comply with the legal framework for e-prescribing. Practical tips before your teleconsultation:
   • Prepare a list of your medical history, allergies and current treatments.
   • Check your Internet connection, camera and microphone if using video. Choose a quiet, well-lit spot.
   • Prepare photos of any skin symptoms in advance if helpful.
Whether by teleconsultation or in person, medical confidentiality and data protection are essential. Feeli ensures data encryption, traceability of acts and uses a certified hosting service.

Teleconsultation pricing and reimbursement

On Feeli, a teleconsultation with a general practitioner is charged at a single price of 39 euros. This amount is clearly shown before any payment is confirmed. Depending on urgency, the patient may also opt for a possible 5-euro surcharge for faster care. Regarding reimbursement by the French health insurance (Assurance Maladie), Feeli is outside the coordinated care pathway: this means that, unless your complementary health insurance (mutuelle) covers it, the French social security does not automatically reimburse the cost. However, some complementary insurers may reimburse all or part of these fees; remember to check with your provider beforehand.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)