Digital Doctor FAQ's

*Due to the nature of these conditions, Centric Health may need to refer you to a GP for an in-person examination.

This service is not designed for medical emergencies. For urgent care needs, the best course of action is to visit your nearest A&E department or dial 112.

Digital Doctor is provided by Centric Health, Ireland’s largest primary care provider. Their GPs are expert clinicians trained in general practice and virtual healthcare techniques.

All Digital Doctor GPs are registered with the Irish Medical Council and based in Ireland with extensive experience of the Irish Healthcare system.

Unlimited Digital Doctor consultations are included, when covered on your Irish Life Health plan, at no extra cost.

No, the follow-up consultation isn’t covered under your Digital Doctor benefit. You must pay the Centric Health GP in full for the consultation. If you have GP cover on your plan, you may be able to claim back all or part of the cost by uploading your receipt on your online account. Please check your table of cover to see what’s covered.

Yes. Where possible, we will always try to accommodate a patient’s preference to speak to a male or female doctor.

No, the service is unlimited!

Yes, children are eligible to use Digital Doctor when covered on their plan. Where a patient is under the age of 18, it is necessary for their parent or legal guardian to book on their behalf.

For pregnancy related questions, for your own 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 Digital Doctor GP may be able to provide medical advice. You may also contact the Irish Life Health Nurse on Call service for pregnancy and midwifery related advice on 01 562 5150.

Please always advise the Digital Doctor Patient Care Team if you are or could be pregnant.

Yes, where the GP believes it is clinically appropriate, they will issue a prescription. The prescription will be emailed securely to a pharmacy of your choice during your consultation. You can then collect your prescription during pharmacy opening hours.

In line with clinical best practice guidelines for remote prescribing, Digital Doctors GPs are unable to issue repeat prescriptions for the ongoing treatment of long-term conditions. In these instances, it is in your best interest to be seen by your own GP who will manage your care.

Digital Doctor GPs may be able to offer individual prescriptions for, and advice on, medication you are currently taking and short course medication for certain acute conditions, depending on the symptoms presented.

Yes, if the GP feels it is medically appropriate, they can send you a sick note. This will be e-mailed to your preferred e-mail address within 24 hours of your consultation. Maximum sick note period is 5 days and cannot be used for social welfare purposes.

Should the GP feel that you would benefit from seeing a consultant or specialist, they can provide you with a referral letter. In some instances, the GP may advise that your own GP makes the referral to ensure continuity of medical care. If the GP provides a referral letter, it is still subject to acceptance by a consultant or specialist. We recommend you confirm acceptance before booking an appointment.

Remember to check the cover you have on your individual policy before engaging a consultant or specialist treatment services. The referral letter is not confirmation of cover.

To learn more about what is covered under your Irish Life Health policy, you can log in to your online account here and use the Am I Covered tool. Or you can call the Irish Life Health Customer Care Team on (01) 562 5100 and they will be happy to assist you. They are available Monday to Friday, 9am to 7pm (excluding Bank Holidays).

Please note the Digital Doctor GP service does not offer referrals for diagnostics e.g. scans, imaging, MRI etc.

If the treating Digital Doctor GP can’t resolve your issue over the phone or video, and thinks that your issue requires an in-person consultation, they will offer you the choice to see a GP at one of up to 50 Centric Health clinics nationwide. While this service is available to all members, it is primarily intended for those who do not have an existing GP or can’t access their own GP.

A member of the Centric Health Patient Care Team will contact you within 2 hours of your Digital Doctor consultation to arrange your follow-up in-person appointment.

You can get a next-day appointment at one of up to 50 clinics nationwide. However, appointments are subject to availability of service and individual clinic opening hours. Services are not available on weekends and bank holidays.

Please feel free to call us on 01 562 5150 or e-mail us on heretohelp@irishlifehealth.ie.

Centric Health is the data controller for all patient data. 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 GPs and staff. All prescriptions and referrals will be made by secure e-mail.

Yes. Patient confidentiality is very important, and all medical records remain confidential. Continuity of care is extremely important; therefore, a record of your consultation and medical notes can be securely sent to your own GP by request, with your consent.

If you would like a copy of your notes, please let your GP know during your consultation. Alternatively you can request your notes by completing this form or send an email request to digitaldoctor@centrichealth.ie.