Our UNMC dermatology team has a robust teledermatology platform and can see patients from across the state and region generally within a week. Our program is led by Director of Teledermatology Dr. Jennifer (Abrahams) Adams and Director of Inpatient Dermatology and Teledermatopathology Dr. Corey Georgesen. We are very proud of our virtual options which allow patients to see one of our board certified dermatologist from the comfort of their own home through multiple modalities. We are deliberately and continuously expanding our teledermatology program with plans to expand to inpatient dermatology, global dermatology and teledermatopathology in the future.
Our Teledermatology Platforms
- Video Telehealth Visits allow a real-time "synchronous" video visit between the patient and their dermatologist using a cell phone, computer or tablet from the comfort of the patient’s home. The patient is instructed how to take and send high quality photos and instructed on logging in ahead of the visit time.
- eVisits are "asynchronous" or "store-and-forward" electronic communications between the patient and the board certified dermatologists. eVisits allow our Nebraska Medicine patient to utilize the OneChart app from their phone or computer to upload photographs and ask questions for online or electronic management of skin conditions.
- eConsults are "asynchronous" or "store-and-forward" interprofessional (MD/provider to dermatologist) electronic/health record remote evaluation of a patient locally providing patients access to specialized care, close to home. Through dermatology eConsult the need for long travel is eliminated by virtually connecting primary care physicians and other providers with Nebraska Medicine dermatology physicians for consultation and treatment.
- Telephone Visits allow for phone based evaluation and management services for established patients.
Cases that are suitable for Teledermatology
Examples of skin concerns which are best suited to teledermatology include: rashes, acne, and checks of concerning lesions, concerns over a specific body area, consultation for skin care/cosmetic concerns and follow-up with your dermatologist. Unfortunately, a full body skin screening for skin cancer or check of many lesions are best evaluated in-person by your dermatologist during a clinic visit.
Preparing for a Teledermatology Visit
- Test out your webcam on a smart phone, tablet or computer.
- Test the volume and microphone on your device (i.e. smart phone or tablet), make sure it’s not muted and that you can hear clearly. If not, you may want to attach a external microphone or earphones.
- Plug in your device and make sure they are fully charged.
- Use a wired internet connection if possible as you are less likely to lose the connection compared to a Wi-fi connection.
- Close unnecessary programs running on your device. Having too many programs running can strain the device and reduce the quality of video chats.
- Open a compatible browser. Most video visits operate best on Chrome or Firefox browsers.
- Find a quiet space where you are unlikely to be interrupted. Eliminating distractions helps you and your dermatologist understand each other better.
- Adjust the lighting. Make sure the space is bright and well lit, natural lighting is best.
Lastly, prepare a list of questions or concerns ahead of time and place it in the spot where you will take the call or video visit.
How to Take the Best Photos
The higher quality your photos are increases the dermatologist’s ability to provide useful information for your concern. If the photos are poor-quality, the dermatologist may be limited in their ability to diagnose or offer treatment for your concerns.
- Photos should be taken in a well-lit area, natural lighting is best.
- Hide “distractions.” Remove jewelry, clothing covering the affected area, busy wallpaper (best to stand against a single toned surface), etc.
- Open the camera app and hold steady with both hands.
- Focus your photos by touching your phone screen directly on the spot you are concerned about. On most camera apps, you can pinch your fingers together to zoom in if necessary. Retake the picture if it’s blurry…
- Orient the camera parallel to your skin; do not angle up or down.
- If you are unable to take the photos due to location of the spot or other difficulties, please ask a trusted family member or friend to help.
- Take photos from more than one view point.
- Take a photo from far away (so the dermatologist can see where on the body it is) and at least one close up in focus.
- Save the photos in a folder or area where they are easy to access/share.