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Frequently Asked Questions

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Can I stay registered with my NHS GP?

Yes, absolutely. About You Medical is a private service and does not replace your NHS GP. We encourage all patients to remain registered with an NHS practice.

With your consent, we’re happy to share a summary of your consultation to ensure your records stay up to date and your care remains joined-up. If you’d prefer not to share details, that’s your choice.

No. About You Medical offers consultations primarily online – so wherever you are in England, you can access care. If you’re based in Devon, in-person GP appointments may be available when clinically appropriate.

You can book a GP appointment for almost any non-emergency health issue – from infections and skin problems to longer-term concerns, mental health support and more.

However, please note that online appointments are not suitable for any health concern likely to require an intimate examination. If you’re unsure, feel free to contact us before booking.

Yes. About You Medical is a CQC-registered provider of Private GP and Functional Medicine services. This means we meet strict standards for safety, quality and good governance.

If you’re based in Devon and are housebound or feel an in-person consultation at home is clinically necessary, a home visit may be possible. Please get in touch via our Contact page or call 01392 305035 to discuss availability and suitability.

A referral letter, if needed, is included in the consultation fee –  there’s no extra charge.

If you’re seeing a private specialist or need to provide a referral letter for a health insurance company, you’re welcome to take any letters or reports from About You Medical to them.

However, private GPs generally cannot refer directly into NHS outpatient clinics. While there are occasional exceptions for Devon-based patients, most NHS referrals must come from your NHS GP. They may need to assess you themselves rather than act on a private doctor’s letter.

Rest assured, seeing a private GP won’t affect your eligibility for NHS care, but the NHS referral process usually stays within the NHS system.

If a prescription is clinically appropriate, we will provide one and there’s no extra fee for doing so.

For many medications, the cost at the pharmacy for a private prescription is broadly similar to the standard NHS prescription fee – and sometimes even less.

Private prescriptions can be taken to any UK pharmacy. However, if you’d prefer an NHS prescription, you’ll need to book a consultation with your NHS GP. In most cases, they won’t convert a private prescription without assessing you themselves.

We’ll always aim to support you in the most appropriate and cost-effective way – and explain your options clearly.

Yes – there are certain medications we do not prescribe at About You Medical.

These include:

  • Controlled Drugs (such as opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants)
  • Anti-obesity medications (weight loss treatments)
  • Antipsychotic medication

There are other exceptions too, depending on the medicine, indication and clinical context. If you’re unsure whether we can help with a specific prescription, the best thing is to get in touch with us before booking an appointment – we’ll be happy to advise.

Appointments take place during the working week – typically between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.

While we don’t offer an out-of-hours consultation service, our online booking system is available 24/7, so you can schedule an appointment at any time that suits you.

If you send a message via our Contact page, we aim to respond to urgent queries as soon as possible during working hours.

We aim to offer same-day or next-day appointments whenever possible. Most patients are seen within 24-48 hours. If you need something urgently, please indicate this when booking or get in touch.

You can book online at any time using any of the [Book Now] buttons across the website.

If you’re looking for a straightforward GP consultation, head to our Private GP page to learn more and book directly.

If you’re interested in a root-cause approach or want to explore our longer-term care options, visit the Functional Medicine page – everything you need to understand the process and book a Strategy Session is there.

Still unsure which option is right for you? Just contact us – we’re happy to help.

You can cancel or reschedule your appointment using the link in your confirmation email, or by contacting us directly.


We kindly ask for at least 24 hours’ notice. Cancellations made with less than 24 hours’ notice, or non-attendance, may be charged at the full appointment fee. This is to protect valuable appointment time and ensure fair access for all.

No – About You Medical is a self-pay service. We are not registered with health insurance providers and cannot invoice or claim on your behalf.

Payment is made online at the time of booking and you’ll receive a receipt you can use for your own records.

Yes – in line with our CQC registration and safe practice as an online provider, we ask all patients to provide photo ID before their first appointment.

If you’re booking on behalf of a child, we will also need:

  • ID for the child (e.g. passport or birth certificate)
  • And suitable proof of parental authority (e.g. your own ID and evidence of legal guardianship if not the biological parent)

This helps us maintain safe, secure and accountable care.

Yes – for GP appointments, we do see children. Parents or guardians will need to provide photo ID for themselves and the child (e.g. passport or birth certificate), as well as appropriate proof of parental authority (e.g. your own ID and evidence of legal guardianship if not the biological parent).

For Functional Medicine, we currently only see patients aged 18 and over.

We welcome all feedback – positive or otherwise – as it helps us improve.

We aim to respond to concerns quickly and sensitively. For further details, please see our Complaints Procedure.

We take data protection seriously. Your records are stored securely in line with UK GDPR, using a compliant, encrypted clinical system. Only authorised individuals have access to your information.

We do not share your details with third parties without your consent, unless required by law or to keep you safe.

No — no recording of your consultation is stored.

However, accurate clinical notes are made during or immediately after your appointment and stored securely in your patient record. You’re welcome to request a summary of your consultation at any time.

Yes – you have the right to request access to your medical records at any time. We’ll respond promptly and in line with UK data protection regulations.

To make a request, simply get in touch via the Contact page or email us directly.

We want every patient to feel informed and confident in their care. If English isn’t your first language, or you have a disability or communication need, please let us know – we’ll do our best to support you.

We can provide written summaries in plain English and adapt how we share information to suit your needs.

For patients in Devon, in-person appointments may be available when clinically appropriate. If you’re attending one of these and would like a chaperone, just let us know when booking — we’ll be happy to arrange this.

For online consultations, you’re welcome to have a friend, relative or advocate present if you wish. However, please note that online appointments are not suitable for any health concern likely to require an intimate examination. If you’re unsure, feel free to contact us before booking.

We take safeguarding seriously. If we’re concerned that you or someone else may be at risk of harm, we have a legal and ethical duty to take appropriate action. This may include sharing relevant information with other professionals or agencies – but only when necessary and in line with safeguarding law.

You can read more about this in our Safeguarding Policy.

Yes. All medical care is provided by Dr Matthew Dennison, a fully registered, GMC-licensed GP and Member of the Royal College of General Practitioners with further postgraduate qualifications in Lifestyle Medicine and Functional Medicine.

When needed, we may refer or connect you with other trusted practitioners – all of whom are appropriately qualified and regulated.

Yes – absolutely. You’re welcome to book a one-off GP appointment whenever you need to.

There’s no obligation to sign up for ongoing care. Whether you have a single concern or just want a trusted doctor to speak to quickly, you can use the service as and when it suits you.

We combine the convenience of private healthcare with the continuity of traditional general practice. You’ll see the same doctor – Dr Matt Dennison – each time, and appointments are longer, so there’s more time to talk, explore and explain.

We also bring a broader perspective. As well as standard GP care, About You Medical offers Functional and Lifestyle Medicine – giving you access to a more personalised, root-cause approach if that’s something you choose to explore later.

It’s straightforward. You choose a 20- or 40-minute GP appointment, book and pay online and receive confirmation by email plus all the other information you will need.

Appointments are available online (by video), and if you’re based in Devon, in-person appointments may be offered when clinically appropriate. Prescriptions and referral letters (if needed) are included in the fee – there are no hidden extras.

You’ll have time to explain your concerns, ask questions and get clear, focused advice – without feeling rushed.

Yes –  if follow-up is needed, we’ll let you know the best way to arrange it. You’re also welcome to book another appointment for a review at any time.

You’ll receive a clear summary after your consultation, so you know exactly what’s been discussed and what to do next.

We aim to make things as clear as possible during your consultation – and you’ll receive a written summary by email afterwards to refer back to.

While the practice doesn’t offer ongoing messaging support outside of booked appointments, you’re always welcome to schedule a follow-up appointment if you need more help. For Functional Medicine members, priority booking and additional options are available.

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