A third of GP appointments in England carried out remotely

A third of GP appointments in England were carried out remotely in June 2025, according to an analysis of NHS data.

Of these, 8% of appointments were carried out online using live chat tools, non-video apps or video-based calls, PA Media found.

While online appointments have increased from 4.9% in June 2024 and 1.5% in June 2023, the figure for phone appointments has stayed roughly the same at around 25%. 

Overall, the proportion of GP remote appointments rose to 33.3% in June 2025, from 30.9% in June 2024 and 28.3% in June 2023 – almost reaching the Covid-19 pandemic level of 40%.

Commenting on the figures, Duncan Reid, deputy superintendent pharmacist at Pharmacy2U said: “The fact that more patients are choosing to engage with, and be served by, the NHS remotely, whether online or over the phone, is a positive sign, and something we should be celebrating.

“By expanding and improving digital and remote services, the NHS can ensure that those needing face-to-face appointments find them easier to access.”

Professor Kamila Hawthorne, chairwoman of the Royal College of GPs (RCGP) said that most patients still prefer in-person appointments.

“Remote consultations, whether delivered over the phone or via video, can offer convenience and flexibility that many patients value, and evidence has shown that in the vast majority of cases, remote care is safe.

“Often a GP might initially consult with a patient remotely and then ask them to come into the practice if it’s necessary to see them in person,” she told PA Media.

She added that the RCGP has put forward “encouraging proposals to improve the GP practice digital infrastructure and IT systems”, but they would require “significant investment”.

“What’s key is that when GPs are consulting with their patients remotely, they have access to the robust and up-to-date IT systems that allows them to do so safely and effectively.

“The college has called for additional funding of at least £2bn to ensure our physical and digital infrastructure is fit for purpose so we can offer patients the appointment that’s right for them.”

The NHS 10 year health plan, published on 3 July 2025, includes an ambition to “end the 8am scramble” by training thousands more GPs and building “AI-powered online advice” into the NHS App via
the My NHS GP tool.

It also pledges to “use digital telephony to ensure all phones are answered quickly”, adding that those who need it “will get a digital or telephone consultation for the same day they request it”.

A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care said: “This government is also clear that patients should have access to health and care when they need it and people who prefer a face-to-face appointment should have one, so we are transforming the NHS App to make managing your healthcare online easy and flexible.”

An NHS England spokesperson added: “Every GP practice must offer face-to-face appointments where patients want or need them, and many patients choose remote appointments where it is clinically appropriate and more convenient for them.”