Online Triage in Dermatology: Technology and Benefits

This article covers the advantages of online triage in dermatology using an asynchronous teledermatology platform to virtually assess patients’ cases and prioritize those who need urgent care.

Author Jennifer Highland, Content Manager of Miiskin | Reviewed by Jon Friis, founder, and CEO of Miiskin

Covered in this article:
Patient Triage | Virtual Triage in Dermatology | Benefits | Asynchronous Triage | Triage Patients with Miiskin PRO

What is Patient Triage?

Triage is the prioritization of patients based on the severity of their illness, injury, or prognosis based on the availability of resources¹.

The urgent cases are seen before the non-urgent ones. Many healthcare organizations are adopting the concept of triage in different areas, such as scheduling, prioritizing, and managing patient care.

In Dermatology, in order to triage (prioritize) patients, providers should gather patient-reported information such as the chief complaint, symptoms, and other health-related information as well as some high-quality images to be able to prioritize care. For example, patients with suspicious-looking skin lesions should be seen first.

What Is Online Triage in Dermatology?

Online triage in dermatology is a digital process that helps prioritize and assess patients’ skin concerns before they have a formal consultation with a dermatologist. This involves patients submitting information about their symptoms, medical history, and often photos of the affected skin area through a secure online platform or app. A dermatologist or a trained medical professional then reviews this information to determine the urgency of the case and the next appropriate steps.

Key Features and Benefits of Online Triage in Dermatology

• Efficient Prioritization: It helps determine which cases need urgent attention and which can wait for a routine appointment, allowing dermatologists to manage their schedules more effectively.
• Time-Saving: By gathering initial information online, dermatologists can assess cases faster, minimizing unnecessary in-person visits and saving time for both patients and providers.
• Improved Access to Care: Online triage allows patients to get an initial assessment without the need to visit the clinic, making dermatological care more accessible, especially for those in remote areas.
• Better Preparation: Dermatologists receive patient details, symptoms, and images in advance, enabling them to prepare for the consultation with a clearer understanding of the patient’s condition.
• Patient Convenience: Patients can submit their information at any time, making the process flexible and convenient. This can lead to earlier detection of serious conditions and quicker intervention.

Overall, online triage in dermatology is an effective way to streamline the patient intake process, improve access to care, and ensure that patients with urgent needs are seen promptly.

Dermatology Patient Triage With Miiskin

Miiskin’s asynchronous digital platform is designed to facilitate effective patient triage in dermatology by allowing patients to submit their skin concerns without requiring real-time interaction. This method streamlines the triage process, making it more efficient for both patients and dermatologists.

How It Works

1. Patient Submission: Patients use the Miiskin app to upload detailed images of their skin condition along with relevant information, such as symptoms, duration, medical history, and any other concerns. This submission can be completed at any time, making it convenient for patients.
2. Asynchronous Review: Dermatologists review the submitted information at their convenience via a secure web portal. This means they can assess cases without the need for a live video consultation, allowing them to manage their workload more effectively.
3. Triage and Recommendations: Based on the images and data provided, the dermatologist determines the urgency of the case and the next steps. This could include:
   • Scheduling an in-person appointment if the condition requires a closer examination.
   • Prescribing medications or over-the-counter treatments.
   • Providing reassurance for non-urgent or benign conditions.

Key Benefits

• Improved Efficiency: Dermatologists can triage and prioritize cases without being tied to specific appointment times, allowing for better time management and more efficient care delivery.
• Access and Convenience: Patients can submit concerns from anywhere, eliminating the need to travel to a clinic for an initial evaluation. This is especially beneficial for those in remote areas or with mobility limitations.
• Reduced Wait Times: By handling minor or non-urgent cases asynchronously, dermatologists can free up their schedules to focus on more serious conditions that require immediate attention.
• Enhanced Documentation: The platform provides a record of submitted images and information, which can be used for follow-up care or comparisons over time, aiding in long-term patient management.

Miiskin’s asynchronous digital platform is a modern solution for dermatology practices, improving both efficiency and patient satisfaction by making the triage process simpler, faster, and more accessible while also reducing the number of no-shows for patients who have nothing new to report or sought care somewhere else.

Healthcare provider data shows that 75% of consultation requests obtained via Miiskin resulted in a scheduled appointment, and 83% of these were completed.

The average revenue per patient per visit was $230, which quickly covers the monthly subscription fee for Miiskin PRO for a single provider.

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References:
¹ https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/triage
² https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK82718/
³ https://mhealthintelligence.com/news/asynchronous-telehealth-gives-providers-an-alternative-to-dtc-video