Telehealth

A convenient dermatology visit from the comfort of your home.

During your virtual visit, we can diagnose, prescribe, and order tests if necessary. HMGS dermatology recommends the use of this app for rashes, psoriasis, eczema, acne (including isotretinoin/Accutane), management of biologic drug therapy, certain medication refills that require a visit, skin lesions, etc. If we determine that your condition is urgent, we will schedule an in-office visit if necessary.

This service is available to new and established patients. If you have not used this service before, please contact our office during business hours for APPatient username and password.

To get started, click the appropriate button, depending on your phone, below to download the APPatient app for your iPhone or Android.

APPatient™ for iPhone

APPatient™ for Android

After you have downloaded the app, you will be prompted to enter login information.

• Practice URL: hmgderm.ema.md
• Username & Password – contact our office for this information.

You will answer questions about your skin and then take photos of your skin for the provider to review. Once your visit has been initiated, the provider will contact you within 48 hours with a video visit.

Follow these tips to take clear and focused photos of your skin:

• Take images in a well-lit area. Natural light is the best. Avoid harsh light or a reflected shadow.
• Make sure that your images are in focus.
• If possible, have a solid background in your photo.
• Remove any jewelry or watches that may distract.
• Take both a faraway and a close-up image of your rash or spot.
• The close-up image should have equal parts of healthy skin surrounding the spot or rash.
• Faraway images should include “landmarks,” such as an ankle, shoulder, or elbow, to help your dermatologist understand where the rash or spot is located on your body.
• The rash or spot should be in the center of the images.
• If possible, use a coin (such as a quarter, or dime) in your close-up image to give your dermatologist an idea of how large the area of interest is.

Getting Set Up for Telehealth Visits

Step 1: Request Your Telehealth Visit

If you are a new patient, contact HMGS Dermatology by phone or Klara message, so insurance information and demographics can be obtained. You can request a scheduled appointment with your provider or allow the provider and you to arrange a mutually agreeable time.

Step 2: Get Access to Your Patient Portal

You’ll need a patient portal login to access your video visit from a web browser or to use APPatient. Please contact your physician’s office for patient portal access or login assistance.

Step 3: Download the APPatient App

Download the APPatient app from the App Store or Google Play for use on your iPhone (iOS12 and above) or Android device (v. 7.0 and above). You do not need a username or password to access video visits on APPatient, but the app must be installed. You will need this login info to access other features on APPatient.

Step 4: Prepare for Your Video Visit

In addition to downloading the app, you will want to complete any instructions from your physician’s office. You may be asked to complete forms or upload information to your patient portal.

Step 5: Join the Video Visit

When your physician is ready, you may receive a message from your provider in the APPatient App. You may also receive a APPatient notification.

Your provider will text you a Telehealth Alert link on your mobile device when they are ready.

If you are experiencing difficulties connecting to APPatient, please call our office. It may be possible to conduct the visit via FaceTime or Skype.

NOTE: Due to the COVID-19 health crisis, most insurance companies are covering telehealth visits. However, you are responsible for any charges billed to your insurance, including co-pays and deductibles. Please contact your health insurance provider regarding the most up-to-date information. We will submit the bill to your insurance company on your behalf. If your health coverage does not fully cover this service, you will be responsible for any remaining charge.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: If you have or think you might be having a medical emergency or urgent medical problem, immediately dial 911. The use of telehealth services might not be appropriate for all medical conditions or concerns.