Welcome to My Specialist Appinion, a platform connecting healthcare specialists with Users seeking expert opinions. Please read these Terms and Conditions carefully before using our mobile application (“App”). By accessing or using our App, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use our App.
1. Definitions
“App/Application” refers to the My Specialist Appinion (MSA) application which has been downloaded by You to Your device.
“Interaction” refers to the communication process between You and the Specialist for each paid Opinion request.
“Opinion” refers to a statement of advice from a Specialist to You
“Onboarding Team” refers to our team responsible for verifying Specialist accounts and overseeing app operations.
“Platform” refers to the My Specialist Appinion system, including the App and any associated web services.
“Privacy Policy” refers to the privacy policy governing the use of personal information on our App.
“Specialist” refers to healthcare specialists of various specialties who are registered and verified on our App.
“User(s)” refers to individuals seeking opinions from Specialists through our App.
2. Account Registration and Verification
2.1. Specialists who wish to use the App must complete the registration process, providing accurate and truthful information.
2.2. The onboarding team will verify Specialist accounts using the information provided and may request additional documentation as proof of credentials.
2.3. Once verified, Specialists will receive a link to access the App and create an account. Specialists are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of their login credentials.
2.4. Specialists cannot change their demographic data without approval from the App team to ensure accuracy.
3. User Requests and Specialist Responses
3.1. Users can request an Opinion from a Specialist of a specific specialty through the App.
3.2. All Specialists within the specified specialty will be notified of the User’s request and have the option to accept the request.
3.3. Specialists who accept a request are expected to complete the interaction as soon as possible but ideally within 24 hours.
3.4. Interactions take place via a messaging platform integrated into the App, similar to WhatsApp™.
3.5. Specialists may request additional information from the User, which can be provided through text messages or appropriate images.
3.6. Specialists are required to provide an opinion based on the information presented to them in line with good medical practice as outlined by your regulating body, such as the General Medical Council (GMC).
4. Fees and Payments
4.1. Users will be charged a fee for each interaction with a Specialist, as specified on the App.
4.2. Payments will be processed securely through the App, and Specialists will receive remuneration for their services as outlined in their agreement with My Specialist Appinion Limited.
5. Privacy Policy
5.1. The use of personal information is governed by our Privacy Policy, which can be found on the App and our website.
6. Termination
6.1. We reserve the right to terminate Specialists’ accounts or suspend App services if violations of these Terms and Conditions or our Privacy Policy occur.
7. Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns about these Terms and Conditions or our Privacy Policy, please contact us by email at [email protected].
The latest Covid booster campaign is under way across the UK and those who qualify are urged to get jabbed as soon as possible.
No Covid restrictions are in place across the UK but guidance recommends people who catch the virus “should try to stay at home”.
What are the Covid symptoms?
Many of the symptoms are similar to those for colds and flu and include:
- high temperature, fever or chills
- continuous cough
- loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell
- shortness of breath
- feeling tired or exhausted
- aching body
- headache
- sore throat
- blocked or runny nose
- loss of appetite
- diarrhoea
- feeling sick or being sick
Most people feel better within a few days or weeks – but for some, it can be more serious.
Those concerned their or their child’s symptoms are worsening should request an urgent GP appointment or help from NHS 111.
More on Covid and the Covid Inquiry
- What is the UK Covid inquiry and how long will it take?
- How inquiry is exposing deep flaws in Covid decision-making
- Read the private WhatsApp messages from inside Downing Street
- What you need to know about Covid as new variant rises
What about long Covid?
Between 2% and 20% of people catching Covid go on to have longer-term symptoms, “long Covid”, research suggests.
In March, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) estimated 1.9 million people in the UK (2.9% of the population) still had symptoms more than four weeks after their initial infection.
There is no simple test for long Covid, and people report a variety of symptoms, including:
- extreme tiredness
- shortness of breath
- muscle aches
- memory and concentration problems (“brain fog”)
Some people have developed long Covid after an initial mild infection.
Where can you get a Covid test?
Routine Covid testing is not recommended, and most people can’t get free tests via the NHS.
You may still be able to get free NHS tests if you:
- have a health condition that makes you eligible for treatment if you test positive
- work in healthcare or a hospice
You can buy a test for about £2 from High Street and online chemists. But you cannot report these test results to the NHS.
Do you have to isolate after testing positive?
People are largely advised to treat Covid like any other respiratory disease. You no longer have to self-isolate after testing positive.