Teledermatology
Learn how teledermatology can provide convenient access to personalized dermatologic care in Puerto Rico.
What Is Teledermatology?
Teledermatology is the practice of providing dermatologic care remotely using technology to evaluate and treat many conditions affecting the skin, hair, and nails.
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It isn’t simply a matter of sending a photograph. A dermatologic evaluation combines what the dermatologist observes on the skin with the patient’s symptoms, medical history, medications, relevant background, and how the condition has changed over time. Technology allows this information to be gathered and evaluated without requiring the patient and dermatologist to see or meet each other in the same place.
Why Dermatology Is Particularly Well Suited to Telemedicine
Dermatology is a highly visual medical specialty. Much of a dermatologic evaluation begins by carefully examining the skin and recognizing characteristics such as the distribution, shape, color, pattern, and texture of a lesion or rash.
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Dermatologists are trained to interpret these visual findings within the context of a patient’s clinical history. For this reason, high-quality clinical photographs combined with detailed medical information can provide the information necessary to evaluate many dermatologic conditions remotely.
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This makes dermatology particularly well suited to telemedicine. However, just as in traditional medical care, not every condition can be diagnosed or treated in the same way. Part of medical judgment is recognizing when the available information is sufficient and when additional evaluation is necessary.
A Model of Care Supported by Science
Teledermatology is neither new nor experimental. It has been studied for decades, with extensive clinical evidence supporting its use in the evaluation of many dermatologic conditions.
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Studies and systematic reviews have demonstrated substantial agreement between teledermatology evaluations and in-person dermatologic assessments. Evidence supports both evaluations based on clinical photographs and medical information and consultations conducted through real-time video.
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Teledermatology has also been incorporated into major healthcare systems as a way to expand access to specialists. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), for example, has used this model of care for years. Dr. Beauchamp’s first experience with teledermatology was while working with the VA in San Juan, remotely evaluating patients from clinics throughout Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Two Types of Teledermatology
Telederm PR offers both options, allowing each patient to choose the experience they feel most comfortable with.
Complete your medical information, answer a few questions about your skin concern, and submit clear photographs for evaluation by a dermatologist. Your evaluation will be available within 72 hours of your selected Photo Consultation date.
Schedule an appointment to speak directly with a dermatologist by video about your concern. You will also complete your medical information and submit photographs before your appointment.
Benefits of Teledermatology
Teledermatology uses technology to help reduce some of the traditional barriers to dermatologic care:
More efficient use of in-person care
When a condition does require an examination, test, or procedure in person, the patient can be directed toward the type of care that's needed.
Convenience
Allows patients to receive dermatologic care without necessarily traveling to a medical office first.
Greater access
Makes it easier to reach a dermatologist when an in-person appointment isn't readily available.
Flexibility
Asynchronous care doesn't require the patient and dermatologist to be available at the same time.
Direct care from a dermatologist
Your case is evaluated by a telederm PR dermatologist, not by an automated system.
Understanding the Limitations
Teledermatology is a valuable medical tool, but it doesn’t replace every in-person visit.
Image quality matters. Clear, well-lit photographs allow for a better evaluation. If the available photographs aren’t sufficient, additional images may be necessary.
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Some conditions require elements of a physical examination that cannot be reproduced remotely. Others may require laboratory testing, dermoscopy, or other diagnostic studies to establish a diagnosis. Biopsies, surgery, and other procedures require in-person care.
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Certain lesions or conditions may also need an in-person evaluation before a definitive diagnosis or treatment can be established. If your dermatologist determines that a condition cannot be adequately evaluated through teledermatology, we will explain this to you and provide guidance on the appropriate next step.
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Technology is a tool. Medical judgment remains the most important part. The goal of telederm PR isn’t to replace in-person dermatology. It’s to use technology to expand access to dermatologic care when it can be provided appropriately and safely, while recognizing when an in-person evaluation is the better option.
Frequently
Asked Questions
Have questions about teledermatology or how a virtual consultation works? Find clear answers to common questions about appointments, skin concerns, the consultation process, and what to
expect from your care.
Where is telederm PR located? Do you have an office in Puerto Rico?
telederm PR is a fully virtual dermatology practice. We do not have a physical office for patient visits and do not provide in-person appointments, physical examinations, biopsies, procedures, testing, or other in-person services.
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All consultations are provided through a Photo Consultation or scheduled Video Visit. You must be physically located in Puerto Rico at the time you receive medical care through telederm PR.
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If your condition requires an in-person examination, testing, biopsy, procedure, or other in-person care, we will let you know and recommend that you obtain the appropriate in-person care. Any in-person care is separate from telederm PR and is not included in your telederm PR consultation fee.
Can I cancel a Photo Consultation?
If you request cancellation before a telederm PR dermatologist has begun reviewing your consultation, a refund may be issued.
Once the medical evaluation has begun, the Photo Consultation is nonrefundable.
Does telederm PR provide emergency care?
No, telederm PR is not an emergency service and does not provide immediate medical care. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Can I cancel or reschedule my Video Visit?

Yes, you may change the date or time of your video visit.


If you cancel at least 24 hours in advance, you may receive a refund or reschedule your appointment. If you cancel with less than 24 hours’ notice, no refund will be provided, but you may reschedule once at no additional charge.
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Appointments that are missed without prior cancellation are nonrefundable.
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If telederm PR needs to cancel or change your appointment, you may choose a new date or receive a full refund.
Need Help?
We’ll be happy to guide you
Complete your clinical intake securely before your virtual dermatology consultation.