Guide to uploading photos before a VideoGP appointment

Reviewed by our clinical team

VideoGP is an app from Online Doctor that allows you to speak to a registered GP from the comfort of your own home.

If you’ve already tried the VideoGP app, or if you’re thinking of signing up, it’s important to be aware that some appointments require a photo upload. Read on to find out why this is necessary, and how to upload your own photos to our confidential app.

Why do you I need to upload photos before my VideoGP appointment?

Photo uploads are necessary when you’re having a visible symptom that you want your GP to check. This might be a new mole, sore or rash, a skin condition like acne, psoriasis or eczema, a picture of your tonsils if you have a sore throat or bruising from an injury.

In an ordinary face-to-face appointment, your GP would be able to examine you if needed. On a video call this isn’t possible, which is why your appointed doctor will need to see a good quality photo of the affected area beforehand.

Will I be told to upload photos before my VideoGP appointment?

If your doctor is aware that you want to talk about a visible symptom like a rash, they may send you a message before your appointment asking you to a take a photo and upload it to the app.

If this happens, you’ll get a text or email telling you that your doctor has messaged you privately through your Patient Record – you can log onto this through the Online Doctor website using the same login details as you use for the app.

Otherwise, you might decide to upload a photo yourself, or your doctor might ask you to submit a photo once your appointment has finished.

How do I upload photos to the VideoGP app?

Uploading photos to the VideoGP app is really simple. The first step is taking the picture. You’ll want to make sure it’s a good quality image, so try to do the following: 

• Stand or sit in a bright room so the affected area is well-lit  
• Take a photo of the affected area that’s clear and in focus 
• Don’t take the photo from a distance – make sure the camera is as close as possible without the image being blurry
• Where possible and appropriate, it might be helpful to have a friend or family member take the photo for you. 

 Once you’ve taken your photo or photos, go into the VideoGP app, select “Upload a photo” and add any relevant images.

What will the doctor do with the photos I’ve added to the VideoGP app?

Your Video GP will take a look at the photos to help them diagnose the condition and recommend treatment. However, they’ll also need to speak to you during the appointment to find out more – for instance, whether you’re experiencing any other symptoms like itching or pain.

The photos will only be visible to yourself and our clinical team. After your appointment, the photos will remain securely stored in the system as they will form part of your medical record.

How do you keep my photos secure and safe in the VideoGP app?

The VideoGP app was developed with your safety and security in mind, which means all of your personal medical information (including any photos) will be inaccessible to anybody other than yourself and the clinical team. The same goes for your Patient Record on the Online Doctor website.

How else can I prepare for my VideoGP appointment?

There are a few other basic things you can do to get ready for your appointment, including testing your internet connection and finding a private, quiet and comfortable space to talk. For more tips, read this article: How to prepare for your appointment with your video doctor.