Professor Steve Field, chief inspector of general practice for the Care Quality Commission (CQC) [at the time of writing], has said:
You should look for the CQC logo because some of these websites, if they are not regulated by the CQC, can be very, very dangerous.
We know that these websites can present convenient ways for people to access advice, treatment and medication.
However some services may be putting patients at risk. We are particularly concerned that risks to patients may not always be appropriately assessed or managed when they buy medicines online.
As with conventional GP surgeries, these online companies and pharmacies are required to provide safe, high-quality and compassionate care and must adhere to exactly the same standards. They must not cut corners.
We will continue to work closely with the other regulatory bodies to share intelligence where we have concerns and take action where necessary. Providers and clinicians must be clear on their responsibilities to protect people who use their services.
The annual Dr Fox independent customer satisfaction survey for 2017 is now complete, the results of which continue to confirm our commitment to providing the best service possible is recognised by our customers.
97% of people were either ‘extremely happy’ (80.5%) or ‘very happy’ (16.2%) with the Dr Fox service (up from 93% on 2016), and 95.7% indicated they were ‘very likely’ or ‘extremely likely’ to use the service again.
The full survey results are available to view here.
We would again like to thank all our customers that took the time to respond to our survey this year.
Dr Fox introduced extra identity verification checks November 2017. All online clinics are required by the regulator, the Care Quality Commission, to have in place patient identity verification processes.
How the checks work
The majority of patients can be verified online instantly by referencing data on their credit profile. This is called a ‘soft’ check to validate identity only, and is not a check on a person’s credit-worthiness. The ID check will not affect their credit rating.
Patient’s must enter their correct full name and date of birth, and a delivery address that is registered with a payment card provider, bank or building society, finance provider, or electoral register, to pass an online credit check. Read in full
Your smartphone can help in an emergency even if you are unresponsive. Both iOS (iPhone) and Android have a standard feature in ‘Settings’ called Medical ID (iPhone) or Emergency information (Android) where information useful in an emergency is available to first responders and emergency room staff and is accessible from your locked phone screen.
Emergency workers are increasingly aware to check smartphones for this information:
medical conditions and notes
personal information
allergies
blood type
organ donation details
emergency contacts
The feature is similar to medical jewellery but can make a lot more information available. Be aware that the information you provide will also be available to anyone with your phone without unlocking it.
There are also a range of other free medical emergency apps available for smartphones such as Medical ID.
Dr Fox has undertaken an independent customer satisfaction survey for 2016, the results of which continue to confirm our commitment to providing the best service possible is recognised by our customers.
93% of people were either ‘extremely happy’ (80.7%) or ‘very happy’ (12.6%) with the Dr Fox service, and indicated they were ‘very likely’ or ‘extremely likely’ to use the service again.
The full survey results are available to view here.
We would again like to thank all our customers that took the time to respond to our survey this year.
When the cold winds start to blow, out comes the winter health advice too. But which of these commonly held beliefs are based on fact and which ones are myth? Read in full
There is a growing problem in the United States and Canada which is likely to become more of an issue in the UK and Europe: Fentanyl overdose.
What is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a synthetic (manufactured) opioid and is the most potent opioid available for medical treatment. Used to relieve pain in cancer patients, it is 50-100 times stronger than morphine, and usually administered in the form of patches or lozenges. Fentanyl is also used in certain emergency situations when stopping a patients breathing, where medics need to take over the breathing for the patient. Read in full
Realising you have a health issue that needs medical attention and treatment can cause anxiety. Not only are you uncomfortable, you now have to think about making time to visit your GP and describing your symptoms in order to receive treatment for your problem.
Although in many instances nothing can replace the necessity of a face-to-face visit – an online doctor cannot inspect an injury or feel for soreness, for example – when it comes to determining your health history, responding to a description of symptoms, and prescribing medicine for common conditions, a virtual consultation can be just as effective. From eliminating the need to describe symptoms in person to access to a large amount of information about your condition, there are many benefits of online doctors and prescription services. Read in full
Dr Fox introduced extra identity verification checks November 2017. All online clinics are required by the regulator, the 
Emergency workers are increasingly aware to check smartphones for this information:
There is a 
Realising you have a health issue that needs medical attention and treatment can cause anxiety. Not only are you uncomfortable, you now have to think about making time to visit your GP and describing your symptoms in order to receive treatment for your problem.