Is Virtual Dermatology Effective?

Consumer demand for telemedicine began to soar during the COVID-19 pandemic and the widespread move toward social distancing. Virtual dermatology, or what we call “Video Visits,” conducted online with video apps, is part of the evolution in the delivery of medical services. But is it effective?

In diagnosing many potentially worrisome skin conditions the answer is “absolutely yes.”

In a Video Visit our board-certified dermatologists can address acne, rosacea, rashes, suspicious spots, eczema, psoriasis, warts and skin infections. Maybe you’ve had an allergic reaction to a plant or a bug bite and just need to know if an over-the-counter cream will be enough, or if a prescription-strength medication would be the better solution. Our dermatologists can also recommend a personalized skin care regimen to help you look and feel your best.

Appointments that require physical examinations such as full body skin exams, skin biopsies (taking a small skin sample for analysis) or other procedures still require an office visit. During your Video Visit, your dermatologist will make an assessment as to whether an in-person visit will also be necessary.

The effectiveness of virtual dermatology is best measured by the accuracy of the online diagnosis. Research shows virtual dermatology is highly accurate in diagnosing many skin conditions and planning the best course of treatment. That includes prescriptions for any medications that might be recommended to treat your condition.

Virtual visits are safe and convenient, since you can be seen by a dermatologist from the comfort of your own home. For patients who need a dermatologist’s care for maintenance of skin conditions, virtual visits are an ideal way to continue receiving treatment without scheduling an office visit. For example, some skin rashes are so distinctive that a dermatologist can recognize them via video chat.

Virtual visits are a safe, fast and efficient way to manage and treat many skin issues.

When Should You Go Straight to the Dermatologist’s Office?

Obviously there may be situations when a video call cannot resolve a serious skin condition. Watch out for these red flags:

• Fever accompanied by a change in skin condition
• Rashes inside the mouth or on the genitals
• Bruises that don’t turn pale when pressed
• Severe joint pain
• Unusual blotches on the skin
• Moles that change appearance or texture

All of these symptoms can be serious signs of an underlying infection, a virus or possibly early-stage skin cancer that needs immediate medical attention. You should plan a visit to Walk-in Dermatology to meet directly with one of our board-certified dermatologists. And unlike many dermatologists’ offices, if you need to see us in-person we can see you today.

Other Benefits of Virtual Dermatology

• If you’ve been wondering about the benefits of skin rejuvenation treatments and have questions about which type of therapy may be right for you, a virtual visit can provide the answers without a trip to the dermatologist’s office. Microdermabrasion, photofacials (IPL, or intense pulsed light therapy), skin resurfacing, scar reduction, waxing and hair removal treatments – we can discuss these and many more cosmetic procedures with you in a virtual visit so that you are fully informed about your options.
• Receive and refill prescriptions for skin concerns.
• You can schedule a virtual visit with a healthcare provider for a child so long as a parent or legal guardian joins the visit.
• If you develop a rash, allergic reaction or some other troublesome skin condition while traveling anywhere in the world, you can still receive care from a board-certified dermatologist via a virtual visit.
• Most insurance plans cover virtual visits with a dermatologist.
• Virtual visits are affordable, even if you don’t have health insurance.
• Virtual visits are easy. You can use your phone, a computer or tablet. If you need technical assistance with the app, we’re ready to help.

The bottom line is, neither distance, time constraints or social distancing brought on by a pandemic should be reasons that prevent anyone from receiving the dermatology care they need.

To save yourself time if you are a new patient, before your virtual visit you can complete a brief online form. At the time of your appointment you should have all pertinent medical records and any medications that you may be using to treat any current conditions. This information helps your dermatologist to understand your medical history, make a diagnosis, and suggest treatment options. You should also have your insurance card handy, as well as a referral, if applicable. The more background you can share on your medical history, the better.

Getting the Best Treatment

The good news is, we’ve taken the stress out of seeing a dermatologist. You don’t have to look far for excellent dermatology services. Best of all, there’s no waiting.

In many parts of New York and throughout the country, patients often wait weeks before they can see a board-certified dermatologist and receive a diagnosis, much less actual treatment.

That’s no longer necessary. You can schedule a Video Visit with us or simply come to our office and be seen that day.

At Walk-in Dermatology, patients can see a board-certified dermatologist seven days a week. Our dermatologists will evaluate your skin and answer all your questions. We will work with you to set up a treatment plan to address your skin condition and get at the roots causing the condition – all convenient to your schedule.

No more waiting days or even weeks to see a dermatologist. Walk-in Dermatology is here for you. We are open and ready to treat any skin conditions so you can regain healthy skin that positively glows with a youthful look.

Read more: How Does Lack of Sleep Affect the Skin?