What is teledermatology?
Teledermatology is a subspecialty within dermatology and one of the most popular and convenient ways to see a dermatologist. In this field, telecommunication technology is used to transfer medical information over a distance through communication by audio, visual and data means. Teledermatology is a virtual and modern way of seeing your dermatologist online with the use of the internet, either through video visits (live, synchronous) or store and forward visits, during which the patient sends a photo, and the photo evaluated by a dermatologist, Dr. Chacon.
How do photo visits work?
Photos are submitted and taken by the patient, usually on an iPhone, uploaded, and submitted as a consultation. Photo visits offer 24/7 access to Dr. Chacon for a consultation for a skin issue or prescription refill. Within 24 hours, your case will be reviewed and a personalized treatment plan will be provided. Prescriptions will be sent if medically necessary electronically to your pharmacy of choice.
How do video visits work?
Video visits are scheduled based on availability on the scheduling system, Acuity, which syncs to Dr. Chacon’s calendar. This type of visit is ideal if you would prefer for a live chat with Dr. Chacon, you may schedule a video visit to do so. Through our scheduling system, please click on virtual video tele dermatology visit, select appointment day/time, register as a patient and receive an email confirmation with a link for a zoom meeting. After the virtual visit, Dr. Chacon will send you a personalized detailed treatment plan and send the prescriptions (if medically necessary) to your preferred pharmacy.
How do I know if I have access to Teledermatology?
Everyone has access in the states that Dr. Chacon is licensed in – all states except for Oregon, Minnesota and Vermont. In addition, Dr. Chacon sees patients of all ages.
Do I need to download a mobile app?
No. You may schedule through the internet using your computer or a mobile device by submitting your photos and necessary information for your history intake. Please note photos are required for photo visits. For video visits, you will select your appointment time based on availability and receive an email confirmation link for a zoom video.
Do you accept insurance?
Due to the complexities of insurance reimbursement, we do not accept insurance at this time. However upon request, we may send a superbill with codes that you may submit to your insurance for reimbursement. We accept all debit and credit cards, including health savings accounts (HSA), flexible spending accounts (FSA), and health reimbursement accounts (HRA) plans if applicable.
How much does this cost, and how can I pay?
Visits are $59 for store and forward visits (photo) and $100 for 15-minute synchronous, live video virtual dermatology visits.
Is my health information safe?
Yes. We only use HIPAA compliant platforms, protecting health information and privacy. Credit card information is encrypted and is never stored.
What devices do you support?
We support all mobile devices with internet as well as computers and laptops, all of which are able to submit photo and video virtual visits.
Can I treat more than one condition during a visit?
For the photo visits it is typically best to submit one condition per encounter. For virtual visits, if time permits, more than one concern may be discussed.
What if I just want to discuss skincare?
Yes, you may do that. Prescriptions and medications are not always necessary. It is best to schedule a video virtual visit with Dr. Chacon to discuss these topics and build a custom skincare regimen. In addition, Dr. Chacon has partnered with Regimen Pro to help you build a personalized skincare routine using medical grade skincare products through our online portal. We are here to help!
What is RegimenPro and how does it work?
RegimenPro offers medical grade skincare products including many of the common skincare lines that are dermatologist-recommended. It gives Dr. Chacon’s patients access to over 300 of the top medical grade skincare products including cosmeceuticals used for anti-aging as well as difficult conditions such as melasma, photo aging and post-inflammatory pigmentary alteration. Regimen Pro offers medical grade skincare that is typically only sold through physician offices or dermatologist dispensing. Dr. Chacon can recommend medical grade skincare products during your virtual consultation and give you access to the online skincare store. RegimenPro will ship the products from the manufacturer to your address of choice.
Are there any conditions you don’t treat?
We treat all conditions encompassing the skin, hair and nails using our expertise in the best manner possible. If an in person office visit with a dermatologist is recommended, this will be suggested during your visit.
How long will it take for the dermatologist to respond to my case?
Within 24 hours of submission, Dr. Chacon will respond to your case.
Will I be able to get a prescription with my visit?
Yes, you may, as long as it is within the spectrum of dermatologic care and is medically necessary. The prescription will be sent electronically to your pharmacy of choice.
How will I be notified of when my treatment plan is ready?
You will receive an email when your treatment plan has been submitted. With the video virtual visits, a treatment plan is provided during the visit itself.
How to I contact my doctor if I have a follow up question?
You may contact us at celia@drannachacon.com. Please note that due to the large volume of patients seen, as well as chart reviews needed to respond to each question, followup questions are limited to 2 weeks after the visit. After that time period has passed a followup visit is highly recommended.
What do I do if my skin condition fails to improve or gets worse?
Most dermatologic conditions improve within 4-6 weeks. If a patient is not improving after this time frame, a followup visit is recommended. Occasionally an in office visit or a skin biopsy may be recommended. For chronic conditions such as acne, eczema and psoriasis, a followup visit every 3-4 months is recommended. To schedule a followup visit, please submit a photo consultation or schedule a video virtual visit.
If your condition is worsening rapidly or if life-threatening symptoms develop, please report to your nearest emergency room or urgent care for immediate medical attention.