CQC publishes online GP guidance as two digital healthcare providers banned

clock • 4 min read

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is calling on people to act with caution when engaging with online primary healthcare services, such as online doctors or considering buying medicines on the internet.

CQC's inspections of some companies that provide online primary care have found "significant concerns" about patient safety. The watchdog for clinical services in the UK has published information on how it inspects and regulates providers of digital primary care, as well as advice for the public when considering using an online doctor.  People are being advised to ensure that the service follows guidance set out by the General Medical Council to protect patients from harm. CQC has published reports based on urgent inspections of two providers of digital primary care, MD Direct (whi...

To continue reading this article...

Join COVER for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, key trend analysis and industry insights.
  • Stay on top of the latest developments around health and wellbeing, diversity and inclusion and the cost of living crisis.
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletter.
  • Members only access to monthly programme 'The COVER Review'
  • Be the first to hear about our CPD accredited events and awards programmes.

Join now

 

Already a Cover member?

Login

More on PMI

Trust in PMI rebounds
PMI

Trust in PMI rebounds

Fairer Finance data

Cameron Roberts
clock 09 December 2025 • 1 min read
NHS waiting list stagnant in September 2025
PMI

NHS waiting list stagnant in September 2025

7.39m treatments on list

Cameron Roberts
clock 13 November 2025 • 2 min read
Use of insurer-provided health services up by 23%: ABI
PMI

Use of insurer-provided health services up by 23%: ABI

Association calls for IPT freeze

Jaskeet Briah
clock 03 November 2025 • 3 min read