Speak to a GP Online -
From Anywhere, 7 Days a Week at Finglas Medical

What is Centric Health’s Online Doctor service?

Centric Health Online Doctors is Ireland’s trusted virtual GP service, giving you quick access to experienced, Irish-registered doctors by phone or video — seven days a week. Whether you need medical advice, a prescription, a sick note, or a referral, you can speak to a real Centric Health GP from the comfort of your home.

And because we’re part of Ireland’s largest GP network, if you need in-person care, we can connect you to one of our clinics nationwide. Safe, convenient, and connected  - expert healthcare, wherever you are.

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.

What if I need to see a doctor in person after my online consultation?

If your online doctor determines that you need to visit a GP doctor for in person examination, you will be advised to attend your own doctor.  If you do not have a doctor we will arrange an appointment for you with a Centric Health GP practice.

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.

How much does an online GP consultation cost?

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, MRI, etc.
• Requests for controlled medications like sleeping tablets, opiates or z-drugs
• Pregnancy-related issues
• Mental health conditions
• Forms for insurance, disability applications, carers allowance, occupational assessment, driving licence, housing adaptation etc.

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

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, for example:

• General medical advice
• Coughs, colds, chest infections
• Dermatology issues-rashes, lesions etc (Video consultation required)
• Medication advice
• Medical certs/Sick certs
• Mild nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea
• Mild ear and nose complaints
• Minor Stomach Upsets
• Minor Aches and Pains
• Prescription Service (see below for details)
• Referrals to specialists/consultants
• Sexual Health Advice (including Erectile dysfunction and Contraception)
• Sleep or fatigue advise
• Sore Throats
• Travel advice
• Urinary tract infections (UTI's).

Can I get a prescription?

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

• E-Prescriptions: Your prescription is emailed securely to a pharmacy of your choice during your consultation; there is no delay. We are able to provide a maximum of 28 days of medication. You can collect your prescription during pharmacy opening hours.
• Repeat prescriptions cannot be provided. If you are taking repeat prescribed medication, it is in your best interest to be seen by your own GP, to ensure continuity of your care.
• We do not initiate any form of chronic medication nor do we initiate medication that will require ongoing use.
• We are unable to prescribe highly scheduled medications; these include, but are not limited to potent opiates, benzodiazepines, sedating medications, neuroleptic medications, controlled drugs, sleeping tables, medications that require strict follow up and monitoring.
• We are unable to provide prescriptions on Medical Card scripts.

Can I get a Referral Letter to a Consultant?

We can provide referral letters to consultants. We will generate a referral letter and send it directly to you.  You will need to book an appointment directly with the consultant. 

In some instances, we may advise that your own GP makes the referral to ensure continuity of medical care. 

Can I get a Medical Cert?

• We can provide medical certificates.
• Sick notes 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.
• We are unable to provide medical exclusion from Jury Duty.
• Fit-to-work certificates require a formal evaluation and cannot be issued via telemedicine.

Can I use this service in an emergency?

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

Can I book a consultation for my child?

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.

Who are your doctors?

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.

What are the opening hours?

Appointments can be booked online Monday to Sunday, 7 am to 7 pm, depending on availability.

How do I book an appointment?

Booking is simple:

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.

Can I cancel or reschedule my appointment?

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

What if I miss my appointment?

If you are late for your appointment, your consulting clinician will try to contact you 3 times. 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  not eligible for a refund. You will receive an SMS confirming the cancellation after our doctors have made three attempts to contact you. Please ensure you're available at your selected time.

We don't want you to miss your appointment so here are some tips that can help:

• 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

Is my data secure and confidential?

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 own doctor at you request. See our Privacy Statement and Terms and Conditions.

Will my usual GP be informed?

You can request your consultation notes to be shared with your regular GP to ensure continuity of care.  We do not send your consultation notes to your GP if you have not asked us to. 

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 [email protected]