The Derm NP

The Derm NP is an online dermatology practice based in Batavia, Illinois. It provides care to patients in Washington, D.C. and 14 states, including Illinois, Iowa, Oregon, Utah and Vermont. The practice describes itself as dermatology-only, treating dermatology patients exclusively.

Patients can choose a live video visit or an asynchronous photo consultation. For photo consultations, patients upload four images taken in good light: front facing, left, right and from a distance. Live visits are offered Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 4:00 to 5:00 pm Central, and Friday from 12:30 to 3:00 pm Central. Each consultation is $37, charged by major credit card at booking or when a photo consultation is submitted. There is no membership, and the practice does not accept health insurance, though patients can use their insurance at the pharmacy for prescriptions. Patients register through a HIPAA-secure patient portal, which also handles consent forms, intake and scheduling, and they upload a government-issued photo ID when they sign up.

Each consultation results in a custom care plan rather than a standard template. Patients keep the same provider across visits, which supports continuity of care. Prescriptions go electronically to the pharmacy the patient chooses; the practice is not a pharmacy and does not ship medications. Pharmacy prior authorization requests are handled as needed, except for medications prescribed for cosmetic or anti-aging purposes. The practice says it refunds the consultation fee if a patient is not fully satisfied with care, and it states a guarantee of full satisfaction or a refund.

There are limits to what is handled online. Moles and pigmented lesions are not evaluated through virtual visits, and oral contraceptives and oral isotretinoin for acne are not prescribed. Injectable biologic medications for psoriasis are not prescribed through virtual or photo consultations. Patients must be 18 or older and not pregnant or nursing. The patient portal is not for emergencies, and anyone in immediate danger should call 911.

The practice's mission is to provide teledermatology care that is professional, personalized, caring and customized. Its stated vision is to expand online access to affordable dermatologic care in the states it serves.

Care is delivered online through a custom plan built at each consultation, with the same provider across visits.