In-person vs online dermatology: Cost, access, and care compared

Dermatology care is evolving. Patients no longer have to choose between long waits for in-person visits or the impersonal feel of big telehealth platforms. Miiskin brings both worlds together: the speed and convenience of online consultations combined with the trust, continuity, and expertise of seeing a dermatologist in person. Every consultation is reviewed by a board-certified dermatologist, so you get real expertise without shortcuts or generic care.

Here’s what makes Miiskin different:

• No long waits: Get answers in days, not weeks.
• Real dermatologists: Every case reviewed by a board-certified specialist.
• Continuity of care: Choose your dermatologist and keep them for follow-ups.
• Personalized treatment: Plans tailored to your skin and history, not generic protocols.
• Convenient & secure: Care from home, with full privacy and expert attention.

With Miiskin, online dermatology feels almost like visiting a trusted dermatologist’s office — just without the waiting room.

Dr. Allen says that one of the biggest differences between online and in-person dermatology is cost. An in-person dermatologist visit in the U.S. typically ranges from $150 to $400 without insurance. While Insurance may reduce these costs, deductibles and copays vary widely.

By contrast, online dermatology consultations are generally more affordable, especially for patients paying out of pocket. Many teledermatology services charge $40–$100 for a one-time consultation.

For example, Miiskin offers a simple pay-per-visit model:

• $59 for a first-time consultation with a board-certified dermatologist
  $30–$39 for a follow-up or prescription renewal
• Medications are purchased separately through a local or online pharmacy
  

This cost difference makes online dermatology an attractive option for routine conditions like acne, rosacea, eczema, fungal infections, herpes, or rashes, while in-person visits may still be necessary for procedures or more complex cases.

According to Dr. Allen, virtual dermatology is well suited to replace in-person care for many common skin concerns such as acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, hair loss, rashes, hyperpigmentation, fungal, bacterial or viral infections and cosmetic issues such as anti-aging. For these conditions, treatment often involves prescription creams, oral medications, or personalized skin care plans, which can be safely managed through telehealth.

Suspicious moles, potential skin cancers, and any issue that may require a biopsy or procedure must be evaluated in person. Likewise, surgical treatments and advanced therapies are only available through a clinic visit.

This division makes online dermatology a convenient first step for most routine conditions, while ensuring that more complex or urgent concerns are directed to in-person care when needed.

Continuity of care is an important consideration when comparing online and in-person dermatology. In traditional clinics, patients often see the same dermatologist for follow-up visits, which helps the provider track progress, adjust treatments, and maintain a full picture of the patient’s skin health.

Dr. Allen says online dermatology platforms vary in how they handle continuity. Some use large care teams where a patient might see different providers at different times, which can make follow-up less personal. 

However, when requesting dermatology care via Miiskin, patients can choose the dermatologist they want to consult, and that same dermatologist will handle follow-up and refill appointments. 

This approach gives patients the convenience of virtual care while maintaining the ongoing relationship that is important in managing chronic conditions such as acne or rosacea.

Dr. Allen says that the type of clinician you see can differ between online and in-person dermatology. In traditional clinics, most patients are evaluated by a board-certified dermatologist, a medical doctor with advanced training in diagnosing and treating skin, hair, and nail conditions. In some practices, nurse practitioners or physician assistants may also provide care under the supervision of a dermatologist.

Many online platforms use a mix of providers. However, some services, such as Miiskin and DermatologistOnCall, connect patients directly with board-certified dermatologists. Others, including Curology, Hers, and Nurx, rely primarily on nurse practitioners and physician assistants for routine care like acne or rosacea management. These clinicians are licensed to diagnose conditions and prescribe medication, but they do not have the specialized training of a dermatologist.

This difference is reflected in terminology. Dr. Allen says that a virtual dermatology provider may be any licensed clinician offering online skin care, while a virtual dermatologist specifically refers to a board-certified dermatologist. Knowing who is delivering the care can help patients set the right expectations and choose the service that fits their needs.

Dr. Allen says that insurance coverage is also often a deciding factor when choosing between online and in-person dermatology. 

Traditional dermatology clinics usually accept health insurance, and patients need to pay a specialist copay if their plan covers the visit. However, coverage depends on the network and deductible, and cosmetic treatments are not included.

According to Dr. Allen, although most online dermatology platforms operate on a cash-pay basis, the price of a virtual consultation is often lower than the typical specialist copay, which usually ranges from $50 to $75. 

For example, many of the dermatologists in the Miiskin network charge $59 dollars for a first-time consultation and $30 – $39 dollars for medication refill visits. This means that in many cases, patients may pay less out of pocket for online care than they would for an in-person dermatology visit, even when using insurance.

Access is another important factor. In-person dermatology depends on local availability, which can mean long waits in areas with few specialists. Online care removes some of these barriers by connecting patients with licensed providers across multiple states, although telehealth rules still require the clinician to be licensed in the same state as the patient.

Do I need a referral to see an online dermatologist?

Via Miiskin you don’t need a referral to consult an online dermatologist. Patients can start a consultation directly on the website.

What type of medication can an online dermatologist prescribe?

The online dermatologists in the Miiskin network can prescribe a wide range of oral, topical and customized formulas. The type of prescription is dependent on your preference and skin’s unique needs.

Can I get a customized skin care plan from an online dermatologist?

Yes, via Miiskin you can get a personalized treatment plan that may include custom prescription medications depending on your dermatologist’s recommendation.

What do I need for an online dermatology visit?

To start a consultation via Miiskin you just need your smartphone. You fill in a short medical questionnaire, upload clear photos of your skin concern, and submit them securely through the app or website. A board-certified dermatologist then reviews your case and provides a diagnosis and treatment plan. If a live video consultation is offered, you will also need a stable internet connection and a device with a working camera and microphone. In most cases, no special equipment is required beyond your phone or computer.

Are prescriptions from online dermatologists sent to any pharmacy?

Yes, prescriptions issued via Miiskin can be sent to any local pharmacy or an online pharmacy that makes home deliveries, if you have chosen to get a compounded treatment.

Do online dermatology services offer urgent care?

Via Miiskin you can get help with urgent but not life-threatening skin issues. Examples include sudden rashes, painful skin flare-ups, or fungal infections that need timely treatment. These platforms are not designed for life-threatening situations, which require immediate in-person or emergency care. 

Online dermatology can be a convenient option when you need quick attention for skin concerns that should not wait weeks for a traditional appointment but do not require emergency services.

Can online dermatologists provide second opinions?

Yes, via Miiskin you can get a second opinion on a diagnosis or treatment plan they received elsewhere. The dermatologists in the Miiskin network are all board-certified and have a high level of expertise when it comes to the diagnosis and treatment of skin problems.

How is payment for online dermatology visits?

Payment for online dermatology visits through Miiskin is simple and transparent. Consultations are pay-per-visit with no subscription required. A first-time consultation with a board-certified dermatologist costs $59, while follow-up or medication refill visits cost $39. 

Payment is entered at the time of booking but only placed on hold. You are charged only once your dermatologist has reviewed your case and provided a treatment plan. If your case is not reviewed within one week, the hold is automatically released back to your bank account. 

Prescription medications are not included in the consultation fee and are purchased separately through your preferred local or online pharmacy.

Can online dermatology help with prescription refills?

Yes, via Miiskin you can get quick and affordable prescription renewal visits, which often range between $30 – $39. These medication renewal visits are rather quick  since the condition is already diagnosed.

Do online dermatologists provide follow-up support after a visit?

Yes, with Miiskin you can send questions to your dermatologist through the platform’s secure messaging feature. The timeframe for free follow-up questions depends on the provider: some offer this service for a couple of days after your consultation, while others extend it up to a week. 

If you have additional questions after this period has expired, you can pay a $25 fee to message your dermatologist again.

How do I know if an online dermatology platform is legitimate?

Look for services that clearly list their providers, state licenses, and board certifications. Check that the platform complies with HIPAA regulations for privacy and security.

Do online dermatology services treat cosmetic concerns?

Yes, via Miiskin you can get treatment for anti-aging, hyperpigmentation, hair loss, and other cosmetic concerns through prescription creams and customized formulas.

How does online dermatology compare to in-person care for cosmetic concerns like anti-aging, dark spots, and acne scars?

Online dermatology is well suited for many cosmetic concerns that can be managed with prescription creams, topical treatments, and customized skincare plans. Ingredients such as tretinoin, hydroquinone, and other active ingredients that are commonly prescribed. These treatments are supported by numerous studies showing their effectiveness. They are also generally more affordable than in-office cosmetic procedures. 

In-person dermatologists, on the other hand, can provide access to treatments such as lasers, chemical peels, and microneedling, which are often more costly. For many patients, online care offers an effective and affordable first step, while in-person visits may be considered for more advanced or procedure-based results.

Can online dermatologists prescribe Accutane (isotretinoin)?

Yes, via Miiskin you can get a prescription for isotretinoin when it is medically appropriate. Because isotretinoin requires close monitoring due to potential side effects, dermatologists follow strict safety protocols that include regular follow-up visits, blood tests, and enrollment in the iPLEDGE program. Miiskin connects you directly with board-certified dermatologists who can determine if isotretinoin is right for you and guide you through the necessary monitoring process.