A new virtual dermatology service from OSF OnCall offers a way to get skin conditions diagnosed without an in-person appointment. For one Central Illinois woman, it meant finally getting relief from a problem she had been dealing with for months.
Susan Scott of Groveland, Illinois had been dealing with red, itchy and scaly skin around her eyelids all summer. She tried over-the-counter ointments, but nothing seemed to work.
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And as a busy mom with children's medical appointments to juggle, she didn't want to take time off work for what she thought was a minor problem.
So, she tried something different.
Scott logged into her OSF MyChart account, found the virtual dermatology service and submitted information and photos of her skin. The whole process took a few minutes.
She got a diagnosis of eczema and a prescription — all without leaving home.
“Filling out the form, providing my medical history, describing my condition and issues I was dealing with was quick and really didn’t take much time at all. So, it really was as quick and easy as they say it is.”
Within days, Scott's skin had cleared.
The OSF OnCall service connects patients with a board-certified dermatologist who reviews their information and photos.
A personalized treatment plan is provided within three business days or less, and prescriptions are provided if needed. Susan Wolf is the clinical director of Digital Care for OSF OnCall.
She says the service can be especially helpful for people who face long waits for dermatology care, including those in rural areas or with transportation challenges.
And she says people of all ages are using it.
"We’re seeing anybody from one year or less up to 90 plus that are using the service. We’re also noticing that family members are using the service for their loved ones as well, rather than just the patient themselves using the service.”
The service can be used for common conditions including acne, eczema, rosacea, rashes, psoriasis, warts, hives and ringworm, as well as some pediatric skin concerns.
OSF says if a patient needs an in-person evaluation, the OnCall care team can help coordinate follow-up with an OSF primary care provider or specialist.
Here is more information about OSF OnCall virtual dermatology services.
