The NHS may be incredibly close to our hearts, but it’s rarely out of the news.
GPs have recently come under fire for voting to close their doors at 5pm, making it difficult for patients to get appointments.
GPs who are the worst at making face-to-face appointments have also been named and shamed, and while no one should be forced to look for alternatives, there are a growing number of affordable options available.
Although nothing can replace the NHS for ambulance care or A&E provision, companies offer alternative help for physiotherapy, mental health support or advice on specific problems for men or women. Femail brings you a summary.
If you are having difficulty getting an appointment with your GP, there are several options, but you will have to pay a subscription or a one-time appointment fee.
ZAVA
Cost: Prices vary. The morning after pill can be had from £11.95, while prices for prescription hair loss treatments start from £19.95
This online doctor and pharmacy aims to reduce the need to see a GP by providing a streamlined service for certain ailments and medications.
Ideal if you want to get the morning after pill, birth control or erectile dysfunction pills, just fill out a medical questionnaire and answer a few questions about your health and what you want.
A doctor will then review the information and confirm your request.
Your medication or test kit is then dispatched by Zava Pharmacy and delivered discreetly to your home by Royal Mail.
BABYLON HEALTH
Cost: £149 a year for instant access to GPs. Physiotherapist appointments are £25
There are modern alternatives to the NHS on the market, some free, some affordable and some expensive.
This online service aims to move from a reactive patient care model to preventive healthcare by facilitating access to doctors.
You simply pay a relatively small fee and then have access to online healthcare professionals and services.
You pick a date and time to speak with one via phone or video, and the wait time to see one is often less than at a GP visit.
You can also access physiotherapists, nurses and pharmacists.
Currently, you can only access this service if your employer pays for it, or for free if you live in Fulham, London.
THE HEALTHY APP
Free
There are modern alternatives to the NHS on the market, some free, some affordable and some expensive.
Founded in 2013, the Healthily app is a free “self-care” app that uses artificial intelligence to help users manage their symptoms before deciding to see a doctor.
Described as the world’s first medically approved self-care platform, it brings the medical knowledge of doctors’ surgery into everyday life.
For example, if you have a symptom, such as a headache behind your eyes, you can enter it along with basic demographic information about your gender and age.
He asks about a variety of other symptoms.
After selecting the appropriate answers and asking other questions, such as whether you are obese or had a recent injury, he gives you a report.
This could suggest that no further action is needed, or it could say that you need immediate help and should go to A&E.
While it does not specifically diagnose you, it suggests, based on the results of your answers, the possible causes of your ailments and provides an appropriate response.
NEW HEALTH
Cost: An initial consultation with a doctor will cost £295, while the fee for a private prescription is £37
Newson Health is one of many companies that offer support for women going through menopause, but it is quite expensive.
If you’re a middle-aged woman having trouble getting an appointment with your GP to discuss perimenopause or menopause, Newson Health and other organizations can step in.
This particular company provides evidence-based care, treatment, and support for women during this often difficult time.
It employs more than 100 doctors, nurses and pharmacists, all menopause experts, and typically offers a virtual appointment within two weeks of initial contact.
He also offers face-to-face appointments at various clinics and advises on both Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and non-hormonal treatments.
It also helps perimenopausal women who have had breast cancer, so they may not want to take HRT.
In addition, they also provide other services such as bone scans and coil fittings.
NUMAN
Cost: Varies depending on your health problem
For men, Numan seeks to tap into a market, providing discreet medical advice and prescriptions for certain issues such as erectile dysfunction and hair loss.
If you are a man, Numan is a subscription-based service that specifically addresses male health and wellness issues.
Promising to be discreet, Numan aims to help men take control of their health and remove the taboo surrounding issues like hair loss and erectile dysfunction.
You can access health services, medicines and advice from medical professionals at home through online consultations.
And the company then provides medications and mails them to your home.
Prices vary, but if you are obese and want to lose weight, Numan can prescribe a weight loss tablet that costs £155 per month.
But if you’re asking for help with ED, a plan can cost £39.00 per month.
PHYSITRACK
Free if your physiotherapist uses it
If you are injured or need physical therapy, you can choose a physical therapist using the Physitrack app.
Its mobile app and platform has harnessed the Internet to allow healthcare professionals to prescribe exercise programs online.
Through the app’s video guides, you will be shown how to complete the exercises.
Health professionals can also track your progress, to encourage adherence and improve your results.
don’t worry
Cost: Free if your employer signs up
Unmind is an option for better mental health, but right now employers have to pay for it before they can access it
It’s not just physical health where people can get support.
In terms of mental health, the Unmind mobile app is designed to improve mental health in the workplace.
The app enables employees to understand, measure and improve their mental health through key areas including calmness, happiness, stress, connection and nutrition.
It then encourages employers to help themselves and drive change by accessing mental health information.
It also offers digital course offerings, meditation sessions, and healthy food recipes.
TRIVA
Cost: The average trial pack is £85
Thriva is a blood testing company that allows you to submit samples for testing without involving your GP.
Thriva is a blood testing company that provides at-home tests to assess things like liver function, cholesterol levels, and kidney function.
It also looks at low energy levels, which may be related to a nutrient deficiency, an underactive thyroid, or hormonal imbalance.
If you think you may have something wrong and would like to have your blood tested, simply describe your symptoms and Thriva will suggest which blood test to perform.
They also send out a ‘finger prick’ kit so you can draw your own blood at home.
Once submitted evidence is reviewed, Thriva offers detailed information and support, as well as GP advice.
The company aims to encourage regular testing and increased awareness of potential health issues.
