What is NHS Pharmacy First?

NHS Pharmacy First is a free service that lets you get a remote video consultation and treatment for six common conditions without visiting your GP. It is available through NowPatient to NHS patients aged 18 and over in England.

What conditions can be treated through NHS Pharmacy First?

The service covers six conditions: sinusitis, sore throats, infected insect bites, impetigo, shingles, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women. Each condition is subject to an eligibility screening before you can book a consultation.

Is the service really free?

Yes, the video consultation is completely free. If your clinician prescribes medication and you are not exempt from NHS prescription charges, you will pay a single NHS prescription charge. If you are exempt (for example, you are over 60 or on Income Support), there is no charge at all.

Is NHS Pharmacy First available outside England?

No. The service is commissioned by NHS England and is only available to patients registered with a GP in England. It is not available in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, or outside the UK.

Who is eligible for NHS Pharmacy First?

You are eligible if you are aged 18 or over and registered with the NHS in England. You must also pass a condition-specific eligibility screening, which is carried out by an assessment tool before you can book your consultation.

What happens if I do not pass the eligibility screening?

If you do not qualify for the service, NowPatient will signpost you to the right NHS care provider or service so you can still get the help you need. You can also download a referral note, explaining why you failed the assessment.

Can I use this service for conditions not on the list?

No. NHS Pharmacy First through NowPatient currently covers only the six listed conditions. For other conditions, please contact your GP or visit an NHS walk-in centre.

How do I book an NHS Pharmacy First consultation?

Log in to your NowPatient account and go to the NHS Pharmacy First Service Card in the NHS Hub. Select your condition, complete the eligibility screening, and if you qualify, follow the prompts to choose your preferred date, time, and clinician.

Can I choose which clinician I see?

Yes. During booking, you can browse available clinicians and filter by gender and spoken languages. You can view each clinician’s name, licence number, and credentials before making your choice.

How should I prepare for my video consultation?

After booking, you will see a ‘Pre-consultation Requirements’ section with tips on how to prepare. You will also be asked to provide your consultation address and emergency contact details. You can opt in to receive an SMS reminder 30 minutes before your appointment.

What happens during the video consultation?

The clinician will ask you questions to assess your condition and explore treatment options. If treatment is appropriate, you and the clinician will agree on the best option together. Medication is not guaranteed — it is provided only at the clinician’s discretion.

Will the clinician tell my GP about the consultation?

With your consent, the clinician may inform your GP of the treatment prescribed. We recommend agreeing to this, as your GP is responsible for your overall care and should have a record of the consultation.

Will I receive a summary after the consultation?

Yes. You will receive an in-app and push notification summarising the consultation outcome, including any referrals to your GP and advice given by the clinician. You can view this in the ‘Notifications’ section of your homepage.

What happens if I am prescribed treatment?

If your clinician prescribes medication, you will be directed to your Cart to complete the checkout process. This includes confirming your NHS exemption status, choosing a delivery address and method, and submitting payment.

Do I need to pay for the prescribed medication?

If you are not exempt from NHS prescription charges, you will pay a single prescription charge per item. If you are exempt, you will not be charged. You will be asked to confirm your exemption status during checkout.

Do I need to give consent before the consultation?

Yes. During the consultation, we will ask for your consent to provide the service. This allows us to communicate with your GP and share information with NHS England, NHS Improvement, and the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) when required.

Who are the clinicians providing this service?

Our clinicians are board-certified pharmacists registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). All clinicians undergo DBS background checks and a comprehensive licence verification process. The conditions and medications they can prescribe are strictly governed and reviewed in line with NHS guidelines.

Is the NHS Pharmacy First service safe?

Yes. The service is classified as a Class I medical device under UK MDR 2002 regulations. It complies with NHS standards DTAC, DCB 0160, and DCB 0129. Consultations are delivered via live video to ensure clinical safety and appropriate prescribing.

Is my personal health information secure?

Yes. NowPatient operates from a HIPAA, DTAC, and Cyber Essentials Plus certified platform that ensures the highest levels of information security. Clinicians access systems on a zero-trust basis with single sign-on (SSO) technology.

Can the clinician access my GP records?

Yes. As an NHS patient, our clinicians can access your GP record, including your medications, observations, and investigations. This helps them assess your condition safely and accurately.

Where does NowPatient deliver Pharmacy First prescriptions?

We deliver to all postcodes in England. Some rural areas may experience slightly longer delivery times.

How is my medication packaged?

All orders are shipped in discreet, unmarked packaging. Temperature-sensitive medications are sent in cold chain-validated packaging to ensure product quality and safety.

What delivery options are available?

We offer Royal Mail Standard Tracked & Signed (2–3 days) and Royal Mail Special Delivery (next working day, guaranteed before 1pm). Orders placed before 3pm Monday–Friday are dispatched the same day.

Can I choose where my order is delivered?

Your first order must be delivered to the address registered with NowPatient. After that, you can choose any delivery address, including your workplace.

What should I do if my order has not arrived?

Check the tracking details in the ‘Notification Feed’ section of your dashboard. If your delivery has not arrived within 10 days of the dispatch notification, contact us and we will work to resolve the issue.

What order status updates will I receive?

NowPatient sends status updates by email and in-app notifications at every stage of your order, from placement through to delivery.

Can I get medication advice after my consultation?

Yes. NowPatient’s pharmacists provide medication advice and counselling across all dispensing services. If you have questions about your prescribed medication, our pharmacy team is available to help.

Will I be asked for feedback after my consultation?

You may receive a short survey about your experience. We encourage you to complete it, as your feedback helps us improve the service. It is especially helpful if you highlight areas for improvement.

What are NHS Prescription Exemption Categories?

You may be entitled to free NHS prescriptions from the NHS Pharmacy Service if you meet specific eligibility criteria. To claim exemption, the appropriate category must be selected on the prescription form and valid evidence may be required. The exemption categories are listed below: Age-Related Exemptions A: Aged 60 or over, or under 16 (unless date of birth is printed on the form) B: Aged 16, 17, or 18 and in full-time education Certificate-Based Exemptions D: Maternity exemption certificate E: Medical exemption certificate F: Prescription prepayment certificate W: HRT-only prescription prepayment certificate G: Ministry of Defence prescription exemption certificate L: HC2 (full help) certificate Benefit-Related Exemptions H: Receiving Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) S: Receiving Pension Credit Guarantee Credit (including partners) U: Receiving Universal Credit and meeting eligibility criteria (Earnings ≤ £435, or ≤ £935 [if UC includes child element or limited capability for work)], in most recent assessment period) Important You must only claim an exemption if they are entitled to it. Incorrect claims can result in penalty charges. Proof of eligibility should be provided if requested when collecting medication. Prescription Item Level Exemptions You may be entitled to certain medication items for free as listed below. Make sure you declare this when you checkout your prescription order. For Contraceptive Use For STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection) Treatment For latent or active Tuberculosis (TB) or to treat adverse effects of TB treatment Check if you have an exemption from paying NHS costs You can check your exemption status by clicking below Check Exemption Status

How do I check if I’m eligible for a video consultation?

Video consultations are suitable for most patients who do not need a physical examination. They may not be appropriate if you require hands-on physical examination or need laboratory tests that cannot be done remotely. Video consultations are not a substitute for your regular doctor if you have a serious or life-threatening condition.

How do I complete my health profile?

Before booking, ensure your health profile is up to date. Your clinician will use this information to provide safe, personalised care. You may need to provide current medications and supplements, known allergies and adverse reactions, existing medical conditions, previous surgeries or hospitalisations, family medical history (where relevant), current symptoms or health concerns, height and weight (for BMI calculation), and blood pressure readings (where required).

How do I check my device is ready for a video consultation?

Make sure NowPatient has permission to access your camera and microphone, you have a stable internet or Wi-Fi connection, and you are using a compatible smartphone, tablet, or PC.

How do I select a service?

Log in to your NowPatient account and navigate to the relevant Service Card on your homepage. Follow the prompts for the service you need (e.g., NHS Pharmacy First, Weight Loss, Buying Treatments Online). Please remember, some services have eligibility requirements before you can book a consultation.

How do I choose a date for my appointment?

Select your preferred consultation date. You can add notes at this stage to help the clinician prepare for your session. Click Continue.

How do I choose a time for my appointment?

Select your preferred appointment time from the available slots and click Continue. Slots are available up to 7 days in advance.

How do I choose a clinician?

Browse available clinicians trained for your chosen service. You can filter by gender or spoken languages. Each clinician's full name, licence number, and specialist credentials are displayed. Select your preferred clinician and click Continue.

How do I review my booking?

Check the summary of your appointment and read the Pre-consultation Requirements for tips on how to prepare. Click Continue.

What safety information do I need to provide?

Enter your consultation address (where you will be during the call) and emergency contact details. You can also opt in to receive an SMS reminder 30 minutes before your appointment.

How do I confirm my booking?

Click Confirm Booking. You will receive an in-app confirmation pop-up, push and in-app notifications, and a confirmation email with details of what to expect.

How do I take my blood pressure via the app?

Some services require a recent blood pressure reading before your consultation. If prompted, open the blood pressure tool in the NowPatient app, read and agree to the disclaimer, enter your age, height, and gender, and follow the on-screen instructions. The tool uses your smartphone's front-facing camera — no cuff or wearable required. Classified as a Class I Medical Device (CE and UKCA certified). Available on iOS and Android only.

How do I join my video consultation?

At your scheduled time, open the NowPatient app and join your consultation.

How does identity verification work?

Your clinician will introduce themselves and verify your identity. Please have your ID ready.

What declarations do I need to confirm?

You will be reminded that you must complete the consultation for yourself, disclose all medical conditions, illnesses, and operations, disclose all prescription medications you are currently taking, and provide accurate and honest responses throughout. Withholding or providing false information can severely harm your health.

What happens during my clinical assessment?

Your clinician will carry out an assessment relevant to your chosen service. Depending on the service, this may lead to issuance of a prescription (added to your cart), guided counselling, discussion of test results, or general health advice.

What does it mean to consent to inform my doctor?

With your consent, your clinician may inform your regular doctor of the consultation outcome. NowPatient strongly recommends agreeing to this, as your GP is responsible for your overall care.

How will I receive my post-consultation summary?

You will receive a notification summarising the outcome of your appointment, any referrals made to your doctor, and any advice given by your clinician. If a referral letter was issued, you can view it in the Documents section of your account.

How do I complete my order if treatment was prescribed?

If your clinician prescribed a treatment, go to your Cart, complete any payment exemptions (such as NHS Exemption Declaration if applicable), select Checkout, choose your delivery address and method, confirm your billing address, review your order and submit payment. Your order will be sent to NowPatient’s licensed online pharmacy for processing and dispatch.

How do I complete the feedback survey?

You may receive a short survey about your experience. NowPatient encourages all patients to complete it — your feedback helps improve the service for everyone.

How do I cancel a video consultation, and what happens if I miss my appointment?

To cancel an appointment: Go to the Consultations section of your account. Select Upcoming Consultations. Choose the appointment you wish to cancel. Click Cancel and confirm. Please cancel at least 24 hours in advance. Missed appointments: After two missed appointments, your booking rights will be temporarily revoked. Contact the NowPatient support desk if you believe this was applied in error.

How do I contact NowPatient for help and support?

Contact Method Details UK Phone +44 20 388 51 500 US Phone 1-866-967-1977 Email support@nowpatient.com Hours (UK) Monday–Friday, 9am–6pm GMT Hours (US) Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm EST Support https://nowpatient.com/how-virtual-consultations-work

How will my order be delivered?

All orders are shipped in discreet and unmarked packaging, making them suitable for delivery to your home, workplace, or a neighbour. For your protection and safety, your first order can only be delivered to the address that is registered with NowPatient. Future orders can be delivered to any address you choose.

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Pharmacy First Eligibility

Check Your Eligibility for NHS Pharmacy First Treatments

A smiling female clinician in a white coat and stethoscope pointing, representing NowPatient's NHS Pharmacy First service.

If you have symptoms such as a sore throat, sinusitis, shingles, impetigo, an infected insect bite, or a simple UTI, you may be eligible for a free NHS-funded video consultation with a qualified clinician that can prescribe treatment through the NHS Pharmacy First service without you needing a GP appointment. Search your condition to check eligibility.

Get Treated

Get Started by Selecting the Condition You Would Like to Get Treated

Impetigo
Have you developed red sores or blisters which have burst and left crusty, golden-brown patches that are itchy and getting bigger? It could be Impetigo.

Check Eligibility
Infected Insect Bites
Is the bite area red and swollen? Does it feel painful, hot and throbbing? Is there pus being discharged at the site of the bite? Do you have a fever or swollen glands? Then the insect bite could have become infected.

Check Eligibility
Shingles
Do you have a tingling or painful feeling in an area of skin, possibly accompanied by a headache followed a few days later by a red blotchy rash appearing on one side of your body? It could be Shingles.

Check Eligibility
Sinusitis
Do you have a runny or blocked nose, reduced sense of smell with green or yellow mucus from your nose, along with a high temperature? It could be a sinus infection.

Check Eligibility
Sore Throat
Do you find it difficult swallowing or have swollen neck glands and redness at the back of your mouth? It could be a sign of a bacterial throat infection.

Check Eligibility
Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection
Are you a female and do you suffer from a pain or burning sensation when peeing? It could be an uncomplicated Urinary tract infection.

Check Eligibility

VIRTUAL HEALTHCARE

What to Expect From Your Online Video Consultation

TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR HEALTH

NHS Pharmacy First

See It In Action

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OUR CUSTOMERS VIEW

What Customers Love About Our Service

We want everyone to be happy and healthy, that’s what keeps us going. Read what some of them have to say about us.

Should be WOW patient!
Wow! Excellent customer service. I submitted an email query, had a call back within 30 minutes and a consultation arranged for that evening. Amiss was completely brilliant! Very knowledgeable, very relatable and very professional. Answered all my questions and came up with a plan .... medication was posted out to me the next day. Very happy, totally recommend this service, would have given 10 stars 🌟 if I could.
Alison Hurst
GB
AH
NowPatient is worth your time!
I do not leave reviews, due to time and a rare condition I have. I initially left a message, my call was returned within 2 hours or less. NowPatient offers 4 discount programs. I worked with Jay, he was genuine and wanted to help me all while giving me amazing customer service. Even though I didn't qualify, he gave me some suggestions and tips while encouraging me to follow up with the manufacturer along with other things I could do. This is the real deal, not a scam, and not a waste of your time. Amazing!! Thank you, Jay!
Sherry M
US
SM
Great experience getting the med
Great experience getting the med. Clinician was very thorough.
Barbara Hill
GB
BH
Excellent service
Cannot speak highly enough of the service and assistance I have received from NowPatient. I was dealing with a very kind and helpful clinician who couldn't do enough to assist. He was knowledgeable about the medication being prescribed and the consultation was thorough. There were some hurdles to overcome to receive the medication overseas and nothing was too much trouble. Highly recommend.
CJH
NZ
CH
Very good experience
Very good experience - the clinician asked intelligent questions about my insomnia and taught me a lot at the same time. And the medication was dispatched immediately. I’d definitely use them again.
Phil Daoust
GB
PD
Really excellent
Really excellent. Very thorough and professional pharmacist who guided me through the medication and assessed my suitability. I tried two other online pharmacies and Now Patient were streets ahead.
Colin Glass
TH
CG

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Meet Our Medical Team

We are a broad skilled and passionate group of clinicians with experience of operating in regulated health systems in the United Kingdom & United States. Providing excellent care and advice is at the heart of everything we do. You can read more about our medical team by visiting the medical team page or learn more about how we curate content by visiting our editorial process