1. Can I talk to a Dermatologist online for free?
There are many teleheatlh services and companies that provide options for online consultation with a dermatologist. Majority of these companies offer a detailed list of dermatologists that you can choose from for your skin, hair, and nail concerns. While booking an appointment, the booking process may be available for free, but the same cannot be guaranteed about the consultation. You may be required to pay a certain amount as consultation charges. Generally these charges are much lower compared to the physical consultation (consultation fees in clinics and hospitals). However, there are a few companies that may provide free online consultations.
2. How to contact a Dermatologist online?
There are various ways through which you can contact a dermatologist online:
1. Official websites of the hospitals - Many leading multispecialty and superspecialty hospitals now provide online consultation facilities and you can connect with a dermatologist through the appointment booking portal in their official websites
2. Telehealth companies and services - There are numerous telehealth companies and services that provide online consultation facilities through their websites and mobile applications. These companies provide a list of dermatologists to choose from for your various skin, hair, and nail concerns
3. Search engines - Popular search engines such as Google, justdial.com, sulekha.com, etc. also provide a list of doctors and may even facilitate booking an appointment for online consultation
3. How should I choose a Dermatologist?
Official hospital websites, search engines, telehealth companies and services generally provide a list of dermatologists. There are a certain considerations that may help you choose the right dermatologist, which include:
1. Doctor's credentials
2. Years of experience
3. Doctor's expertise and area of interest
4. Client reviews and testimonials
5. Time convenience and doctor availability (consultation hours)
6. Confidentiality of your medical data
7. Consultation fees
4. Should one consult a Dermatologist Online?
You can consult a dermatologist online when you are unable to visit a doctor physically at their hospital or clinic
5. How good is online consultation for Dermatologist? When can we consult a doctor Online
1. Online consultation is quick to access and convenient when an individual needs immediate medical attention (except emergency situations) but is unable to visit the hospital/clinic physically
2. Online consultations with a dermatologist are secure and guarantee confidentiality
3. With online consultations it is possible for a patient to avail second opinion in case they have previously had a physical consultation or if they are not fully satisfied with their current consultation. Follow-up appointments are also convenient through online consultation saving the time and energy utilised in traveling for physical consultations
4. With online consultation, distance is never a barrier, one need not restrict themselves to the nearest but can always opt for the best healthcare providers
5. With online consultation one can avoid the queue and long waiting hours at the clinics/hospitals and connect with the doctor the moment they start feeling unwell. The patients can get medical advice while at the convenience of their home
6. For which symptoms should one consult a Dermatologist Online?
Dermatologists treat wide array of skin, hair, and nail problems. The common symptoms for which patients usually consult the dermatologis include:
1. Acne
2. Rashes or hives
3. Bruises, blemishes, and warts
4. Uneven pigmentation
5. Scars (due to burns/injuries/acne) andkeloids
6. Bacterial and fungal skin and nail infections
7. Scalp and hair loss problems
8. Persistent itching or irritation
9. Moles that are changing colors or increasing in size/sudden appearance of new moles
10. Excessive sweating
7. When should one reach out to a Dermatologist immediately?
You should reach out ot a dermatologist immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms:
1. Sudden flare up of rashes, with itching or irritation
2. Infalmmation of discharge from skin
3. Allergic rashes
4. Local rise of temperature around any skin lesions
5. Any existing mole or blemish turns red and painful
8. How can I get online advice from a Dermatologist?
To get advice from a dermatologist you can follow the steps as discussed below:
1. Choose your desired doctor
2. Book an appointment and confirm your slot
3. Clear the payments
4. Make yourself available for the consultation on the right time
5. Put forward your health concerns and get them addressed by the doctor
6. Get your e-prescription (and other instructions if any) from the doctor
7. Book for follow-up consultation (if advised)
9. How to prepare for a video consultation with a Dermatologist?
While opting for a video consultation with a dermatologist you will have to be prepared with 2 major factors Logistics and Seating The details about your problem for which you are seeking a video consultation
1. Logistics and seating
2. The details about your problem for which you are seeking a video consultation
1. While opting for a video consultation, make sure the electronic gadget through which you will attend the call (mobile/tab/computer) has a front camera/web camera, a microphone, and enough charge to sustain through the video consultation
2. Make sure the audio is loud and clear with no external disturbances. This will help in clear relay of information to and fro, thereby avoiding miscommunication or the need for repetition due to poor audio
3. Choose appropriate seating with proper lighting for better visibility to help the dermatologist virtually assess for any physical signs
4. Sign-in or register yourself and be present for the video call a few minutes before your appointment begins. This will help prevent unnecessary delay in the consultation
5. Avoid background disturbances to the possible best, choose a quiet room
1. Always begin your call with introducing yourself your name, age, and chief complaint. If someone else is attending the call with you make sure you introduce them to your doctor with their name, relation they share with you, and why they are accompanying you during the call
2. Be prepared with your queries that you want to ask the doctor
3. Make a list of your symptoms and keep it handy, to ensure you don't miss on any important details. Include the precise details of your symptoms and their progression such as:
- how the skin problem started (itching/irritation, rash/boil/harderned skin)
- was there any change in color or size of the skin problem
- did you notice in swelling/discharge
- is the itching/irritation more during the day or night
- are there any triggers
- have you done an home remedies or used over the counter creams/lotions on the problem area and its effect
4. If you are on any regular medications or supplements make a list of their names and dosages
5. If you have any medical conditions such as diabetes, thyroid, liver problems or any others, keep the most recent reports readily available
6. Be patient throughout the call and carefully listen to what your doctor speaks, voice your questions and get them answered
10. Can you self refer to a Dermatologist?
Yes, in most cases you can self refer to a dermatologist. However, if your insurance policy demands a referral you can always approach a general physician for a primary consutaltion or referral.
11. Is there any free doctor consultation app?
Certain websites offer free online doctor consultations for the first time. However, most websites/apps follow these steps:
Write your health query in detail
Choose a consultation plan that fits your needs
Pay the consultation fee to chat unlimited with a doctor based on your plan.
The patients also get a digital prescription and a free follow-up.
These online consultations can be carried out by either calling (audio/video). It may be supplemented by emails or text messages.
12. How do I start a consultation online?
Choose an online consultation platform, to start an online consultation as a doctor. There are many websites which allow doctors to consult online. Read the terms and conditions. Check for the reviews and ratings to make a choice.
Certain websites/platforms offer free online doctor consultations for the first time. However for the subsequent appointments if required a nominal fee would be charged.
Write your health query in detail
Choose a chat plan that fits your needs
Pay the consultation fee to chat unlimited with a doctor based on your plan.
The patients also get a digital prescription along with a free follow-up.
These online consultations can be carried out by either calling, chatting, video calling, or simply emailing your physician.
