You know that annoying skin thing you keep meaning to get looked at? The one that’s probably no big deal but still has you worried? Before you put off making a dermatologist appointment (again), consider giving telehealth a try.
Ever since the pandemic hit, telehealth visits—where you use technology to connect with a doctor virtually—have been on the rise.
But is telehealth possible for appointments that depend a lot on visual exams—like dermatology? To put it simply, yes: Telehealth for dermatology—a.k.a., teledermatology—is a great way to see a doc. Research shows that teledermatology can be very effective, with patients and doctors expressing high satisfaction rates.
That’s good news since adults should see a derm at least once a year—you may need to go more frequently if you notice unusual skin changes like a growing mole or a wound that won’t heal. Catching skin abnormalities early can help prevent your chances of developing skin cancer.
So, what can you expect from a teledermatology appointment? Here, doctors explain everything you need to know.
First, decide if a virtual visit is the right option for your issue.
Many—but not all—skin issues can be addressed with a dermatologist virtually. “Conditions such as acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis can be effectively evaluated via telemedicine,” says dermatologist Dr Zain Husain. A telemedicine appointment can also be useful for things like insect bites and other fairly minor concerns—whether it’s your first appointment with a new derm or a follow-up visit.
If you need a full skin exam or skin cancer screening, it’s best to see a doctor in person. “This enables the dermatologist to get a closer look and actually feel the different spots and perform any biopsies, if needed,” says dermatologist Dr Marisa Garshick. “Many dermatologists also use a dermatoscope (a handheld device that helps them “zoom in” on the skin) to help visualise any spots you’re worried about.”
Hair loss or conditions of the scalp are also best evaluated in-person since they require a physical exam and may need in-person testing.
Establish what equipment you’ll need.
“Patients should ask what the technical system requirements are for the telemedicine appointment,” Dr. Husain says. “Can they use their smartphones or do they need to login with a computer? What lighting and camera positions will help facilitate the visit? How can they access the patient portal and visit notes and instructions?”
A trial set-up is a good idea to make sure everything works and that your doc will be able to see you well. You may need to get creative, balancing your laptop or phone on a mantelpiece or countertop—experiment until you get the best light and angles.
Take care of any pre-visit prep.
“I recommend patients send digital photos of their skin concerns prior to their visit,” Dr. Husain says. (Your doctor’s office can let you know exactly what to send and where to send it). “This is helpful because I know exactly what they are being seen for and it allows for clear visuals in case the video quality is not as sharp as I would like.”
Find out what kind of photographs your doctor needs—from what angles and in what type of lighting (Daylight? Under flash? Both?). You might need to get someone else to take the pictures for you—or make use of a self-timer.
If you’re seeing a new dermatologist, get your old records sent to your new doctor’s office. This is helpful information for them to have, especially if you’ve had a skin biopsy done in the past.
Have your questions ready—and be prepared to take notes.
“Make sure you have a list of questions for the dermatologist that you wish for him or her to address,” says Dr Jeff Yu. “This can help organise the visit to be as productive as possible.”
Have a pen and paper ready to write down the names of diagnoses (don’t be afraid to ask your doc to spell it out!), medications, and any other instructions given.
Get clarity on any follow-ups.
If your skin issue can’t be cleared up with a prescription or a wait-and-see approach, your dermatologist may want to see you in person. Find out exactly when you need to go in—and don’t forget to book that appointment.
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