When should I consider an online dermatology consultation?

When you have a specific skin, hair or nail concern and you’ve tried to treat it yourself, but nothing seems to work, it might be time to explore the world of online dermatology. Maybe you have a super busy lifestyle or prefer to consult from home, or you live far away and don’t frequently travel to a city. Another reason to consider an online consultation is when you’re finally ready to find the quickest solution for your condition.

Dermatology Benefits for Everybody

Dr Derma: Bridging the gap in dermatology care

*South Africa has a shortage of dermatologists, who mainly practice in densely populated and urbanised areas, with 78% practising in the private sector. What this means is that if you need to see a dermatologist, you’ll typically have a long waiting period, sometimes up to three months, before you can get an appointment, you’ll have to travel to a city or take time off from work. It could all become very expensive and time-consuming, so much so that you might ignore your condition without receiving the care that you need.

The benefits of online dermatology (Teledermatology) with Dr Derma

Priority access to expert dermatology: Dr Derma offers South Africans more convenience by being able to access a specialist dermatologist from anywhere, at anytime.
Access to outlying regions: Dr Derma helps to address skin health disparities in rural, outlying regions, or underserved areas by providing access to dermatological care that may not be readily available locally.
Care for many: A patient’s consultation can be viewed and diagnosed within 48 hours, allowing the doctor to see more patients. (Time from consultation to diagnosis may vary.)
Patient education: Through their online practice, a dermatologist can explain skin conditions, offer expert guidance, and recommend preventive measures to patients.
A valuable triage tool: Dr Derma helps dermatologists to prioritise cases, schedule urgent in-person appointments where needed, and manage patient care effectively with regular follow-ups.

Consult with a Dermatologist Online

Dr Derma: A commitment to quality care

“At Dr Derma, we’ve already made significant strides in the dynamic field of teledermatology. Our commitment is to provide a safe and secure online practice for dermatologists, where they are accessible to all South Africans, no matter their location or situation.”– Christelle Wates, Dr Derma Owner.

We know you have questions, and we’re here with the answers!

Why do I need a diagnosis?

If you suspect that you have a skin, hair or nail condition, it’s important to consult with a dermatologist, who’ll be able to assess the severity, diagnose and prescribe medication, a treatment plan, or offer advice.

Will I get an e-script with each online consultation?

It’s important to note that while Dr Derma’s online dermatology offers you convenience, it may not be suitable for all cases. Some conditions may require physical examination or in-person procedures. In such cases, our dermatologists may request an appointment in their rooms or recommend a referral to a local dermatologist for further evaluation or treatment.

What is the sign-up procedure?

Visit www.drderma.co.za to start your online consultation. We recommend that you select a dermatologist in your region in case you think you may need to schedule an in-office appointment for further evaluation or treatment. However, feel free to select a dermatologist outside your region for “non-serious” conditions, such as enquiring for a script for a retinol prescription for aesthetic purposes.

Why can’t I just “zoom call” or email photos to my dermatologist?

Ah, this is a good and important question! When it comes to medicine, doctors need to follow strict protocols for patient record-keeping to remain ethical and compliant. Regular communication platforms, like those used for general chatting, don’t offer these safety measures. Therefore, they aren’t safe, secure, or appropriate for online medical consultations.

Dr Derma takes great care to protect your personal information, safety and security is our top priority. You will be able to access a secure and private patient portal with enhanced login security, where you can access your own consultation history, e-scripts, and invoices. We will never request or share confidential information via email and never offer consultations in an unsecured environment.

How much will it cost, and will my medical aid pay?

If you are a first-time patient, the standard consultation fee is R 999. However, if you are an existing patient, your dermatologist will have their own practice rate and will send you a unique consultation invitation link.

Regarding medical aid: It’s essential to contact your medical aid provider or review your policy documentation to understand your specific coverage for dermatology visits. All the necessary information will be provided on your invoice to claim from medical aid.

Ready to take advantage of convenient and accessible online dermatology?

Click here to find a dermatologist on Dr Derma and start your journey.

Testimonials from some of Dr Derma’s Partnering Dermatologists

Dr Derma Testimonials

“I find it very convenient to treat patients through this medium, and the response has been hugely positive. The Dr Derma team is responsive and has shaped this application to perfectly suit the dermatologist’s needs” – Dr Willie Visser

“Dr Derma fulfils a critical need in my busy dermatology practice where the waiting time for a new patient appointment is 12 months. It’s not just about streamlining appointments; it’s about fast-tracking the care my patients need. By efficiently addressing common concerns virtually, I’m able to free up precious in-person appointment times for vital skin cancer screenings and urgent skincare concerns, ensuring no one’s skin health is compromised by waiting” – Dr Vanessa Lapiner

“Dr Derma is a breath of fresh air, with regards to online dermatology consultations. It’s given so many of our patients easy access to consult where they would usually struggle to get appointments in our busy schedule” – Dr Lushen Pillay

“Dr Derma consultations make it possible for me to help my patients get back to healthier skin in a timely manner – bring back their confidence and help those who are suffering with terrible skin conditions. From the comfort of their home, they can initiate a consultation, and I can answer it even in the middle of the night or even on weekends. They can receive treatment without having to wait weeks or even months sometimes. I often identify dangerous lesions and expedite their appointments. I like to bring in my own personal touch – it’s never a copy-paste response. In our busy lives, this really is the future of personalised, virtual care for healthier skin.” – Dr Suretha Kannenberg

“Online virtual consults give patients easy access to dermatological care without having to wait months to see a dermatologist. It also provides access to specialists for patients who live far from the main cities and towns with dermatologists who previously had to travel far” – Dr Tarryn Jacobs

“Convenience is delivering appropriate information in a timely manner on a reliable platform. With our fast-paced lifestyles, and recent situations like the covid pandemic, online dermatology provides exactly that.” – Dr Bhavna Singh

“Online dermatology has been a valuable addition to my practice. Not only allowing easier access in cases of longer waiting times but also allowing me to screen patients for earlier appointments if needed.” – Dr Lauren Knight

“It has been a life-changing experience for my patients to access their dermatologist from the comfort of their own space! A great platform for my patients, hassle-free and a shorter waiting time at their convenience to still get the most from their dermatologist!” – Dr Muhanyisi Mukansi

“Dr Derma has helped reduce the travel time for my patients who stay out of town and cannot make it in time for their follow-up appointments. It’s also convenient for my student patients studying far away and needing a follow-up or a repeat prescription. It’s also enabled me to reach a wider audience outside my province and often helps my patients to eliminate the long waiting time for a physical appointment. The service is very easy to use, all my notes are secured safely, and the patient can easily access their treatment. It’s really helped make dermatology services more accessible to a wider audience.” – Dr Cebisile Sibisi