TABLE OF CONTENTS
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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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.”
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
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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 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
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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 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
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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 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
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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.”
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
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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 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) |
Yes | -HIPAA-compliant -Prescription services available -Appointment scheduling available -More features at Mandel Dermatology |
Pros & Cons of Mandel Dermatology
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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!”
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
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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.”
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
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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.”
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
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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 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
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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.”
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.
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.