Does Telehealth Work for Psoriasis?

Telehealth can be a great option for convenient and efficient care. Here’s an overview of some important benefits, when telehealth is appropriate and when it’s not, and some practical tips for an effective remote healthcare visit.

Telehealth enables patients to consult healthcare professionals remotely through video calls, phone calls, or secure messaging platforms.

This form of healthcare can be an effective option for managing psoriasis and psoriatic diseases.

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General benefits of telehealth

Not having to go into a physical doctor’s office for psoriasis care has many advantages. Some general benefits of telehealth appointments include:

Increased access to healthcare

Telehealth makes healthcare more inclusive and accessible for people with physical limitations and disabilities. For example, if you have mobility concerns, require oxygen therapy, or use a wheelchair, you can get healthcare from the comfort of your own home.

Telehealth appointments can also help expand and expedite healthcare, specifically if you’re living with psoriasis, by improving access to specialists. 

Convenience and flexibility

Telehealth also allows you to schedule appointments at times that are most convenient for you, often with shorter wait times.

Telehealth appointments also eliminate the need for travel, missed work, and child care requirements, making this type of visit exceptionally convenient.

Improved health outcomes

A more convenient telehealth appointment can lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment of psoriasis. Regular monitoring and frequent telehealth appointments may also help you manage your psoriasis more effectively.

A 2020 review of seven studies found that telemedicine alone or in combination with usual in-person care had the same or higher efficacy than usual care alone.

Protection of your privacy and confidentiality

Telehealth can provide a more private and comfortable setting for you to talk about your health concerns, especially when it comes to exposing affected skin on private or sensitive parts of your body.

Reduced risk of infection

For obvious reasons, not sitting around in a medical office of any kind keeps your exposure to germs low.

When is telehealth a good option for psoriasis?

Some appointment types are more suited for telehealth than others. The following points of treatment are typically effective with telehealth.

Initial consultation and diagnosis

Telehealth is a good option for your initial consultation with a dermatologist to discuss your symptoms and medical history and to receive a diagnosis. You may need to send photos of your skin, or have good lighting with camera access, for the best evaluation.

Follow-up appointments

Regular follow-ups can be conducted via telehealth to monitor the progression of your condition, assess the effectiveness of treatments, and make necessary adjustments.

Prescription management

Healthcare professionals can prescribe or adjust your medications remotely, including topical treatments, oral medications, or biologics. A telehealth appointment is especially ideal if your condition is stable on your current medication regimen.

Patient education

Telehealth is a great option if you have questions about psoriasis itself, treatment options, and lifestyle modifications.

Support and counseling

Psoriasis can have a significant emotional effect. Telehealth can provide access to counseling and support groups to help you cope with your condition.

Specialist referrals

If necessary, healthcare professionals can use telehealth appointments to refer you to dermatologists or other specialists to effectively coordinate your care.

How to prepare for a telehealth visit

Whether you’re brand new to telehealth or you’ve been seeing doctors for years this way, here are some tips to help optimize your appointment.

Check your devices

Be sure to answer your phone and check your email on the day of your appointment. Often, communications on how to connect with your doctor are sent 24 hours before your appointment. You may also need access codes or to install special applications or platforms on your electronic devices.

Make sure your electronic device is fully charged and that you have a reliable and stable internet connection.

It’s also a good idea to close other programs or applications running in the background on your electronic device before starting the telehealth appointments. This can help ensure a smooth connection.

If you’re having trouble connecting, try to restart your electronic device.

Check your insurance

Verify your insurance coverage and what your copay or coinsurance is. It’s unlikely that telehealth isn’t included in your plan, but it’s easier to avoid surprises down the road by taking this step.

Plan for your appointment

Make a list of everything you want to talk about with your healthcare professional. The more prepared you are before the appointment even starts, the more efficient the visit will be.

Be prepared to take notes and write down (or type) the answers they provide.

Find a private location

Take your telehealth appointment in a quiet and private place with good lighting. Consider wearing headphones for added privacy. Try to avoid distractions like loud sounds or other people moving around in the background.

Consider your clothing

Dress comfortably and be prepared for your whole body to be on camera, not just above the neck. Be especially prepared to show areas of your skin affected by your psoriasis. Wear clothing that’s convenient for this.

Digitalize your records

Make electronic copies of your documents and records so that you’re prepared to share them easily. This includes:

• identification (e.g., driver’s license, passport)
• health insurance cards (front and back)
• previous medical records including your general medical history, other medical professionals’ notes, imaging, labs, etc.
• your pharmacy information including address, phone number, fax number, and even a store code if you can locate it
• a list of your current medications and past medications:
  • Notes on why the past medications were stopped may also be helpful.
  • Consider having your prescriptions and over-the-counter medications with you during the visit in case you need to refer to the bottles or packaging.

Limitations of telehealth

While telehealth offers convenience and accessibility, some aspects of psoriasis care are not available through telehealth. These include:

• skin biopsies
• physical treatments, like phototherapy
• treatment for erythrodermic psoriasis

If you’re having any of the following serious symptoms or medical conditions, telehealth is not appropriate, and you should proceed to the nearest emergency department or call 911:

• chest pain
• difficulty breathing
• shortness of breath
• difficulty speaking complete sentences
• weakness or numbness on one side
• slurred speech
• seizures
• concussion or head injury
• abdominal pain
• obvious severe bleeding
• severe burn
• broken bones or dislocated joints
• redness and skin peeling affecting over 75% of the body
• severe itching
• severe joint pain

The bottom line

Overall, telehealth is a great option for people with psoriasis. Telehealth options for medical care can significantly enhance the overall management and quality of life of people with psoriasis.