Susan Scott, a resident of Groveland, Illinois, recently sought help for persistent red, itchy, and scaly skin around her eyelids. After months of self-treatment with over-the-counter ointments, she turned to OSF OnCall's new virtual dermatology service for a quicker solution. Balancing work and her children's medical appointments, Scott preferred avoiding in-person doctor visits for what she considered a minor issue.
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Using her OSF MyChart account, Scott submitted information and photos describing her condition. The process took about five minutes. On Labor Day, she received an email from a doctor diagnosing her with eczema and providing a prescription that was called in to her local Walmart pharmacy. By the following weekend, her symptoms had cleared up.
OSF OnCall Virtual Dermatology allows patients to upload images and information regarding their skin issues to be reviewed by board-certified dermatologists. Users receive a personalized treatment plan within three business days, and prescriptions can be issued as needed. The service addresses common skin conditions such as acne, eczema, rashes, psoriasis, and hives.
Susan Wolf, DNP, MBA, APRN, the clinical director of digital care for OSF OnCall, noted that the average wait time for an in-person dermatology appointment is about five weeks. This delay is often concerning for both healthcare providers and patients seeking timely answers to non-urgent skin issues.
The virtual service is particularly beneficial for individuals in rural areas who face transportation challenges. The demographic of users ranges from infants to over 90 years old, with family members often assisting in the process. The service is also instrumental for older adults with complex medical needs who might struggle to travel to appointments.
For Scott, the rapid turnaround of the virtual service was a pleasant surprise. The $60 self-pay fee, which can be processed via health savings accounts, made the experience accessible. Scott expressed regret for having waited so long to seek help, as her skin condition could have been addressed much sooner. OSF OnCall's virtual dermatology is not suitable for certain serious conditions, such as moles showing irregular changes or lesions that require further examination.