With the current pandemic, your regular dermatology appointments might be affected. Face-to-face consultations have now become a risk to medical professionals and patients needing medical attention. Fortunately, dermatology teams have found a way to cater to their patients in line with current restrictions.
Remote consultations and appointments are now possible through technology like the internet. The dermatology industry is making moves to adapt to the new normal and continue its services. One way dermatologists are adapting is through telemedicine. Telemedicine allows for an easier and more convenient approach to seeking professional help or care regarding your existing skin conditions and symptoms without leaving the safety of your homes. It is often included in benefits for people with disabilities to be comfortable in their own homes while receiving the services they will need.
Depending on your dermatologist, they may offer several options like online video meetings, voice calls, chat, email, or over the phone. Your availability and accessibility to technology will largely determine the type of alternatives for face-to-face appointments. Teledermatology has become the norm as a result of this pandemic. Despite the differences between online and face-to-face consultations, patients are still getting aid and care equally as effective as appointments conducted in-person.
When exactly should I see my dermatologist?
In-person consultations with a dermatologist regarding minor matters are highly discouraged since the start of the pandemic. However, this doesn’t mean that you should completely disregard checking and maintaining your skin conditions. Most dermatology officers are still open, although not on an everyday basis. Although there are still specific and urgent conditions that must be handled in-person, you can deal with most concerns and issues through teledermatology.
Through the American Academy of Dermatology’s guidance, they provide practical and safe guidelines when dealing with and identifying conditions and their severity. To actively participate in preventing the spread of the virus, they have established specific restrictions and limitations. Dermatology clinics are practicing the needed measures to continue providing services to patients who require medical attention. You can approach non-urgent medical concerns that are not life-threatening via teledermatology. An example of these concerns is chronic skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
On the other hand, dermatologists must always conduct annual skin checkups through face-to-face appointments. These checkups will usually require the assistance of a dermatoscope that is why you will need in-person consultations. Furthermore, having suspicious bumps or grave lesions on your skin should be a sign for you to schedule an appointment for an in-person investigation. In this way, your dermatologist’s clinic can be prepped for the necessary procedures to ensure a safe, smooth meeting.
How exactly does teledermatology work?
Even though dermatologists must observe many conditions through a closer and more hands-on approach, they can also diagnose many other skin conditions from looks alone. Depending on the specific type of platform you choose to contact your dermatologist, checking in and inquiring about remote dermatology appointments online is generally straightforward. Contacting your trusted doctor can be a great start so that you can figure out the appropriate means of consultation. Apart from that, asking your primary care providers for possible alternatives and options can be a big help. Nowadays, many providers offer remote consultation options, so booking an appointment will save you some time.
After setting up a date for your appointment, having a list of questions and important points that you may want to share with your dermatologist can help. Other than that, having a complete list of the medications you’re taking for your eczema may be needed. Some doctors may also require you to send them pictures of your skin areas that are affected.
Upon meeting your dermatologist virtually, make sure to establish your eczema’s current state and how this is affecting your life. It is also crucial to make sure you can clearly hear whatever they have to say over the phone or through the screen. You can also conveniently request for a summary of the essential points you’ve discussed to be sent to your email for a more accurate and effective reminder that you can look back on when something comes up.
The Bottomline
Remote dermatology appointments have been made way before the COVID-19 pandemic. This proves as an alternative means of getting medical attention that might be more productive and convenient for many people. Patients can now be more comfortable when dealing with checkups and consultations regarding skin conditions such as eczema. Having virtual consultations can provide answers to your temporary concerns to lead toward the next steps.
