Teledermatology

Struggling to find time to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist in Omaha, NE? At Advanced Dermatology of the Midlands, we offer teledermatology appointments to diagnose and treat common skin conditions. Keep reading to learn more about teledermatology services or contact us today to set up a dermatological consultation over video camera.

What is Teledermatology?

Teledermatology is the practice of dermatology via videoconferencing.

This special type of medical care falls under the general category of telemedicine. In an interactive teledermatology appointment a patient is linked by videoconference to their dermatology provider in our office and the office visit is completed remotely by two-way video communication.

Teledermatology appointments work best for some but not all dermatology appointments. In many of the episodes of care, dermatology procedures are necessary. These include skin biopsies, skin surgeries, and liquid nitrogen cryotherapy, as these would be impossible during video conference calls where the patient and provider are not physically in the same location.

In urgent cases, or cases where we anticipate procedures may be necessary, an in-office visit is needed instead.

Also, for general skin checks, mole checks, skin cancer checks, or melanoma checks, in-office appointments are likewise needed instead. This is because the technology of these virtual visits cannot completely replace the thoroughness of a live in-office skin examination.

So when can teledermatology be used?

These video conference visits allow direct communication between the patient and dermatology provider where many types of care can still be delivered. A limited physical examination can be performed in real-time in most cases to provide accurate diagnosis and treatment options. With a teledermatology visit, a dermatology service provider can examine the medical history of the patient, provide medical education, review the care plan with the patient, and submit prescriptions to treat fungal infections, including refills where applicable.

As you can see, a teledermatology visit can work well for patients who are already established with our dermatology clinic and need to have their condition rechecked, and/or perhaps are due for a recheck for medication refills. In a limited fashion, new skin problems including rashes or changes in an existing condition can also be evaluated and managed. In some cases, we may also be able to provide care to new patients through a telehealth visit.

For patients who do not want to interact via live video conferencing for their care but still want to receive care without coming to the office, there are some other options that we also have available. These types of care include Virtual Check-ins and E-Visits. Either of these, telephone conferencing, or electronic messaging is available through our patient portal and takes place between the patient and the dermatology provider in a secure and confidential manner.

In most cases, your insurance will cover the cost of all types of “virtual” care including telemedicine visits, Virtual Check-ins, and E-visits.

Advanced Dermatology of the Midlands – The Best Dermatologists in Omaha, NE

Teledermatology is a type of care within the field of dermatology that has been under development for decades. It still has its limitations and challenges, but in a challenging time such as with the COVID-19 pandemic, we are uniquely situated in our practice here at Advanced Dermatology of the Midlands to blaze the trail in our community by offering teledermatology appointments to our patients.

If you would like to schedule a teledermatology appointment or learn more about a teledermatology appointment, please contact our office at (402) 933-3770 or click the link below.