Patient guide
This guide is for use by patients before the teledermatology visit.
Preparing for the visit
Does your insurance cover live interactive telehealth services and understanding of copays?
Do you have the required equipment, such as a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a webcam, that will work with your doctor’s telehealth platform?
Do you have a quiet, private place to conduct a virtual visit that may require a physical examination?
Do you have a stable phone network connection, with 4G LTE or 5G and 3-4 bars of signal strength, or a computer with high-speed internet connection available for use during the teledermatology visit?
Can you take high-resolution photos of your skin condition and share these with your doctor before the visit?
If needed, will you have access to a language interpreter during the visit?
Immediately prior to the visit
Are you able to log in to your doctor’s telehealth platform about 10 minutes before the visit, in case there is a need to troubleshoot?
Did you take photos of your skin condition and submit them to your dermatologist prior to the visit?
If applicable, are you wearing loose-fitting clothing that can be removed, in case the doctor needs you to show the skin areas of concern on video during the visit?
Do you have on hand all the relevant information needed for your visit, including current medications and preferred pharmacy, details of your skin concern, relevant personal and family history, and contact information for your referring physician?
If needed, will you have assistance from a family member or caretaker during the visit, with technology, taking notes about the treatment plan, or showing the affected areas of your skin with the camera?
Do you have all questions ready for your visit, including questions about your diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up plan?
Patient instructions on how to take photos for a teledermatology visit
If possible, consider having a helper take the photos rather than taking selfies. This can make it easier to take in-focus photos.
Take several photos of each area of concern, including close-ups and distance photos that clearly show which body part is affected.
Make sure photos are in focus before submitting. Tapping the screen over the area of concern will bring it into focus in most smartphones. Retake photos if blurry.
