How to Schedule and Prepare for a Dermatology Appointment Online

What happens in an online dermatology appointment

An online dermatology appointment works through video call with a dermatologist who can see your skin on camera. You'll describe your concern — a rash, acne, moles, hair loss, or another skin issue — and the dermatologist will ask questions about when it started, what makes it better or worse, and your medical history. They may ask you to move closer to the camera, change the lighting, or show them different angles so they can see the affected area clearly.

The dermatologist can diagnose many skin conditions from video alone, including eczema, psoriasis, fungal infections, acne, and common moles. They cannot perform biopsies, remove growths, or inject treatments during a video visit. If your condition needs those procedures, they'll refer you to an in-person appointment at a clinic or hospital.

The appointment usually lasts 15 to 30 minutes. At the end, the dermatologist sends a summary to your regular doctor and may prescribe creams, oral medications, or other treatments that can be filled at a pharmacy. Some practices also send you written care instructions or photos from your visit.

Key Takeaways

• Online dermatology appointments happen by video and work well for diagnosing rashes, acne, moles, and other visible skin conditions.
• You'll need a device with a camera and microphone (phone, tablet, or computer), good lighting, and a private space where you can show your skin.
• Book through your dermatologist's own patient portal, your primary care doctor's referral system, or a telehealth platform that contracts with dermatologists in your area.
• Prepare by noting when your skin problem started, what triggers it, what you've already tried, and any allergies or medications you take.
• If the dermatologist needs to biopsy, remove, or treat a lesion, they will schedule you for an in-person visit instead.

How to book an online dermatology appointment

The easiest route is through your dermatologist's own office if you've seen them before. Log into their patient portal, look for "Schedule an Appointment" or "Book a Visit," and select the video option. If you don't have a dermatologist yet, ask your primary care doctor for a referral — many practices now offer telehealth visits, and your doctor's office can send the referral electronically so the dermatologist has your medical history before you call.

If your insurance covers dermatology, check your plan's website for in-network dermatologists who offer video visits. Some insurers have their own telehealth platforms (like Teladoc or Amwell) that let you search by specialty and book directly. Others require you to call the dermatology office to schedule.

You can also use independent telehealth platforms — Ro, Curology, and Nurx focus on acne and skin care; Teladoc and Doctor on Demand cover general dermatology. These platforms connect you with a dermatologist in your state (not all states are covered), and you pay out of pocket unless your insurance contracts with them. Prices range widely depending on the platform and whether you need a prescription.

What to prepare before your appointment

Write down when your skin problem started, what it looks like (red, scaly, itchy, painful), and what makes it better or worse. Note any products you've used on the area — soaps, lotions, makeup, sunscreen — and any treatments you've already tried, including over-the-counter creams. If you have photos of the problem from earlier, save them to show the dermatologist how it has changed.

Gather your medical history: any skin conditions you've had before, allergies (especially to medications or topical ingredients), and a list of all medications and supplements you take. If you're seeing a dermatologist for the first time through a telehealth platform, you may need to fill out a health questionnaire online before the appointment.

On the day of the appointment, wear clothes you can easily remove or move aside to show the affected area. Wash your skin but don't apply makeup, lotion, or sunscreen to the area being examined — the dermatologist needs to see your skin as it actually is. Make sure you're in a well-lit room, ideally with natural light or a bright lamp nearby. Test your device's camera and microphone 10 minutes early so you know they work.

What the dermatologist will ask and examine

The dermatologist will start by asking you to describe the problem in your own words: where it is, how long you've had it, and what bothers you most about it. They'll ask whether it itches, hurts, bleeds, or spreads. They'll want to know if anyone else in your family has the same condition, if you've had it before, and whether anything specific triggered it — a new product, stress, sun exposure, or a recent illness.

Then they'll ask you to show them the area on camera. They may ask you to zoom in, move to better light, or show them the surrounding skin so they can see how far the problem extends. If the concern is on your scalp, they may ask you to part your hair or move it aside. For some conditions, they'll ask about your daily routine — what you wash with, how often you shower, whether you sweat a lot, or what you wear.

The dermatologist takes notes and may take screenshots of the video to include in your medical record. They'll compare what they see to their knowledge of common skin conditions and ask follow-up questions to narrow down the diagnosis. By the end, they'll tell you what they think is happening and explain the treatment plan.

Prescriptions and treatment after your appointment

If the dermatologist prescribes a medication, they'll send it electronically to a pharmacy of your choice, or they'll give you a prescription code you can use at any pharmacy. Most dermatology prescriptions are topical creams or ointments, though some conditions need oral antibiotics or other pills. The dermatologist will explain how to use the medication — how much to apply, how often, and for how long — and what side effects to watch for.

If you need a biopsy (a small sample of skin sent to a lab) or a procedure like removing a mole or injecting a treatment, the dermatologist will refer you to an in-person clinic. They'll explain why the procedure can't be done by video and help you schedule the follow-up visit. Some practices can schedule you right away; others send the referral to your insurance first.

After your appointment, you should receive a summary in your patient portal or by email. This summary includes the diagnosis, the treatment plan, any prescriptions, and instructions for follow-up. If you have questions after you read it, most practices let you message the dermatologist through the portal or call the office.

When an online appointment won't work

Online dermatology is not suitable if you need a biopsy, removal of a growth, injection of filler or steroid, or any procedure that requires touching your skin. It also doesn't work well for conditions that are hard to see on video — some fungal infections need a special light to diagnose, and some scalp problems need hands-on examination. If your dermatologist suspects skin cancer, they will almost always want to see you in person and may biopsy the lesion.

If you have a very new rash that's spreading rapidly, severe pain, signs of infection (warmth, pus, red streaks), or a reaction to a medication, you may need urgent in-person care at an emergency room or urgent care clinic rather than waiting for a dermatology appointment. Online dermatology is also not a good fit if you don't have reliable internet, a device with a working camera, or a private space to show your skin.

Insurance and cost

Most insurance plans cover online dermatology visits the same way they cover in-person visits — you pay a copay or coinsurance, and the rest goes to your insurance. The copay is often the same as for an office visit, though some plans charge less for telehealth. Call your insurance company or check your plan documents to confirm that dermatology telehealth is covered and whether you need a referral from your primary care doctor first.

If you don't have insurance or your plan doesn't cover telehealth dermatology, you'll pay out of pocket. Prices vary: independent telehealth platforms charge $50 to $200 per visit depending on the platform and whether you need a prescription. Some dermatology offices that offer video visits charge their standard office visit fee, which may be higher or lower than telehealth platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a dermatologist diagnose skin cancer over video?

A dermatologist can suspect skin cancer based on how a mole or lesion looks on video, but they will almost always want to see you in person and may biopsy it to confirm. If you have a changing mole, a lesion that bleeds or doesn't heal, or a spot that looks unusual, mention it clearly at the start of your appointment so the dermatologist knows to take it seriously.

What if my internet cuts out during the appointment?

Most telehealth platforms will try to reconnect automatically. If the connection drops for more than a few minutes, the office will usually call you back or reschedule. Let the office know right away if you lose connection so they can note it in your record and make sure you still get your prescription or follow-up instructions.

Do I need to see the same dermatologist in person later?

Not necessarily. If you need an in-person procedure, you can have it done at any dermatology clinic in your insurance network. However, if the same dermatologist who saw you online also has an in-person clinic, they'll already have your history and photos, which can make the follow-up visit faster.

Can I get a prescription for acne medication over video?

Yes. Many telehealth dermatologists prescribe acne treatments — topical retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics, or oral medications like isotretinoin — after a video visit. Some platforms specialize in acne and can prescribe within one visit; others may ask you to try over-the-counter treatments first or schedule a follow-up to check how you're responding.

What if the dermatologist thinks I need to come in person?

They'll tell you during the appointment and explain why — usually because they need to examine your skin more closely, perform a procedure, or take a biopsy. They'll help you schedule an in-person visit or send a referral to a clinic near you. You won't be charged for the video visit if they determine it's not appropriate for your condition.