The pandemic era launched us into a new world of virtual meetings and appointments. These kinds of interactions can be ultra convenient in many cases, but do present some limitations. Many providers now offer the option to see a licensed and board-certified dermatologist online for certain types of appointments.
Here, we’ll look at the pros and cons of seeing a virtual dermatologist vs. going in for an office visit and discuss when an office visit is necessary. Understanding the differences between seeing a dermatologist online or in-person can help you make informed decisions about how to best diagnose any skin issues with a licensed and board-certified dermatologist that you trust. Whether you’re dealing with a minor rash or something more serious, knowing which diagnostic options are best for your situation is key.
What is a “virtual” dermatologist appointment like?
A virtual dermatologist appointment (or teledermatology appointment) is much like any other video meeting. You can use a laptop, phone, or even a tablet and conduct the meeting over Zoom or Facetime. It is best to be in a quiet room with good lighting so that the dermatologist can hear and see you well enough.
During the appointment, the doctor will ask questions about your condition and answer your questions. In many cases, like with acne or rosacea, you can also show the dermatologist the area in question. If the dermatologist decides your condition requires certain tests or a closer look, you might have to schedule an in-office appointment afterward.
As long as you are working with certified dermatologists, like those at Forefront, you can also rest assured that the appointment is private. The video and audio for your telehealth visit are encrypted.This means the data passes through our service providers’ data centers for routing purposes only. This data is neither stored by these providers, nor by Forefront.
Virtual dermatology pros and cons
Most people who prefer to do virtual dermatology appointments over in office appointments appreciate the associated pros, like:
- The convenience of not leaving your home.
- Most major insurance companies and Medicare/Medicaid cover telemedicine visits.
- Reduced exposure to infectious diseases.
- It typically takes a lot less time (no driving or waiting rooms).
- As long as you have good lighting, a dermatologist can still see and identify many types of skin issues with most modern cameras.
However, there are some limitations and downsides to virtual dermatology appointments, as well. For example, these appointments:
- Are not appropriate for all conditions.
- Can’t be done when diagnostic or cosmetic procedures are necessary.
- Might be difficult for someone in a noisy environment.
- Depend on a good internet connection.
- Might require an additional in-office visit afterward.
In-office dermatology pros and cons
Traditional office visits aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. Interacting with doctors in person is necessary in many situations, and still preferred by some people. Some of the pros of going in to see a dermatologist are:
- Diagnostic tests are available if needed.
- You don’t have to worry about tech problems or internet connectivity.
- The doctor has a better view of any problem areas.
- Some creams or medications might be available right away at the office.
Some of the cons of going into the dermatologist office are essentially the opposite of the pros of seeing a dermatologist online. These include:
- Waiting in waiting rooms.
- Driving.
- Increased chance of exposure to infectious disease.
- Can be difficult for people with mobility issues or a lack of transportation.
It is worth mentioning that going to a dermatology office is not always going to significantly increase your exposure to infectious disease. For example, Forefront goes to great lengths to ensure patients stay healthy. We offer contactless forms, distancing in waiting rooms, online payment, touchless check-in, and extensive cleaning and disinfecting in our offices. So, even though there is a slightly increased chance of exposure, it is still minimal.
When can I opt for a virtual dermatologist appointment instead of going to the office?
Telehealth appointments are appropriate for many types of common skin conditions and cosmetic consultations. For many conditions, medications or creams can be prescribed during the virtual dermatologist appointment, just as they would during an office visit. The types of appointments that a virtual dermatology consultation are best for include:
- Skin conditions of the face, like acne or rosacea, characterized by pimples and/or redness
- Hand dryness or itching
- Most rashes, such as eczema, psoriasis, hives, dandruff, and itching
- Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
- Fungal infections, like athlete’s foot or ringworm
- Warts (when topical options can be prescribed)
- Cold sores on the lips
- Anti-aging skincare questions
- Certain types of hair loss, if not accompanied by scarring, excessive scaling, or pus drainage
When is an office visit necessary for dermatology?
It is typically better to opt for an in-office dermatology visit if your condition requires more urgent care or a closer look for diagnostic purposes. Some examples of this include:
- Full body skin cancer checks
- Evaluations of single lesions, like a dark spot or a changing mole
- Hair loss accompanied by scarring, excessive scaling, or pus drainage
- Autoimmune conditions like lupus or dermatomyositis
- Large skin ulcers
- Infected wounds
- Severe rashes accompanied by painful skin, blisters, fever, sores, feeling ill, oozing, or drainage
- Any skin condition that is causing extreme discomfort or pain
What to expect with Forefront
Whether you need an in office visit or you’d like to see a dermatologist online, Forefront has you covered. We provide a wide range of both medical and cosmetic care. We strive to offer this world-class dermatology care in whatever way suits you best.
If you do need to come and see us in person, you can be assured that all of our offices take your health seriously. To reduce the transmission of COVID, flu, and any other infectious diseases, we offer our patients contactless forms, distancing in waiting rooms, online payment, touchless check-in, and high standards for cleaning and disinfecting in our offices. Contact us today to make an appointment.
