Virtual Visits
Dear Valued Patients,
I hope that you and your families are staying healthy and safe.
Due to this unprecedented pandemic, I am offering virtual visits through HealthLens. This teledermatology company was started by a South Bay Dermatologist in 2010. This type of virtual visit is known as asynchronous teledermatology meaning that you can now securely send photos and clinical information of any dermatology condition that you want evaluated through the HealthLens platform (https://healthlens.com/overview). I chose this system over live video visits because HealthLens give you more flexibility—you can submit outside of normal clinic hours. I will then get back to you within 2 business days with a diagnosis and treatment plan. If a prescription is needed, it will be sent to your pharmacy.
Most health insurances cover telemedicine as if it was a standard dermatology visit. On their secure website, you will enter your demographic information including your insurance information. Because not all insurances cover this service, a $65 fee will be collected. Your insurance will be billed after your visit. If your visit is covered, then your $65 minus any co-pay will be refunded to you. If you have not fulfilled your deductible, then the $65 will be put toward the amount, and you will billed as with standard visits.
Virtual Visits will start on Monday April 6th. To start a virtual visit, please visit our website at www.GladstoneClinic.com. If you have questions, please call 925-837-6000.
While some dermatology conditions are amenable to virtual visits, there are many that are not (e.g Accutane/Biologics/liquid nitrogen treatments/biopsies/excisions, etc) Though I have temporarily reduced staff, and limited the number of patients per day (to maintain social distancing), I am still seeing patients for the full range of skin conditions. We of course, are following the CDC guidelines for sanitizing our exam rooms and clinic. Our goal is to make our office one of the safest places you can visit outside of your home.
We wish you and your families continued good health, and we will get through these challenging times.
Warm regards,
Hayes B. Gladstone, MD and Staff
