Otago Polytechnic Virtual Health is a 100% online GP service. You choose the service you need and book a time for a video call with one of our New Zealand registered doctors. During your appointment, the doctor will assess your needs and provide advice, prescriptions, medical certificates, or referrals as required. Prescriptions are sent electronically to your nearest pharmacy, and any documents are delivered straight to your inbox.

Otago Polytechnic Virtual Health services are available 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Our call centre hours are 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday. Outside of these hours, please email us at hello@pocketlab.nz.

No. Otago Polytechnic Virtual Health only offers subsidised consultations on weekdays (excluding public holidays), between 9AM and 5PM. However, students can access after hours virtual services after 5PM and on weekends through Pocket Lab's public platform. Please note, unsubsidised rates apply to after hours care and appointment availability is subject to demand. To make an after hours booking, click here.

No enrolment is required to use Pocket Lab. We offer convenient, casual care without the need to switch from your regular GP. You can use our services when you need quick, online medical help and it is perfect for people who travel, work irregular hours, or can’t get in to see their usual doctor.

A telehealth consultation is a virtual appointment with a doctor, done online via video or phone call. It’s just like seeing your GP in person, but from your phone, tablet, or computer. Otago Polytechnic Virtual Health makes telehealth easy, safe, and fast and is ideal for common health issues, repeat prescriptions, and sick notes.

You can see our virtual care team for most general day-to-day issues and complaints, in addition to stable chronic condition care. This includes things like: - Mild infections

- Prescriptions

- Medical certificates & medical documentation

- Referrals Our doctors will clearly communicate if your symptoms are not appropriate or safe to be managed online.

Some issues require in-person review or treatment. Symptoms unsuitable for telehealth include:

- Head Injury

- Severe pain (including headache, abdomen, general pain)

- Chest Pain or difficulty breathing

- Anaphylaxis or severe allergy reaction

- Uncontrolled bleeding or vomiting

- Unable to swallow food or saliva

- Dizziness or fainting when standing

- Severe mental distress

Our doctors will help advise you if your symptoms can be safely managed online and help refer you to appropriate in-person services.

No. Drivers licence certificates require an in-person examination and cannot be accessed online. We recommend finding a local GP clinic to have this done.

No. The Otago Polytechnic Virtual Health Service does not offer new diagnosis for ADHD or Autism. This is a specialised service offered by only some general practice clinics or specialist psychiatrists. Our service can help advise you on neurodiversity, and refer you to specialised services if necessary.

If you are already on gender-affirming hormone therapy, our clinical team can continue to support your ongoing care, working alongside your existing specialist where appropriate.

At this stage, we’re unable to initiate gender-affirming hormone therapy for new patients. However, we can provide general advice, answer questions, and help refer you to appropriate services to support starting treatment.