March 31, 2015
LUCY PEMONI/AP
Katy Meza, a Hawaii Medical Service Association employee, describes headache symptoms in a simulated conversation with Dr. Patricia Avila, a general practice physician, at HMSA headquarters in Honolulu, Tuesday , Jan. 13, 2009.
A Philadelphia dermatologist has launched a secure online platform to treat patients with acne over the Internet.
The Web platform - AcneCareMD.com- was launched Tuesday by Dr. Jamie Altman, owner and president of Aesthetic Dermatology Associates, PC, a dermatology practice with locations in the Philadelphia suburbs of Media and Paoli.
“Studies have found that with acne treatment, specifically, outcomes are no different whether a patient visits a dermatologist in the office or via a teledermatology visit," said Dr. Jamie Altman, who launched AcneCareMD.com.
Using the online platform, patients can share photos and descriptions of their skin ailments with board-certified dermatologists who, in turn, will provide them with individualized treatment plans and prescriptions for medication, if necessary.
According to a press release, the Web platform will be used to treat patients across the state from the comfort of their homes.
Patients will receive the same care over the computer that they would receive in an in-office setting, and each visit will cost $47. Coverage will be the same whether a prescription is received in-office or via the Web, per patients' insurance plans.
"The biggest obstacle to treating acne is patient compliance with treatment. This includes a patient consistently using his or her medication, and keeping follow-up appointments," Altman said, adding that "studies have found that with acne treatment, specifically, outcomes are no different whether a patient visits a dermatologist in the office or via a teledermatology visit."
Telemedicine is a rapidly growing sector of health care in the United States, with approximately 200 telemedicine networks, with 3,500 service sites in the U.S. More than half of all U.S. hospitals use some form of telemedicine.
