The US is facing a significant dermatology shortage, making it increasingly difficult for patients to receive timely care for their skin concerns. With wait times stretching to six months or longer for a dermatology appointment, many patients turn to primary care physicians (PCPs), emergency departments, and urgent care centers for help. However, non-dermatologists often face challenges in diagnosing and managing complex skin conditions. This is where technology, specifically VisualDx, is transforming patient care.
Closing the Dermatology Gap in Primary Care
Dr. Jeffrey Moon, an emergency medicine physician and assistant CMIO at Penn Medicine, sees firsthand the challenges non-dermatologists face when evaluating rashes. During a recent live event hosted by VisualDx, he shared a case of a patient who called his PCP seeking a dermatology referral due to a persistent rash. Knowing the referral process could take months, the PCP encouraged the patient to come in for an appointment.
Using VisualDx, the physician was able to quickly input the patient’s symptoms, review images, and confidently identify and prescribe an effective antifungal treatment. Within two weeks, the patient’s rash had cleared, eliminating the need for a dermatology referral and preventing patient leakage from the health system.
Dr. Moon emphasized that integrating VisualDx into the clinical workflow has been a game-changer for Penn Medicine. “It allows us to provide patients with rapid and accurate dermatologic assessments without having to wait months for a specialist referral,” he said. The platform supports non-dermatologists by offering guidance on diagnoses and treatments while also enhancing patient trust. By showing patients side-by-side images that match their skin condition, physicians foster a collaborative decision-making process, increasing patient satisfaction and confidence in their care.
The Role of VisualDx in Emergency Medicine
Emergency physicians are trained to handle a broad range of conditions, from heart attacks to infections to gunshot wounds. Yet, dermatologic cases can be particularly tricky, as they can range from benign to life-threatening. Dr. Moon recounted a compelling case of a 46-year-old Black female who presented with flu-like symptoms and a faint rash. Given the season’s high prevalence of flu and COVID-19, the medical team initially considered discharging her with symptomatic treatment. However, by using VisualDx’s AI feature DermExpert, a resident identified meningococcemia as a potential diagnosis.
“That moment changed everything,” Dr. Moon recalled. “Instead of discharging her, we kept her under observation, and within hours, she deteriorated rapidly. Thanks to VisualDx, we caught it in time.”
The decision proved lifesaving—her condition deteriorated rapidly, leading to a diagnosis of bacterial meningitis. Timely intervention prevented a dire outcome, and the case became a celebrated “Save of the Month” in the Emergency Department. This case underscores how VisualDx aids emergency physicians in distinguishing between mild and severe dermatologic presentations, ensuring patients receive appropriate care and timely interventions.
A Shift in Patient-Provider Dynamics
The use of VisualDx is not just about better decision-making—it’s about engaging and educating patients. Dr. Art Papier, CEO and co-founder of VisualDx, highlighted how healthcare has evolved from a paternalistic model to one that emphasizes patient involvement.
“Patients today want to be part of their healthcare decisions. They don’t just want to be told what’s wrong—they want to see it, understand it, and be involved in their care,” Dr. Papier said.
Instead of simply stating a diagnosis, providers can now involve patients in their own care decisions by visually demonstrating potential conditions and treatment pathways. This transparency builds trust and reassures patients that their providers have the expertise needed to manage their conditions effectively.
The Future of Dermatologic Care
As the dermatology shortage continues, solutions like VisualDx will play a crucial role in supporting non-dermatologists. By integrating AI-driven decision support tools into everyday practice, physicians can improve accuracy, reduce unnecessary referrals, and enhance patient engagement. At institutions like Penn Medicine, VisualDx is already proving its value, helping clinicians confidently identify and treat skin conditions while ensuring better patient outcomes.
The future of healthcare is one where technology bridges gaps, empowers providers, and ultimately, improves patient care.
“This is about more than technology—it’s about making sure every patient, regardless of where they seek care, gets the right diagnosis and the right treatment at the right time,” Dr. Papier concluded.
VisualDx is leading that charge, ensuring that regardless of specialty, every clinician has the tools they need to provide top-tier dermatologic care.
Transform Patient Care Today
Learn more about putting specialist-level tools in the hands of your non-dermatologists by scheduling a discovery call.