Managing your health online

You can download applications (apps) to your smartphone or tablet to help you manage your health and wellbeing.

They can help you to:

• track and monitor your symptoms
• stay active and healthy
• find online communities for people with similar conditions
• book appointments and order repeat prescriptions
• set medication reminders
• keep in touch with healthcare staff.

You can find apps for specific conditions – like dementia, diabetes and cancer – and for general healthy living.

Health apps cannot diagnose you. They'll only be able to help with day-to-day management of your health and wellbeing, or existing conditions. If you're worried about your health, talk to your doctor.

Make sure you use apps that have reliable information – visit Digital Unite for their recommended health apps.

To use any health app, you'll usually need to:

• download it to your tablet or smartphone – to learn how to do this, visit Hi Digital
• create an account within the app with a username and password.

Make sure the health app is secure and keeps your information safe – for example, by reading their privacy policy. When you set passwords, remember to make them strong and keep them private too. To find out how you can do this, see Staying safe online.

For instructions on how to use the app, it's best to check the website of the specific app you download.

The NHS app lets you access NHS services through your smartphone or tablet, or on a web browser. You may be able to use it to:

• book appointments and order repeat prescriptions
• read NHS health information
• view your health record and NHS number
• register an organ donor decision
• access services on behalf of someone else
• message your GP or other health professional
• view and manage care plans.

Your GP or hospital may need to enable some of these services before you can use them. Talk to them if there are app services you'd like to use.

• Find out what the NHS app offers in England.
• For services in Scotland, visit NHS 24 Online app.
• In Wales, use the NHS Wales App.

If you need to use the NHS app on behalf of someone else, you'll both need to be registered at the same GP. Your GP will need to set up proxy access for you, so you can link your NHS app profiles. Speak to your GP surgery or see the NHS website for more on linked profiles.

Many GP surgeries now let you book appointments online. For example, they may use the NHS app or another app to let you book appointments. Or they may use an online system which you log into through a web browser. Talk to your GP surgery to find out what they provide.

NHS e-referrals

In England, if you need to see a specialist, you may be referred to them through the NHS e-referral service. This allows you to choose from a shortlist of hospitals that provide the treatment you need and manage your appointment booking easily. See the NHS website for more information on specialist referrals.

Most GP surgeries can offer online and video consultations for some appointments. This means you speak to your GP using a smartphone, tablet or computer. Find out more at NHS video consultations.

Most prescriptions you get on the NHS are now processed electronically. You can either:

• nominate a pharmacy for all your prescriptions – your prescriptions will be sent to them automatically, so you can collect them without needing a paper prescription
• choose a pharmacy each time you get a prescription – you'll usually get a paper copy to take to any pharmacy. This has a barcode so they can download the electronic prescription.

If you’re taking medicine regularly, you’ll be able to order more when you’re close to running out. 

You may be able to use the NHS app, the NHS repeat prescription ordering service or some other apps to view and order your repeat prescription. For more information, ask your GP or pharmacist, or visit the NHS website to learn how to order repeat prescriptions online.

You can buy medicines online but be careful if you’re considering it. Speak to your GP or other health professionals first. 

If you do decide to buy, make sure the seller is based in the UK and registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council. Visit their website to find out more about buying medicines safely online.  

You should also check the qualifications of anyone who advertises their services as a therapist or medical practitioner. They should be registered in the UK.

Whether you're buying medicine or services, make sure you follow general tips to stay safe and shop securely – visit Staying safe online.

If you have a long-term health condition, you may be able to use technology to help you manage your care. Telehealth includes specialist devices, apps or even text message systems which can monitor your condition or remind you to do health checks.

Telehealth may help your GP or other healthcare specialists keep track of your condition and make changes to treatment as needed. It can also mean you don’t need to visit them so often.

For more information, read our page Technology to keep you safe at home.

There’s a wealth of medical information on the internet, but because anyone can post online, it’s important to make sure you’re looking at information you can trust. 

Here are some ways to get the best results from your search.

1. A quick search for diabetes produces more than a billion results – try to narrow it down. For example, you might want to specify the type of diabetes you have or your precise question, such as “What is the treatment for Type 2 diabetes?”.
2. Use quotation marks to search for an exact phrase, such as “pain management programmes” or “arthritis support groups”.
3. If you’re searching for a service, such as a GP or a counsellor, search through a relevant professional website like the NHS website, rather than a general search engine like Google.
4. You might want to limit your search to UK sites for some information. Services or treatments may be different in other parts of the world.

Check the date

Medical advice changes over time, so make sure what you’re reading is up to date. Some websites include their publication date.

Who has produced it?

Who has written it and why? For example, are they just trying to pass on information or do they have other aims, such as trying to sell you something? 

Does it look professional?

Is it well written, without errors? Do links work?

Does it apply to me?

What is true for one person may not be true for you, even if you have the same condition. Is the author expressing an opinion based on their own experience, or stating a fact and giving evidence to back it up?

Does it seem accurate?

Check if it is endorsed by an organisation you trust, such as the NHS. You can also check if it has been accredited as a source of reliable health information, for example by the Patient Information Forum’s PIF TICK.  You can also look for information from well-known charities or government-run organisations (look for websites ending in .gov). 

Does it tell you where the information comes from?

Can you see the sources, either on the website or by asking the organisation for them? Do they look reputable? For example, is the information based on scientific evidence? See if you can cross-check it with another website you trust or in a printed source. You can also check the website to see if there is information about how they produce their content.

Remember, if you’re unsure about anything, check with your GP or consultant. Do not base an important medical decision on online information alone.

For general health information:

• NHS England
• NHS inform in Scotland
• NHS Wales
• Patient.info – healthcare information written and reviewed by doctors. It also has discussion forums for many health conditions.

To share experiences:

• Healthtalk – information based on people's real-life experiences. It includes videos where they talk about their experiences.
• Health Unlocked – a social network where people can talk about their conditions. It’s moderated by patient organisations and charities.

There are also many charities that offer information and advice for specific conditions.