How to book a GP appointment

Booking a GP appointment is one of the most common ways patients access healthcare in the UK.

Most medical issues that are not emergencies are first assessed by a general practitioner (GP), who can provide advice, treatment or referrals to specialist services.

There are several ways to book a GP appointment depending on your GP practice, including online booking, telephone appointments and digital services.

This guide explains how GP appointments work and the different ways patients can book them.

GP practices are part of primary care, which is usually the first point of contact for medical advice.

During a GP appointment, a doctor or healthcare professional may:

GP practices may offer several types of appointments, including:

Patients can usually book GP appointments using several different methods. The options available depend on the GP practice.

The NHS App allows patients to book GP appointments online. After logging in, patients may be able to:

However, not all GP practices have enabled appointment booking through the NHS App. Some practices only support features like viewing records or ordering repeat prescriptions through the App, and booking availability depends on the individual practice.

Many GP practices now use online consultation or triage systems as their primary access route. These platforms — such as eConsult, Patchs, or AccuRx — allow patients to submit their symptoms through an online form before being offered a phone, video, or face-to-face appointment.

The specific system used varies by practice. Patients can usually find details on their GP practice website.

If you are unsure how to contact your GP, check their website first, as many practices now ask patients to submit an online form as the first step.

Some GP practices allow patients to book appointments directly through their website.

These online systems may allow patients to choose between available appointment slots.

Many patients still book GP appointments by telephone. Reception staff can usually help schedule appointments and explain available options.

However, appointment availability varies depending on demand and the GP practice.

Some GP practices allow patients to book appointments at reception. Policies vary between practices, so it may be helpful to check the practice website first.

If you are not yet registered, see our guide on how to register with a GP.

Many GP practices reserve a number of same-day appointments for urgent medical problems. These may be booked:

In some situations, patients may be able to access care without seeing a GP.

Community pharmacists can provide treatment for several common conditions such as sore throat, sinusitis and urinary tract infections. See our guide on Pharmacy First.

NHS 111 provides urgent medical advice when patients are unsure which service they need.

Urgent treatment centres treat minor injuries and illnesses that require prompt care but are not emergencies.

If you cannot book a GP appointment, there may still be other ways to access care. Options may include:

In emergencies, patients should call 999 or go to A&E.

Understanding how GP appointments work can help patients access healthcare services more efficiently.

Find Care Compare provides guides and tools designed to help patients understand healthcare pathways and explore available healthcare providers.

This article summarises publicly available information from: