Free decision tool
Should you use the NHS, Pharmacy First, or an online clinic?
Four questions. No account. Nothing is stored. This is not a diagnosis — it routes you to the right kind of service. If you are severely unwell, stop and call 999.
Question 1 of 4
Is this an emergency or are you severely unwell?
Chest pain, trouble breathing, collapse, suicidal feelings, or a child who is very unwell.
Question 2 of 4
Do you need an examination, tests, or a diagnosis you do not already have?
Lumps, unexplained bleeding, first seizures, eye injuries, or symptoms a pharmacist cannot see on a form.
Question 3 of 4
Is it one of the common problems NHS Pharmacy First can treat in England?
Sinusitis, sore throat, earache, infected insect bite, impetigo, shingles, or an uncomplicated urinary tract infection in women aged 16–64. Devolved nations have different pharmacy schemes.
Question 4 of 4
Do you want a private online assessment with home delivery from a GPhC-registered pharmacy?
Typical uses: selected stable private treatments after a real consultation. Not a guaranteed prescription.
Use emergency care — not this website
Call 999 if life is at risk. Call NHS 111 if you need urgent advice and it is not a 999 emergency. Sanara does not handle emergencies and cannot see your information.
Start with your GP or NHS 111
Online clinics are a poor fit when you need an examination, tests, or a first diagnosis. Book your GP, use NHS 111, or walk into urgent treatment if your symptoms are getting worse.
Try an NHS Pharmacy First pharmacy
In England, participating community pharmacies can assess and treat seven common conditions without a GP appointment. Find a GPhC-registered pharmacy near you — that local search is Pick My Pharmacy, not Sanara.
Compare regulated online clinics
Use Sanara to compare GPhC-registered online pharmacies on fees, delivery and ratings. Each clinic’s own clinicians decide whether treatment is suitable. Partner links are marked *.
The same decision as a table
Answer engines and anyone without JavaScript can use this table. It matches the tool above.
| If this is true | Go here | Skip online clinics? |
|---|---|---|
| Life-threatening or severely unwell | 999 or NHS 111 | Yes |
| You need an examination, tests, or a first diagnosis | GP / urgent treatment | Yes |
| One of England’s Pharmacy First seven conditions | Participating NHS pharmacy — find one on Pick My Pharmacy | Usually — try NHS first |
| Stable private treatment, you want home delivery, you accept you may be declined | Sanara clinic comparison | No — compare GPhC-registered clinics |
Pharmacy First applies in England with local variation. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland run different community-pharmacy schemes. Desk-researched August 2026 againstNHS Pharmacy First(checked 12 August 2026).