Virtual care is now a trusted first step for many people with skin concerns. It’s fast, private, and skips the need for travel or time off. Nearly 75 percent of practices now provide telehealth, and for specialists like dermatologists, it’s become part of daily care.
Dermatology has especially embraced this shift. Many skin issues can be diagnosed through patient history and clear photos. People are choosing virtual visits for the same reason BrilliSkin was created: to make skin care easier and more accessible. Let’s walk through what you can actually expect from each experience.
One of the biggest differences between in-person dermatology appointments and teledermatology is access. Traditional dermatology clinics often come with long waits. A 2022 survey found the average wait time to see a dermatologist in a major U.S. city is 26.3 days. That’s nearly a month just to be seen. If you live in a small town or rural area, it can take on average about 13.5 weeks — that’s more than 3 months — just to get an appointment!
The major driver of these wait times? There simply aren’t enough dermatologists. According to a study by JAMA Dermatology, in cities, there are about 4 skin doctors for every 100,000 people, and in rural areas, there’s usually only 1 for the same number of people — or even none at all!
With an online dermatologist, booking is faster, sometimes same-day or within 24 hours. Virtual platforms also cut out the need for referrals, and in some cases, insurance approvals. You can often upload photos, share your history, and get a treatment plan without leaving home or rearranging your schedule.
Virtual dermatologist appointments are effective for many visible, routine skin concerns. Acne, eczema, and rashes are often manageable through online care, especially when symptoms are clear and consistent.
Still, not every condition is easy to evaluate through photos alone. Research suggests that while teledermatology can be highly useful, accuracy may depend on the image quality, symptom complexity, and the condition itself.
If your symptoms raise concern or require further testing, a virtual dermatologist can quickly guide you to in-person care. It’s not about replacing the exam room entirely. It’s about helping you take the right first step without waiting weeks or wondering if it’s worth the trip.
For people juggling multiple priorities like work, kids, and full calendars, making time to go to the doctor can be hard. Dermatology telehealth makes care fit into your day, not the other way around.
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) notes that teledermatology increases access to care and makes it easier for patients to follow up on chronic issues without delay. That means fewer missed treatments and better results over time.
Online care is a powerful option, but it isn’t right for every situation. If your condition involves a changing mole, requires a skin biopsy, or includes symptoms like severe pain, bleeding, or signs of systemic illness, an in-person visit is the right call.
The American Cancer Society recommends seeing a specialist in person for any suspicious skin growths or moles that have changed in size, shape, or color.
At BrilliSkin, we know how frustrating it can be to wait for answers. Our online dermatologist appointments are designed to make care faster, easier, and more personalized.
Here’s what to expect:
BrilliSkin takes the guesswork out of your skin concerns. Our advanced AI-powered triage system doesn’t just speed things up—it improves the accuracy of traditional teledermatology by intelligently categorizing your case from the start. Every submission is efficiently routed and always reviewed by a board-certified dermatologist, ensuring you receive timely responses and expert-level care. With BrilliSkin, you get the best of both worlds: cutting-edge precision and trusted medical expertise.
BrilliSkin is launching soon in New York to make expert skin care more accessible. Whether you’re looking for clarity on a chronic condition or fast answers for a new concern, we’re here to help.
