What Do Physicians Think of Teledermatology?

The average wait time to see a dermatologist is now two-and-a-half months (Merritt Hawkins, 2014).

Enter teledermatology services, which provide the remote delivery of dermatologic services and clinical information using telecommunications technology.

According to Dr. April Armstrong, MD MPH, there are two primary modalities and two separate uses for teledermatology services:

Modalities

• Store-and-forward: Sending or forwarding of digital images and associated patient data to the specialist for storage and consultation.

• Live-interactive: Providers and patients interact via live video. A variety of peripheral hardware attachments may be utilized to enhance the consultation.

Uses

• Direct-to-consumer: The patient sends images or interacts live, directly with the dermatologist.

• Triage/consultative for inpatients and outpatients: Another physician sends images or interacts live with a dermatologist for either consultation or triage.

Is Teledermatology Effective?

Studies currently show similar accuracy of diagnoses for many skin conditions when you see a derm in person or via electronic consult (Science Codex, 2014).

According to renowed NYC dermatologist Dr. Leslie Gerstman, M.D., “The more access the public has to healthcare the better, as long there are regulations in place to protect both patient and physician.”

Teledermatology is even more popular in the U.K., where nearly 1 in 4 of them report that they see a derm at least once a year (Good Practice Initiative, 2013). The U.K. Department of Health, in turn, recommends teledermatology. In fact, the U.K. Department of Health has reported it condones teledermatology specifically “to support delivery of the quality, innovation, productivity, and prevention (QIPP)[of dermatological conditions]” (Good Practice Initiative, 2013).

What are the Best Teledermatology Services?

Currently, I found, reviewed, and started to promote DermatologistOnCall, a 24/7 store-and-forward modality direct-to-consumer service available online.

For just $59, you can get to consult a board-certified dermatologist ($49 with coupon code FUTUREDERM10).

The average appointment is the same length as your typical in-person dermatologist visit, and the convenience and one-on-one dedicated attention can’t be beat!

More complicated diagnoses will require you to take photos of your skin, upload, and submit. The vast majority will receive a response within 11 hours, but you are guaranteed a response within three days.

And that’s it! You will receive a response promptly — most persons receive a diagnosis and treatment plan within 11 hours, but you are guaranteed a response within three business days. Aside from weekends and holidays, you should not be waiting longer than 72 hours.

What Conditions Can Dermatologist on Call Dermatologists Treat?

DermatologistOnCall dermatologists all undergo specialized training to ensure that you are getting consistent advice and experience with each of their dermatologists. The DermatologistOnCall dermatologists are trained to treat over 3,000 conditions of the hair, skin, and nails, but these are the most common conditions they treat:

Who Can Use It?

Currently, residents of the following states can use DermatologistOnCall:

• California
• Colorado
• Delaware
• District of Columbia
• Florida
• Georgia
• Illinois
• Michigan
• Missouri
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Pennsylvania
• Utah
• Wisconsin
• West Virginia

This Service is Not Available in My State. What Should I Do?

Please send me an email at nicki[at]futurederm[dot]com. I will inform the good guys at DermatologistOnCall of the issue. While it may not help you right away, the more interest they know exists within a particular state, the more likely they are to focus on extending DermatologistOnCall services there next.

How Much Does it Cost?

DermatologistOnCall is just $59, and includes a diagnosis, treatment plan, and access to a board-certified dermatologist for up to 30 days. You may not use health insurance until January 1. On that date, DermatologistOnCall will accept Highmark insurance in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Delaware. Contact Highmark for more details on your particular plan and coverage rates/co-pays.

However, you can use Health Spending Accounts (HSA), Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRA) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for care. FutureDerm readers can use coupon code FUTUREDERM10 for $10 off.

Bottom Line

It’s hard to beat the convenience and quality of teledermatology, and the physicians I have spoken to seem to be in full support of it!

I’m excited to offer the discount with DermatologistOnCall to my readers!

What are your thoughts on teledermatology or the DermatologistOnCall service? Do you have questions? Reach out in Comments below!