An online start may help with
- Lower-acuity health concerns
- Treatment and medication questions that need clinician review
- Follow-up after previous care
- Deciding whether testing or an in-person examination is appropriate
ONLINE DOCTOR SOUTH AFRICA
Start online. Move into physical care when the situation needs it.
Online care is most useful when it gives a clinician enough context to decide what can safely happen remotely and what needs a different setting. The objective is appropriate routing, not forcing every health concern into video care.
A physical step may still be needed for
- Hands-on examination
- Sample collection or focused tests
- Procedures and treatment that cannot be delivered remotely
- Any situation where the clinician decides remote assessment is not sufficient
Start with Medtimes
Use Medtimes to start with the health need rather than choosing a clinical department yourself.
Book careFrequently asked questions
Can an online doctor handle every health problem?
No. A clinician may decide that an examination, test, urgent assessment or other in-person care is more appropriate.
Can a prescription be guaranteed after an online consultation?
No. Prescribing is a clinical decision. It depends on the consultation, the medicine involved and what the clinician considers appropriate.
Can tests be arranged after an online consultation?
Where testing is appropriate and available, Medtimes can keep the test request and follow-up connected, with supported physical collection fulfilled through Doorstep Health where applicable.
Last reviewed: 4 September 2026. This page is public health information and navigation, not a diagnosis or emergency-triage service. Clinical decisions remain with appropriately registered professionals.
How Medtimes reviews public health content →