Online consultation is the new way to reach more patients and grow your practice—especially in 2025. With just a smartphone and internet, you can start seeing patients from across India without opening a second clinic.
If you’re a doctor and want to start online consultations but don’t know where to begin, this guide is for you.
🩺 Why Start Online Consultations?
- Save time for both doctor and patient
- Reach patients in rural or remote areas
- Flexible working hours
- Zero travel or waiting time
- Extra income from home
✅ Step-by-Step Guide to Start Online Consultations
📍 1. Choose a Platform to Start
Here are the most popular platforms for doctors in India:
- Practo
- Lybrate
- Tata 1mg
- DocsApp
- Mfine
These apps help you set up your profile, manage patients, handle payments, and keep patient records.
Tip: Start with one platform and build your presence slowly.
💬 2. Set Up Your Profile
Add clear and correct details:
- Full name and qualification
- Specialisation (e.g. dermatologist, gynaecologist)
- Clinic name (if any)
- Working hours
- Fees for consultation
- Languages you speak
- Experience and certifications
- A good profile photo
Patients trust doctors with detailed, verified, and clear profiles.
🕒 3. Decide Your Consultation Hours
Choose hours that fit your schedule. Start with 1-2 hours daily. As demand increases, add more time.
You can also keep separate hours for online and offline patients.
💳 4. Set Your Fees
Look at what other doctors in your field charge on the same platform. For new doctors, start with a slightly lower consultation fee (e.g. ₹500–₹1000). You can increase it later based on reviews and demand.
🧾 5. Use Digital Tools to Manage
For smooth online consultation, you’ll need:
- Video call app – Zoom, Google Meet, or the platform’s built-in feature
- Online payment – Razorpay, Paytm, or platform wallet
- EMR tools – Apps like HealthPlix or a simple Google Sheet to record history
- Prescription generator – Digital format with your signature and clinic name
📜 6. Write Clear Digital Prescriptions
Make sure your online prescription includes:
- Patient name and date
- Medicines with dosage and timing
- Instructions
- Your name, clinic details, and signature
Use tools like Prescripto, Docon, or your platform’s built-in tool.
🌟 7. Collect Feedback and Ratings
After each consultation, ask patients to rate and review your service. Good reviews help you attract more patients and improve visibility on the platform.
📢 8. Promote Your Online Practice
Once you are ready, tell your existing patients about your online services:
- Share on WhatsApp
- Update Google Business
- Post on Instagram or Facebook
- Add on your clinic board
✅ Bonus: Use Your Own Website
If you don’t want to depend on third-party apps, you can build your own digital clinic:
- Add a booking form
- Use Razorpay or Instamojo for payments
- Use Google Meet or Zoom for calls
- Send digital prescriptions by email or WhatsApp
Startup Era can help you build a complete doctor website with these features.
👨⚕️ Real Example: Dr. Raj, a General Physician from Lucknow
Dr. Raj started online consultation during the pandemic. He used Practo and later built his own website. Today, he sees 20–25 patients daily online, even from villages where no clinic is nearby.
He now earns 30% more and has more free time than before.
❓FAQs
Is online consultation legal in India?
Yes. As per Telemedicine Guidelines (2020) by the Government of India, it is fully legal for registered doctors.
Can I give prescriptions online?
Yes, you can give prescriptions via email, WhatsApp, or platform chat. Make sure it’s clear and professional.
Do I need a clinic to start?
No. You can work from home or even while traveling. Just make sure your background is clean and you look professional on video calls.
Starting online consultations is easy, low-cost, and effective. It helps doctors like you serve more people, save time, and grow your practice faster.
Start small, use the right tools, and provide good service—success will follow.
🚀 Want to Launch Your Online Practice?
Startup Era Healthcare helps doctors go online with:
- Website setup
- Online booking system
- Payment gateway
- Digital marketing support
- Social media promotion