I. The Best Online Dermatologists of 2024

Sesame – Best Overall

Sesame’s dynamic marketplace gives patients the tools to refill their prescriptions, get an online dermatology consultation, and more – regardless of location, income, or insurance status.

DermatologistOnCall – Best for 24/7 Service

DermatologistOnCall offers 24/7/365 on-demand access to dermatological care for nearly 3,000 skin conditions and diseases via smartphone, computer, or tablet with no appointments necessary.

SkyMD – Fastest Response Time

With SkyMD, which describes itself as a virtual walk-in clinic, patients can get answers to questions about their dermatological condition within minutes with no appointments necessary.

DermUtopia – Best App-Based Service

DermUtopia is an app developed by the Virginia-based dermatology practice of the same name, giving patients across the country access to dermatology consultations for a variety of skin conditions.

Teladoc – Best for Insured Patients

Teladoc, a comprehensive telehealth platform that provides dermatology care as well as other services, accepts many major health insurances, making it an ideal option for insured patients.

SnapMed – Best for Non-Insured Patients

With consultation fees ranging from $5 to 35, SnapMed offers patients an affordable way to get on-demand dermatological care for many common skin conditions via a simple, user-friendly online interface.

Mandel Dermatology – Best for Live Video Consultations

This New York-based practice gives patients in all locations access to dermatological care via live video as well as asynchronous consultations with board-certified dermatologists.

FirstDerm –  Best for Asynchronous Consultations

For patients whose daily lives make scheduling an appointment challenging, FirstDerm allows patients to submit their case and receive care from a board-certified dermatologist on their own time.

DirectDerm – Best for Pediatric Care

DirectDerm’s team of dermatologists includes physicians who are trained in pediatric dermatology, making this platform an ideal option for parents whose little ones need dermatological care.

MDLive – Best Comprehensive Telehealth Platform

MDLive is a comprehensive telehealth platform that gives patients access to board-certified dermatologists, as well as care for a variety of other physical and mental health needs.

Tibot – Best Free Tool

Tibot is a free app that uses artificial intelligence to help users identify and treat their skin issues, while providing a variety of resources about common skin conditions.

II. How We Chose the Best Online Dermatologists

In making our list of the best online dermatologists, we looked at a few specific criteria that many people consider when selecting a telehealth service to use.

Conditions treated

The types of skin conditions for which patients may seek treatment vary widely, from temporary issues like rashes or infections, to chronic conditions like acne or eczema. In order to ensure that users can find the care they need, we looked for online dermatologists that can treat a broad range of skin conditions.

Communication methods

Part of what makes online dermatology appealing is the convenience, and part of that convenience is the variety of ways patients can communicate virtually with dermatologists. We prioritized online dermatology services that offer patients multiple ways to connect, including video chats, telephone calls, messaging, and more. We also sought to include both synchronous and asynchronous services, so patients can access care on the schedule that best suits them.

Patient privacy

Ensuring the security of patients’ data should be a top priority for telehealth platforms. Therefore, we only included teledermatology services and platforms that are HIPAA-compliant. We also looked at other patient-protection measures that platforms have in place, such as data encryption and multi-factor authentication for log-ins.

III. The Best Online Dermatologists

Sesame – Best Overall

Sesame Asthma Image

Sesame describes itself as a “superstore for great doctors and specialists,” providing a database of care options at discounted prices by paying care providers directly. Sesame can help you find a wide range of services in your area, from dermatology and prescriptions to dental health and urgent care. Their website also allows you to search for care in four different ways – by location, by care type, by specialty, or by symptom – so you should have no problem finding dermatology resources that suit your needs.

Price Accepts Insurance Other Features
Free for basic membership
$7 per month for Plus membership
$40 Video skin consultation
$79 Video dermatology consultation
No –Discounted rates for dermatologists and specialists
–Telehealth options
–Free lab or blood test per year (with Plus membership)
–Discounts on prescriptions
–More features at Sesame

Pros and Cons of Sesame 

Pros:

  • Not dependent on insurance coverage
  • Easy to navigate database of available services in your area
  • Plus membership offers good value for its monthly fee

Cons:

  • Doesn’t accept health insurance, even if you have it
  • Not available in all regions. Check Sesame’s website to see if the service is available in your area

What Are Customers Saying? 

“I don’t have insurance and couldn’t risk paying hundreds for a bill. Knowing how much to pay upfront meant I could actually afford my doctor on Sesame.”

 


 

DematologistOnCall – Best for 24/7 Service

DematologistOnCall

DermatologistOnCall is a telehealth platform that offers on-demand access to dermatological care for nearly 3,000 skin conditions and diseases. There are no appointments necessary, and patients can access the platform via a computer, smartphone, or tablet.

Using DermatologistOnCall is as simple as creating a patient profile, describing the symptoms you are experiencing, and uploading photos of the affected area. A board-certified dermatologist will respond with a diagnosis and treatment recommendations, typically within 24 hours. If needed, DermatologistOnCall’s physicians can order any necessary prescriptions.

Patients can use DermatologistOnCall for issues like acne, athlete’s foot, cold sores, poison ivy, psoriasis, ringworm, and more. They treat patients of all age ranges, although those under 18 need a parent or legal guardian present.

DermatologistOnCall gives patients the option to select their dermatologist, or opt to see the next available physician. All communication and consultations are asynchronous, unless a patient lives in a state that requires a video call.

Price Accepts Insurance More Features
Per consultation: $75 No -24/7/365 access
-Prescription services available
-Desktop compatible
-More features at DermatologistOnCall

Pros & Cons of DermatologistOnCall

Pros:

  • The main pro of DermatologistOnCall is its simplicity. Users do not need to download an app, install any special software, or pay for a membership to use the service. They can sign up at any time and submit a request to get care, whether it is for a new or chronic condition.
  • DermatologistOnCall gives users the option to select a specific dermatologist, or have their case seen by the next available dermatologist. If a patient’s regular dermatologist is in DermatologistOnCall’s network, a patient can request to see that practitioner, ensuring a continuity of care.
  • DermatologistOnCall also lets users message their dermatologist for up to 30 days after their “visit,” in case patients have any follow up questions or concerns.
  • DermatologistOnCall charge a straightforward $75 per consultation.Patients can pay with a major credit card, as well as a Health Savings Account (HSA), Health Reimbursement Account (HRA), or Flexible Spending Account (FSA).

Cons:

  • A significant drawback of DermatologistOnCall is that they do not accept health insurance for their services.
  • Compared to some other teledermatology services, DermatologistOnCall’s response times may be a little slower. Although they advertise that dermatologists typically respond to patients within 24 hours, they have up to three business days to address their cases, which may be longer than some patients want to wait.

What Customers Are Saying

Customers recommend DermatologistOnCall as a way to get fast, reliable dermatological care. “This is the best option for a busy person who needs care from a board-certified dermatologist,” says one patient. Another adds, “The doctor was fast to respond, and very thorough. It was quick, cheap, and easy.”

 


 

SkyMD – Fastest Response Time

SkyMD

SkyMD is a virtual walk-in clinic that gives patients answers to questions about their dermatological condition within minutes, no appointment necessary.

Patients can access care from SkyMD via their website or mobile app, which is available for iOSand Android devices. Users either create a new or log into an existing account. From there, patients start a new patient case by entering their medical information, then answering questions and uploading photos of their condition. SkyMD’s dermatologists typically respond in less than one hour with a diagnosis and personalized treatment plan. In cases where a prescription is needed, SkyMD’s dermatologists can call in a medication order to a patient’s local pharmacy. According to SkyMD’s website, most cases are resolved within 24 hours.

SkyMD accepts many major health insurance plans, including Aetna, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana, and more. For patients who do not have health insurance, they charge a flat $89 fee per consultation.

Price Accepts Insurance More Features
Prices vary based on insurance

Per consultation: $89 (w/o insurance)

Yes -HIPAA-compliant
-Mobile app
-Fast response time
-More features at SkyMD

Pros & Cons of SkyMD

Pros:

  • The most significant pro of SkyMD is how fast users can expect a response. SkyMD strives to provide patients with a follow-up within one hour after they submit their case, and tracks their response times in real-time on their homepage, so users know when they can expect an answer to their question.
  • While SkyMD is available via their website, they also have a free mobile app for iOS and Android devices.
  • SkyMD offers a progress-tracking feature, so patients can keep their dermatologists informed about their treatment and get any necessary recommendations for additional care.

Cons:

  • A key drawback to SkyMD is that it is not available to patients in all 50 states. Currently, their services are available to patients in 41 states. To find out if SkyMD is available where you live, you can search their “Dermatologists Near Me” directory.

What Customers Are Saying

Customers praise SkyMD for being an easy-to-use, convenient platform for dermatological care.  “Using this app is simple and straightforward,” says one user. “Communication back-and-forth between the medical team and myself is always very easy. I find the convenience of being able to use the app whenever my busy schedule allows very helpful.”

 


 

DermUtopia

DermUtopia

DermUtopia is a brick-and-mortar dermatology practice based in Virginia that also provides teledermatology to patients in any location through the DermUtopia app, available for iOS and Android devices.

The DermUtopia app is designed to be user-friendly, with a simple interface that allows patients to enter their medical history, upload photos of their skin condition, and indicate visually where on their body they are experiencing their issue. After users submit their case, a board-certified dermatologist will review the information and respond via the app within 48 hours. DermUtopia’s dermatologists will provide an assessment, treatment recommendations, and, if necessary, a prescription order to the patient’s local pharmacy. If follow-up care is needed, DermUtopia can assist patients with scheduling an in-person appointment.

DermUtopia charges a flat $69 fee per consultation. Although they do not accept health insurance for teledermatology services, they will provide patients with billing codes to submit to their health insurance companies for reimbursement.

Price Accepts Insurance More Features
Per consultation: $69 No -HIPAA-compliant
-Mobile app
-Desktop compatible
-More features at DermUtopia

Pros & Cons of DermUtopia

Pros:

  • As an app-based teledermatology platform, DermUtopia’s main benefit is that patients can use it on the go, at any time. It also has some unique tools that computer-based services do not have, like a visualization of the human body on which patients can indicate where their issue is.
  • DermUtopia is an asynchronous platform, meaning that patients and doctors do not communicate directly with each other. However, patients will have the piece of mind of knowing that they will receive a response to their case within 48 hours.
  • DermUtopia also allows patients to communicate with their doctor about their case for 30 days after their initial submission. This allows patients to ask any follow-up questions and get further assistance with their treatment if necessary.

Cons:

  • The biggest downside of DermUtopia is that they do not accept health insurance. They will provide the appropriate billing codes to patients so they can submit a request for reimbursement, but they do not guarantee that insurance companies will cover their services, and some patients may not want to go through the hassle of trying to get reimbursed.
  • If a patient is prescribed medication and they need a refill after 30 days, they must submit another case, and pay the consultation fee again.

What Customers Are Saying

Customers say that DermUtopia makes dermatological care accessible and easy, regardless of their schedule. Says one user, “The app is easy to use, very thorough in asking patient history, and allows you to take pictures of your skin condition so you don’t even need to leave your home, which was the best part in my opinion.”

 


 

Teladoc – Best for Insured Patients

Teladoc

Teladoc is a comprehensive telehealth platform that provides dermatological care for many common skin conditions, including rashes, infections, acne, eczema, rosacea, and more, among other health services.

For patients with health insurance, Teladoc’s dermatology services may be free. Teladoc also accepts payment via HSA, FSA, and HRA. Patients without health insurance can also use Teladoc for $95 per consultation.

Teladoc’s platform is simple and easy to access. Users can set up a profile on Teladoc’s website, over the phone, or by downloading their mobile app, available for iOS and Android devices. For patients seeking dermatological care, they will provide a description and upload images of their condition. Within two business days, a board-certified dermatologist will respond with a diagnosis and treatment plan, including a prescription for medication, if necessary. Patients can ask follow-up questions for seven days after their initial consultation.

Price Accepts Insurance More Features
Prices vary based on insurance

Per consultation: $95 (w/o insurance)

Yes -HIPAA-compliant
-Mobile app
-Prescription services available
-More features at Teladoc

Pros & Cons of Teladoc

Pros:

  • A major pro of Teladoc is that they accept health insurance, meaning that for many insured patients, they will not have to pay anything for their dermatology consultation.
  • Teladoc offers patients a number of ways to connect with a healthcare provider. They can request a consultation via Teladoc’s website, or through the Teladoc mobile app, which is free to download for iOS and Android devices.
  • As a comprehensive telehealth platform, Teladoc offers users several other services beyond dermatology. Once users have a Teladoc account, they can use the platform for urgent care, mental health, sexual health, and nutritional counseling needs as well.

Cons:

  • Unlike some other online dermatology services, which give patients up to 30 days to follow-up with their dermatologist, Teladoc limits patients to 7 days of follow-up care.
  • For individuals who do not have health insurance, Teladoc’s services have a higher price point than most other teledermatology services. At $95 per consultation, this may make this platform cost-prohibitive.

What Customers Are Saying

Teladoc has built a loyal customer base for being an accessible and reliable telehealth platform. “I’m very happy with my experiences with [Teladoc],” says one user. “I’ve used both the phone and video options for different appointments and have never had an issue connecting. The doctors have always been pleasant and helpful.”

 


 

SnapMed – Best for Non-Insured Patients

SnapMed

For only $35, SnapMed will provide patients with an assessment and treatment recommendations for a variety of skin conditions in just 24 hours. If patients need a response faster, they can pay $45 for a response within 12 hours.

Based in Norway, SnapMed offers patients an efficient and affordable way to get on-demand dermatological care. The process starts with patients answering a few basic questions. Patients then describe the issue they are experiencing and upload two photos of their condition. One of the dermatologists on SnapMed’s team will respond within the requested time frame with a diagnosis and options for treatment.

SnapMed’s dermatology team can help patients with a broad range of skin conditions, including rosacea, alopecia, hives, impetigo, warts, varicose veins, and more.

Security is a high priority for this platform. They use two-step authentication for log-in, and all patient data is encrypted, and only accessible to the patient and their dermatologist.

Price Accepts Insurance More Features
Response within 24 hours: $35
Response within 12 hours: $45
No -Two-factor authentication for login
-Available in multiple languages
-6 dermatologists on staff
-More features at SnapMed

Pros & Cons of SnapMed

Pros:

  • SnapMed’s biggest pro is its price. At $35 for a response within 24 hours, and $45 for a response within 12 hours, it is the lowest out-of-pocket cost of any service on our list.
  • Fast response times are another significant benefit of SnapMed. While many teledermatology services will provide responses within 24 hours, SnapMed gives users the option to pay a little extra to get a response in less than one day. If a response is later than your selected timeframe, SnapMed will refund your entire consultation.
  • The SnapMed platform is extremely easy to use. Patients do not need to download any apps or have any kind of special equipment other than a camera that takes clear pictures. SnapMed is accessible via computer, tablet, or smartphone.

Cons:

  • Because SnapMed is based in Europe, it does not accept health insurance from American insurance companies, nor does it accept payment via HSA, HRA, or FSA.
  • Additionally, for patients in the U.S., SnapMed’s dermatologists cannot write prescriptions for medications that patients might need to resolve their issues.

What Customers Are Saying

SnapMed users say the service is an ideal way to get convenient care for dermatology issues. “It was a lot easier than going through a physical consultation,” says one customer. “I got advice for further treatment that I could manage on my own with over-the-counter medication.”

 


 

Mandel Dermatology – Best for Live Video Consultations

Mandel

Mandel Dermatology is another brick-and-mortar dermatology practice, based in New York, that also offers teledermatology services to patients in other locations.

Like many teledermatology services, Mandel Dermatology has an asynchronous consultation option, SimpleSubmit, in which patients submit photos and a description of their condition and receive a diagnosis and treatment plan from a board-certified dermatologist within 24 business hours. This service costs a flat fee of $59, and patients can use it to address a single skin condition or question.

However, Mandel Dermatology also offers the option for a live video consultation with one of their dermatologists. During a video consultation, patients can discuss an unlimited number of skin conditions or complaints, and receive an immediate diagnosis and treatment recommendations. Patients must schedule live video consultations in advance, but same-day appointments might be available. Mandel Dermatology charges $150 flat fee for live video consultation, although they do accept health insurance, which may reduce the cost.

Price Accepts Insurance More Features
Prices vary based on insurance

Basic consultation: $59 (w/o insurance)
Live video consultation: $150 (w/o insurance)

Yes -HIPAA-compliant
-Prescription services available
-Appointment scheduling available
-More features at Mandel Dermatology

Pros & Cons of Mandel Dermatology

Pros:

  • Mandel Dermatology’s main pro is its flexibility. Patients who need an answer quickly can use the SimpleSubmit option to get their case reviewed within 24 business hours. Meanwhile, patients who prefer to speak to a dermatologist via video call, or need a more comprehensive consultation, can schedule an appointment, typically within a few days.
  • Another benefit of Mandel Dermatology is that the practice accepts health insurance for video consultations. For patients who do not have insurance, or whose insurance does not cover teledermatology, Mandel Dermatology has a straightforward pricing structure of $59 for a SimpleSubmit consultation, and $150 for a video consultation.
  • In addition to medical dermatology for conditions such as acne, melanoma, psoriasis, and rosacea, Mandel Dermatology also offers cosmetic dermatology. While the procedures themselves must be performed in person, patients can use Mandel’s consultation services to learn more about which procedures are right for them.

Cons:

  • Patients who use Mandel Dermatology’s SimpleSubmit feature only have access to follow-up care for 7 days, while some other teledermatology practices give patients up to 30 days of follow-up care.
  • While patients who have health insurance may pay less, the $150 flat video consultation fee for uninsured patients may be cost-prohibitive for some.

What Customers Are Saying

Customers recommend Mandel Dermatology for the quality of care they receive from the practice’s dermatologists. “Excellent service,” writes one patient. “Dr. Mandel has a competent and outstanding personal manner with clients. I highly recommend this service.” Adds another user, “Mandel Dermatology explained my problem and answered all my questions. Very professional!”

 


 

FirstDerm – Best for Asynchronous Consultations

FirstDerm

For patients whose daily lives make scheduling an in-person or online appointment challenging, FirstDerm is an ideal option for getting care. This platform allows patients to submit photos and a written description of their skin condition, and receive a diagnosis and treatment plan from a board-certified dermatologist within a predetermined amount of time.

FirstDerm’s pricing is based on the patient’s desired response time. An answer within 48 hours costs $30; an answer within 24 hours is $40, and an answer within 8 hours is $60.

The service works with an app, which is free to download for iOS and Android devices, or via a computer on FirstDerm’s website. Patients submit two photos of the issue, a close-up and an overview, and complete a form describing the problem and how long they have been experiencing it. All cases are reviewed by board-certified dermatologists, who respond with a diagnosis and treatment advice.

Price Accepts insurance More Features
Response within 48 hours: $30
Response within 24 hours: $40
Response within 8 hours: $60
No -HIPAA-compliant
-Mobile app
-Desktop compatible
-More features at FirstDerm

Pros & Cons of FirstDerm

Pros:

  • FirstDerm offers patients a lot of flexibility. As an asynchronous platform, patients do not need to worry about scheduling an appointment. They can submit their questions whenever is convenient for them, and choose how quickly they want an answer.
  • FirstDerm’s services are available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Swedish, French, and Italian, making this platform accessible to a wider group of people.
  • Among the various teledermatology platforms available, FirstDerm’s price point is one of the lowest. Depending on the response time the patient selects, the cost of the service can be as low as $30.

Cons:

  • A key drawback to FirstDerm is that it does not provide prescription services. If a dermatologist feels like prescription medication is necessary, they will recommend that the patient see an in-person dermatologist.
  • Although FirstDerm advertises pricing based on response time, in all cases, they reserve the right to respond within 48 hours, in the event of high demand or technical errors. Therefore, patients who pay for a faster response time may still have to wait two days for an answer.

What Customers Are Saying

For many customers, FirstDerm has become a reliable, accessible alternative to seeking in-person dermatological care. I used First Derm when I had a rash and didn’t have time to visit the doctor’s office,” says one customer. “I received a fast and accurate answer within a few hours.”

 


 

DirectDerm – Best for Pediatric Care

DirectDerm

Skin conditions can affect people of all ages, including babies, toddlers, children, and adolescents. DirectDerm’s team of dermatologists includes physicians who are trained in pediatric dermatology, making this platform an ideal option for parents whose little ones need dermatological care.

DirectDerm’s services are available 24/7/365. Once patients create a free account on DirectDerm’s website. they can submit cases, including photos, for a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist. DirectDerm is an asynchronous platform, and doctors respond within 48 hours with a diagnosis, treatment plan, and medication recommendations. In the event a prescription medication is needed, the dermatologist can order it from the patient’s local pharmacy.

A consultation with DirectDerm costs a flat fee of $95, although they do accept health insurance, so insured individuals may pay less for their services. Patients can also use their Health Savings Account (HSA) to cover the cost of a DirectDerm consultation.

Price Accepts Insurance More Features
Prices vary based on insurance

Per consultation: $95 (w/o insurance)

Yes -HIPAA-compliant
-Prescription services available
-Desktop compatible
-More features at DirectDerm

Pros & Cons of DirectDerm

Pros:

  • A main benefit of DirectDerm is that their team includes board-certified pediatric dermatologists, who specialize in working with children and skin conditions common with this age group.
  • Another pro is that DirectDerm accepts health insurance and Health Savings Accounts as payment for their services, making this platform a more affordable option for individuals with insurance.
  • DirectDerm’s dermatologists can also order prescription medications for patients if necessary. In the event a dermatologist determines a prescription is a necessary part of a patient’s treatment, they can order the medication from the patient’s local pharmacy.
  • DirectDerm guarantees that all patients will receive a response within 48 hours, although they often reply sooner.

Cons:

  • One of the drawbacks of DirectDerm is that it is a web-based platform only. There is no mobile app available, which may make it more difficult for patients to receive care on the go, if necessary.
  • Although patients receive the name and contact information for the dermatologist who reviews their case, DirectDerm does not provide any specifics about what type of follow-up care they provide to patients.

What Customers Are Saying

DirectDerm customers like that the platform offers them a fast, convenient way to get the care they need. Says one patient, “I was on a nine-month waiting list to see a dermatologist. Then I found DirectDerm. In two days, I had an appointment, and in two weeks, I had relief.”

 


 

MDLive – Best Comprehensive Telehealth Platform

MDLive

Since 2009, MDLive has been providing patients with virtual care for a variety of physical and mental health care needs, including dermatology, urgent medical care, counseling, and more.

MDLive’s team includes board-certified dermatologists who can treat more than 3,000 different skin, hair, and nail conditions through the service’s asynchronous platform. Patients can access dermatological care via MDLive through their website or by downloading their free app for iOS and Android devices. MDLive works in a similar way to many other teledermatology platforms. Patients send photos and a description of their condition, which is reviewed by a dermatologist, who then responds with a diagnosis, recommendations for treatment, and a prescription, if needed.

MDLive’s dermatological services are available to adults, as well as individuals under the age of 18 with a parent or legal guardian’s supervision. Common conditions treated by MDLive’s dermatologists include rashes, acne, warts, skin infections, insect bites, eczema, and more.

Price Accepts Insurance More Features
Prices vary based on insurance

Per consultation: $75 (w/o insurance)

Yes -HIPAA-compliant
-Prescription services available
-Mobile app
-More features at MDLive

Pros & Cons of MDLive

Pros:

  • A significant pro of MDLive is that it is a comprehensive telehealth platform that patients can use for a variety of healthcare needs, not just dermatology. Once a patient sets up an account with MDLive, they also get access to a range of other telehealth services, including care for acute medical conditions like viruses and infections, and mental health care.
  • Patients can opt to have MDLive send information about the care they receive via the platform to their in-person primary care physician, so that their medical records are always complete and up-to-date.
  • MDLive’s dermatologists have prescription privileges, so in the event a patient needs a prescription medication as part of their treatment plan, the dermatologist who reviews their case can order the medication from a local pharmacy.
  • MDLive offers its services in nearly 30 languages, making this an exceptionally accessible platform.

Cons:

  • Although MDLive states that they can reduce a patient’s wait time for dermatological care, they do not publish a guaranteed or typical response time for cases, which may make this service less appealing for individuals who need an answer right away.

What Customers Are Saying

Many customers say they turn to MDLive because they receive quality care with minimal wait times. “I was impressed with how the doctor handled things,” says one user. “The doctor was kind, listened well, asked questions, and answered all of my questions and concerns.”

 


 

Tibot – Best Free Tool

Tibot

Tibot is a unique teledermatology platform that uses artificial intelligence (A.I.) technology to give users free consultations about common skin conditions and issues. Patients can also use the platform to consult with a dermatologist, if they need additional information after their free consultation.

Users can access Tibot using their website or mobile app, which is available for iOS and Android devices. Tibot’s A.I.-powered skin consultation tool uses deep-learning image analysis, medical knowledge-based analysis, and experience-based analysis to provide users with information about the issue they are experiencing and possible treatment measures. Tibot is designed to track over 100 different types of skin conditions, including acne, psoriasis, eczema, bacterial and fungal infections, pigmentation disorders, and more.

It is free to get a skin analysis through Tibot. In the event a patient needs more information or follow-up care, they can use Tibot to connect with a dermatologist, although additional fees will apply.

Price Accepts insurance More Features
Free No -A.I.-powered
-Mobile app
-Optional dermatologist consultation
-More features at Tibot

Pros & Cons of Tibot Online Dermatologist

Pros:

  • The main pro of Tibot is that it is free to use. Patients can get a skin analysis free of charge, to help them determine if they need further care from an in-person dermatologist.
  • If a patient does need further consultation with a dermatologist, Tibot can help connect users with a virtual consultation.
  • Because Tibot is an A.I.-powered tool, it is convenient, and available 24/7/365. Patients can use the app any time, and find information about common skin conditions and treatments on the Tibot app or website.

Cons:

  • The main drawback to Tibot is that, as an A.I.-powered chatbot, it’s functionality is more limited than an actual consultation with a board-certified dermatologist. This analysis tool should not be used in place of medical care, but to help patients determine what type of care they should seek for common skin conditions.
  • Although Tibot offers to connect users with a dermatologist for a consultation for a fee, the platform does not provide details about how much these additional services cost.

What Customers Are Saying

Tibot users found this app helpful in identifying mild skin issues, and getting the follow-up care they needed. “This app was very useful,” writes one user. “I had a problem with my finger, and the app told me it was likely a bacterial infection. I visited a doctor, and he was able to confirm the diagnosis.”

IV. What You Need to Know About Online Dermatologists

As with most areas of medicine, virtual dermatology services are not meant to fully replace in-person care for skin conditions. While online dermatologists may be able to make treatment recommendations and order prescriptions based on photos and video or phone consultations, severe or chronic issues will likely need to be addressed with an in-person appointment with a dermatologist.

“Based on published studies, online dermatology has high patient satisfaction, reduces waiting times, and may reduce the time it takes for diagnosis of serious skin conditions”, states Susy Salvo-Wendt, Telehealth Specialist.  “If you have any skin areas of concern and are not able to see a specialist in-person, online dermatology is available and recommended.”

Generally speaking, an online dermatology consultation is a good first step to help you determine if face-to-face care is needed.

Additionally, it’s also important to be aware of the various state and federal laws that govern the availability and reimbursement policies of telehealth services, including online dermatology. These regulations have been changing rapidly, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has made telehealth services more vital than ever. Depending on where an individual lives, their access to an online dermatologist might be restricted. Users should be sure to review the fine print of online dermatology sites to confirm that they are eligible for virtual care.

V. Latest News

The majority of recent news coverage of online dermatology has been related to the growth of the practice, as well as expansions of insurance coverage for those seeking teledermatology services.

  • According to a report published in August 2020, the global teledermatology market size is predicted to grow to nearly $45 billion by 2027, spurred on, in part, by changes in care delivery related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • The state of Nebraska recently passed legislation requiring health insurance providers to cover asynchronous teledermatology services. The measure was introduced in January 2020, but took on additional urgency as pandemic precautions limited in-person healthcare.
  • As more patients have turned to online dermatology consultations, especially as a way to stay safe during the pandemic, experts have been offering advice for how to prepare and get the most out of a virtual dermatology appointment.

VI. Sources