Online dermatology is the latest innovation in skincare. What can it do for you?
The Dermatologist at your Fingertips
From a suspicious mole to acne, and cold sores to stubborn rashes, there come the moments in our busy lives when skincare issues simply need to be addressed. We can’t afford to ignore them any longer, so we call our dermatologist for an appointment.
…and then the wait times hit us. Chances are, a doctor may not be able to see you for weeks. About 38 days on average – according to studies published by the American Academy of Dermatology. In some cities, the soonest open appointment is often months away.
And time is money. Even when you clinch that appointment, you may have to block out as much as half a day to go fill out forms and sit in waiting rooms before you actually come face-to-face with your physician. You’ll miss meetings, take time away from your already long to-do list, and probably spend a considerable amount on gas or transit.
Now here’s an idea… even if you can’t see your dermatologist, can your dermatologist still see you? “In an age where the the average consumer manages nearly all aspects of life online, it’s a no brainer that healthcare should be just as convenient, accessible, and safe as online banking,” comments Jonathan Linkous of the American Telemedicine Association.
With SkyMD, your appointments are completely on demand. That’s right – online dermatology can allow you to consult with your skincare doctor on your own terms and your own timeframe. So what does this mean for the average consumer?
“In a year, Americans spend 2.4 billion hours making doctor visits…Telemedicine holds the promise of giving some of our time back,” suggests Austin Frakt, New York Times health economist.
Online Dermatology: How Effective is It?
As with any technological innovation, online dermatology should be put to the test before consumers invest their trust in it, right? You might guess that it’s easier to ask questions and get feedback at brick-and-mortar offices than online. However, follow-up communication with your dermatologist can actually be easier to facilitate in-app than at many doctors’ offices.
For example, managing chronic skin conditions (like psoriasis or breakouts) via teledermatology has been shown to reduce the frequency of in-person visits, improve patient quality of life, and increase treatment accuracy… all at a lower cost. Follow-up visits and progress checks can be conducted at any time, without going through the time-intensive (and potentially very expensive) motions of getting into the office for more appointments.
SkyMD was designed by top dermatologists who envisioned the transformative potential of web technology in dermatology. “I love that the platform is designed for the unique needs of my specialty and adapts to the way I like to practice,” says Francisco Flores MD, a Florida dermatologist, researcher, and SkyMD user.
Each online visit is tailored closely to the type of skin condition you are reporting. With our in-depth, qualitative evaluation of symptoms (including photos), inclusion of relevant medical history, and ample space for patient elaboration, your dermatologist may well have a more thorough understanding of your dermal health than they would during a hurried in-office visit.
Take advantage of the peace-of-mind that comes with knowing that the best dermatologic care is just a click away. At SkyMD, we’re erasing the tradeoff between quality, cost, and convenience. Consult with a dermatologist today.