Choosing the right telehealth platform

During the Public Health Emergency (PHE), the government relaxed many restrictions on telehealth services. This led to significant growth among telehealth vendors, and some now offer mobile applications designed to facilitate easier communication between dermatologists and their patients for diagnosis reviews and treatment planning. These telehealth apps can be downloaded on your smartphone or tablet and can be used on the go. Learn more about changing telehealth requirements related to COVID-19.

Remember that you must protect patient privacy whether in person or in a telehealth visit. Telemedicine apps and vendors are generally considered Business Associates (BAs) and should sign a BA agreement. Follow federal and state regulations to make sure you are in compliance with guidelines.

Dermatologists who have the option often choose to use their EHR to conduct teledermatology.

Benefits of using teledermatology apps

Easily connect through the mobile app

Telemedicine no longer requires dermatologists to use special hardware to connect with patients. These days, most mobile devices and tablets have the necessary hardware, such as cameras and mics. These apps are generally easy to download on your iOS or Android device. Many EHR vendors also offer telehealth apps that integrate with the EHR. But always confirm that your teledermatology app follows HIPAA requirements and signs business associate agreements (BAAs).

Schedule appointments flexibly

You can’t always be physically present in your practice, but telemedicine gives you more flexibility. You can handle appointments from home or even during travel. If it works for your schedule, arrange a telemedicine visit after-hours, or offer weekend appointments to better accommodate patients.

Just be sure you always follow appropriate privacy safeguards and are in compliance with state licensure requirements (PDF) of the state where the patient is located at the time of visit. Dermatologists must still follow the state licensure laws of the state where the patient is located at the time of visit. Review the cross-state licensing requirements for more information.

Fewer no-shows

Teledermatology can be helpful in circumstances when patients are far from the practice, especially if they live in remote areas, or for patients who do not require an in-person visit to get proper care. You can improve continuity of care and reserve your in-person hours for the patients who need it most.

Skip the waiting room

This one is mainly for patients — they do not need to wait to see the dermatologist. For example, dermatologists can use telemedicine appointments to prescreen patients for possible infectious disease, which minimizes exposure to other patients who come to the practice.

Most insurance plans are accepted

When the public health emergency began, several telehealth requirements were relaxed to allow physicians to provide clinical support to patients virtually from different settings unless provider, state, or federal contracts or regulations indicated otherwise. Check with your private payer to get more information.

Method used by Academy members for teledermatology

Additional Academy resources