The Growing Dermatology Access Problem
Across the U.S., dermatology access remains one of the most significant gaps in specialty care due to limited access and long wait times.. Studies show that days needed to see a dermatologist can stretch from 30 days to more than six months in many areas. For independent practices — especially those serving rural or underserved communities — the challenge is even greater.
This dermatologist access shortage leaves many primary care healthcare providers in a difficult position. Patients often present with skin concerns — rashes, acne, hair loss, suspicious moles — but immediate specialty input isn’t often available. As a result, primary care healthcare professionals are left managing dermatology cases beyond their comfort zone or delaying treatment until patients can be seen by a dermatologist.
The Cost of Delayed or Missed Dermatology Care
When skin conditions go undiagnosed or undertreated, the impact can be significant:
- Worsening disease progression: Chronic conditions like psoriasis, eczema, or acne may become more severe or harder to control.
- Missed serious diagnoses: Suspicious lesions or moles that could be skin cancer may go unchecked and/or untreated for months.
- Patient dissatisfaction: Patients expect answers. Delays in care can lead to patient frustration, loss of trust in the healthcare field, or patients seeking care elsewhere (such as misinformation on the internet or social media).
- Provider burnout: Managing complex dermatologic issues without specialist support can be stressful and time-consuming for primary care clinicians.
- The result? Patients suffer, and primary care healthcare professionals feel unsupported.
How DermaGuidance Helps Bridge the Gap
That’s where DermaGuidance comes in. Our direct dermatologist-to-provider consult service is designed specifically for independent practices like DPC physicians, nurse practitioners, and PAs.
Here’s how we help:
- Faster access to expertise: Instead of waiting months for a referral, primary care healthcare professionals can submit a dermatology case on behalf of their patient and receive timely, board-certified dermatologist input.
Better patient outcomes: Early, accurate diagnosis and treatment recommendations mean skin conditions are managed appropriately before they worsen. - Improved patient satisfaction: Patients feel reassured when their provider has immediate access to specialty-level insight.
- Stronger practice reputation: Offering integrated dermatology support sets your practice apart and builds trust within your community.
How DermaGuidance Works:
- Patient presents with skin concern
↓ - Primary Care Physician/NP/PA submits case
↓ - Board-Certified Dermatologist reviews & advises
↓ - Faster Answers. Better Outcomes. Happier and Healthier patients
By reducing referral delays and supporting primary care healthcare professionals where they need it most, DermaGuidance helps ensure patients get the care they deserve — without the wait
The Bottom Line
Skin conditions are among the most common reasons patients seek medical care, yet specialty access remains one of the greatest barriers. Independent healthcare professionals shouldn’t have to choose between delaying care or practicing beyond their training and/or comfort level.
With DermaGuidance, you don’t have to. Together, we can bridge the gap between primary care and dermatology, improve outcomes, and deliver the kind of patient-centered care your community deserves.
Visit www.beskinspired.com/dermaguidance to submit a patient case or email DermaGuidance@beskinspired.com if you have additional questions about our services.
Stock Images by Freepik
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is dermatology access such a challenge for primary care practices?
There are fewer dermatologists per capita than ever before, and many practice in large urban centers. In many regions, patients face wait times of three to six months (or longer) for a new appointment, leaving primary care providers to manage complex skin conditions without specialist input.
How does DermaGuidance support DPC physicians, NPs, and PAs?
DermaGuidance provides a secure, store-and-forward consult service: you submit patient history and clinical photos, and a board-certified dermatologist returns detailed recommendations—typically within a short turnaround—so you can start treatment without a long referral delay.
What types of conditions can be reviewed through DermaGuidance?
Almost any non-emergent dermatologic concern such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, hair loss, suspicious moles, and rashes. Urgent cases that require in-person evaluation (for example, suspected melanoma excision) are identified so you can arrange immediate care.
Is the service HIPAA-compliant?
Yes. All case submissions and communications are encrypted and meet HIPAA standards, ensuring that patient information remains protected at every step.
How do I integrate DermaGuidance into my workflow?
It’s designed for busy practices: choose your consultation type, securely upload photos and clinical notes, and receive actionable dermatologist feedback you can document in your EMR. Most practices can be up and running in a single session.
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