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Online Dermatologist Put To The Test

BOSTON (CBS) - Getting an appointment with a dermatologist can be tough. Sometimes, we're not even sure we really even need to see a doctor.

A new option is making it much easier to get a professional opinion.

Laurie Reis is like most working mothers when it comes to finding time to go to the doctor. It can be almost impossible.

Related: Demand For Online Doctor Visits Grows

But Reis' skin was breaking out and she really wanted to find out if it was something serious. She didn't go to the doctor's office, however. She went online to www.dermatologistoncall.com.

Dr. Mark Seraly founded the site and believes it is essentially the same as a traditional visit, but without the wait.

The patient "uploads all their medical information and the process is similar to how it would normally happen in office, face to face," explained Dr. Seraly.

The diagnosis and a treatment plan are sent back to the patient within 11 hours.

"The consumers are ready for this,' said Dr. Seraly. "They've been online shopping, online banking."

Reis felt it was easy to use despite her lack of sophisticated computer skills. She was satisfied with her experience even though the $59 fee wasn't covered by insurance.

"The next morning I got up and the treatment plan was there," said Reis.

The doctor had even called in two prescriptions to her pharmacy.

This website is meant for a single issue, not a full body check. So far about a third of these virtual visits have been for acne. Patients have also inquired about psoriasis, eczema, and infections.

Dr. Justin Vujevich, a board certified dermatologist, was a little skeptical of this approach when he first heard about it. "Nothing ever replaces seeing a patient live," he explained.

He agreed to test the site, sending a previous patient's case that had already been backed up with biopsy results. The photo he sent of squamous skin cancer lesion would require a follow up visit for a biopsy.

The diagnosis came back within the promised time frame, but more importantly, was appropriate, instructing the need for an immediate follow up. "I thought that diagnosis should have been made."

Dr. Seraly believes dermatology is a perfect fit for this approach. "We take our boards looking at images. We re-certify by looking at images."

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