In short
- A GP looks after everyday illness in adults and children, and decides whether you need a specialist.
- Coughs, colds, sore throats, mild fevers, and skin or stomach upsets are often suited to a video visit.
- If the doctor needs to listen to your chest, press on your tummy or take a swab, they will send you for an in-person visit.
- Chest pain, severe trouble breathing or signs of a stroke need 998, not a video call.
What a GP actually does
General practitioners treat a broad range of problems instead of one organ or age group. They take your history, assess you, treat what they can and refer you on when something needs a specialist. WHO describes primary care as care that sits as close as possible to people’s everyday lives, covering prevention as well as treatment.
That makes a GP a sensible place to start when your symptoms do not point clearly at one specialty. If you are not sure whether your rash belongs with a dermatologist or your headaches with a neurologist, a GP can help you decide.
What suits video, and what does not
| Often possible by video | Usually needs a visit |
|---|---|
| A cough, cold, flu, sore throat or mild fever | Anything that needs a doctor to listen to your chest or examine your abdomen |
| A skin or stomach upset you can show or describe | Swabs, blood samples, scans and other tests |
| Reviewing medicine you already take, or asking about a repeat | Injuries, wounds and anything that needs a procedure |
| Talking through a test result, or asking who to see next | Symptoms that are getting worse or that the doctor cannot judge on screen |
The doctor makes this call, not the app. The DHA telehealth standard asks the physician to decide whether telehealth suits each patient, and to refer complex or emergency cases for a face-to-face or emergency assessment.
Getting ready for the call
- Write down when the problem started, what makes it better or worse, and anything you have already tried.
- If you have a thermometer or a blood pressure cuff, take a reading before the call.
- List your medicines and allergies, or have the boxes next to you.
- Keep your Emirates ID or other identification nearby. The facility has to confirm who you are before treating you.
- Find a quiet, well-lit spot, so the doctor can see and hear you properly.
When a video call is the wrong choice
Call 998 or go to the nearest emergency department for chest pain that feels tight or spreads to your arm, neck or jaw, severe difficulty breathing, someone who has passed out, or a drooping face, weak arm or slurred speech.
Seeing a GP through medicAI
Doctor on Call in the medicAI app is meant for everyday illness. Each doctor works for a clinic or hospital licensed by DHA in Dubai or DoH in Abu Dhabi, and that facility is responsible for your care. medicAI is the technology platform that connects you to them. You can read how a video consult works or browse doctors.
General practice doctors on medicAI
Dr Anju Begum, General Practitioner, uniCare Medical CenterGeneral Practitioner
Dr. Leena KapoorGeneral Practitioner
Dr. Tarun ShuklaGeneral Practitioner
Dr. Dany RajakumarGeneral Practitioner
Dr. Anupa Vemuri, General Practitioner, Farnek General ClinicGeneral Practitioner
Dr. Roofina Thazhathe Peedika, General Practitioner, WeCARE Medical Center LLCGeneral PractitionerThese doctors work with independent licensed facilities. See all doctors.
Questions people ask
Can an online GP prescribe medicine in the UAE?
A GP can prescribe by video if they judge it safe and suitable after assessing you. Under the DHA telehealth standard, narcotic, controlled and semi-controlled medicines cannot be prescribed through telehealth in Dubai.
Can I get a sick note from a video consultation?
It depends on the doctor’s assessment and the emirate. The DHA standard lists sick leave among the things a physician may find suitable for telehealth, while the DoH standard allows one day of sick leave by tele-consultation if it does not extend existing leave and is not backdated.
What happens if the GP thinks I need to be seen in person?
The doctor will tell you and may refer you to a clinic, a specialist or an emergency department. Both the DHA and DoH standards expect telehealth providers to refer patients on when a face-to-face assessment is needed.
Sources and further reading
Read next
medicAI is not for emergencies. If someone is seriously ill or injured, call 998 or go to the nearest hospital.
This page is general information. It does not replace advice from a doctor who knows your situation. medicAI is a technology platform. Care is given by independent licensed facilities, who are responsible for it and for its outcome.
