Interactions with physicians via video conferencing and by phone with evaluation of photos have been gaining momentum for years. These type of virtual visits, known as telemedicine, have grown significantly during the pandemic. They allow people with concerns about going out in public and those with underlying conditions that put them at high risk for serious illness if they became infected with COVID, to be evaluated by their physician. It also allows for more regular follow up, eliminates the time for driving round trip to the office, parking cost, and wait time to see your doctor. There are, however, limitations to the kind of issues that can be addressed. Procedures such as biopsies, surgeries, freezing of skin lesions, (at least for now) require an office visit. In dermatology, telemedicine works best for following chronic skin conditions, such as acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. While individual skin lesions can be evaluated, a full skin exam requires an office visit.
To schedule a telemedicine appointment with your dermatologist please call 310-274-9954 or initiate your telemedicine consultation through your patient portal derm90210.ema.md. If you don’t have access to your portal please call the phone number listed above for assistance.
