Video consultation with your fastlege (regular GP) saves you the trip and the wait, and for many issues it is just as safe as visiting the office. Other problems still need to be looked at in person. Here is a practical guide to choosing between video, written e-consultation and an in-person visit – based on guidance from the Norwegian Directorate of Health and how GPs in Norway actually work.
What does "video consultation" actually mean?
The umbrella term in Norway is "e-consultation" (e-konsultasjon) – electronic or telephone communication between a patient and their GP. It covers video calls, phone calls and secure written messages. A video consultation is the version where you and the doctor see each other on screen, normally booked directly through your GP office's own secure video service.
A 2023 survey from the Directorate of Health found that 72 percent of patients who had a video consultation with their GP got sufficient help. About 23 percent still needed a follow-up in person – a reminder that video is a tool, not a one-size-fits-all solution.
A short note on the Norwegian system
If you are new to Norway: almost everyone here is registered with one specific GP, the fastlege. They are the first point of contact for non-emergency issues, refer you to specialists, and write sick notes and prescriptions. You log in to Helsenorge with BankID to book appointments and start video consultations. If you have not yet found a GP, see our guide: New to Drammen? How to find a GP.
When video consultation works well
Video works best when your GP knows you and the issue, and when looking and listening is enough. Common situations:
- Follow-up of a known chronic condition such as high blood pressure, thyroid disease or mild asthma
- Skin issues that can be shown clearly to the camera
- Conversations about mental health concerns – stress, mild to moderate anxiety or low mood, sleep problems
- Reviewing results from blood tests or imaging
- Adjusting existing treatment, renewing prescriptions and referrals
- Brief assessments of respiratory symptoms when you can describe how you feel
When you should ask for an in-person appointment
The Norwegian Directorate of Health has been clear that digital contact has limits. In its reports on e-consultation, the directorate underlines that the doctor cannot physically examine you to assess musculoskeletal symptoms, and remote communication is sometimes not enough for a sound clinical decision. Examples where an in-person visit is usually the right choice:
- Acute abdominal, chest or breathing symptoms
- New musculoskeletal pain that requires the GP to feel and move the joint
- Lumps, moles or skin changes that need a magnifier, measurement or possibly a biopsy
- Suspected infections where the GP needs to listen to your lungs or look in your throat or ears
- First-time assessment of new, unclear symptoms when the GP does not know you yet
- Gynaecological examinations
- Sick notes when the GP does not know you or the issue from before
The directorate stresses that knowing the patient is one of the most important conditions for digital consultation to be safe – especially when sick notes (sykmelding) and assessment of work capacity are involved.
What about written e-consultation?
Written e-consultation works for narrow, non-urgent questions: continuing established treatment, short follow-up after an appointment, or test results. Your GP normally answers within a couple of working days, and a co-payment (egenandel) is charged just like for an in-person visit. The amount counts towards your frikort (exemption card).
Avoid written e-consultation for acute symptoms or brand new issues – call the office instead.
Three quick questions: 1) Does the doctor need to physically examine you? Choose an in-person visit. 2) Does the GP already know you and the issue? Video or written e-consultation is often enough. 3) Is it acute or life-threatening? Call 113 (ambulance) or 116 117 (out-of-hours service) – not your GP.
Even though we offer video consultation, we recommend that your first appointment with a new GP is in person at the office. That gives the doctor time to get to know you, do a thorough first assessment and build a solid foundation for follow-up care. Once you and your GP know each other, digital consultations become both easier and more accurate.
Practical tips before a video consultation
- Note the main points you want to raise – easy to forget once the camera is on
- Measure blood pressure, pulse or temperature if relevant
- Have your medication list ready
- Sit where the light is good, in a quiet room
- Set aside the same time as for an in-person visit
Privacy and who is on the other side
Our video service is encrypted and runs inside a secure environment that protects medical confidentiality. The doctor on the other side is your own GP or their substitute – not a random doctor from a private online clinic. The Norwegian Medical Association (Legeforeningen) has emphasised that video care delivers best quality when it is anchored in an established GP relationship.
That is why our recommendation is that your very first appointment with a new GP takes place in person at the office. It gives a strong foundation for later digital consultations – the GP knows you, and you know how the office works.
When Hotvet legesenter opens
Hotvet legesenter opens at Rosenkrantzgata 75 in central Drammen in June 2026. We offer both in-person and video consultations through our own secure platform from day one, and our six GPs decide for each issue whether it is suitable for video or needs an in-person visit. Learn more about our services.
Thinking about changing GP? See Why patients change GP – five reasons.
Video consultation does not replace emergency care. For life-threatening symptoms – chest pain, paralysis, severe breathing problems, suspected stroke or heart attack – call 113. Outside opening hours, contact the legevakt (out-of-hours service) on 116 117. Always talk to your GP if you are unsure.
Looking for a GP who offers both video and in-person?
Hotvet legesenter opens June 2026 at Rosenkrantzgata 75 in central Drammen. Our six GPs have open lists, and video consultation is available from the start.
See available GP spots