Asda launches in-store GP service with Medicspot

Digital healthcare company Medicspot has announced a partnership with Asda to offer in-store GP video consultations with diagnostics, in the latest high-profile expansion of digital primary care services.

The partnership announcement sees Asda become the first UK supermarket to offer an in-store GP service, allowing customers to pick up their groceries, get seen by a GP and collect their prescriptions, all in a single trip.

While other pharmacy chains have experimented with offering GP video consultations via a Skype-like video consultation, Medicspot takes it a step further by allowing doctors to remotely examine patients.

It moves beyond a simple video call with the doctor by giving the patient access to a connected stethoscope, pulse oximeter, blood pressure monitor, contactless thermometer, and a close inspection camera to check the ear, nose and throat.

With the addition of diagnostics, Medicspot can diagnose and treat an additional 75% of conditions compared to other solutions, with just 6% of consultations requiring a follow-up face-to-face consultation.

The diagnostic devices are designed to be used by the patient with instruction from the doctor on screen, although a pharmacist will be on hand to assist any patients who need extra help.

The technology is placed inside Asda’s confidential pharmacy consulting rooms, allowing the patient to speak freely with a Medicspot GP, who can offer end-to-end healthcare in minutes with medical advice, diagnostics, referrals and prescriptions.

Asda customers can use the service on-demand without the need to book an appointment in advance. Online bookings will also be available for those who want to guarantee a time slot with a Medicspot GP.

Medicspot will initially offer the service free of charge to Asda customers to help support those who are having difficulties getting a GP appointment amid the Covid-19 crisis.

After July 4, the date when lockdown rules are set to be further relaxed, the service will be priced at a flat rate of £49. The pricing will be all-inclusive, with no additional charges for writing prescriptions, doctors’ notes or referral letters.

The pilot is part of Asda’s wider partnership strategy which sees the retailer linking up with brands including Just Eat to offer customers more convenience.

Dr Zubair Ahmed, CEO at Medicspot said: “Delivering healthcare from locations where patients normally go in the course of their day to day activities is a natural progression as patients start demanding more accessible healthcare. We are looking forward to working with Asda to ensure that patients receive the right care at the right time at the right place so healthcare can be delivered optimally.”