Virtual Visits

Dermatological care from the comfort of your home
OHSU Dermatology now offers the option of virtual visits. Patients can now connect with dermatology experts from any location (in Oregon, with an internet connection). Virtual visits:
- Are live, one-on-one appointments with a dermatology provider
- Are completed using a phone, tablet, or computer with a webcam.
- Take place at a scheduled time
- Are HIPAA-compliant and private
Anyone who meets the below criteria can call to schedule a virtual visit:
- Has a MyChart account
- Is at least 15 years of age (or is a guardian of someone under 15 years old)
- Is in the state of Oregon during the time of the virtual visit
- Is looking to make an appointment for a condition that can be addressed with a virtual visit (per provider discretion)
Virtual visits can be used to request medical advice for non-urgent dermatological conditions.
Not all conditions are seen via virtual visits. Virtual visits are best suited to appointments that are discussion based, rather than exam based. Some conditions require necessary follow-up care that cannot be done virtually. Technical limitations may also prevent some visits from being useful.
Virtual visits are scheduled under the discretion of our provider team. This is to assure the visit is a useful encounter for both patient and provider.
Virtual visits are treated as normal patient visits, thus are eligible for insurance coverage.
Virtual visits happen through a secure video portal on your MyChart account. Users should log into their MyChart account 15 minutes before the scheduled appointment time. Once in MyChart, log into the virtual visit portal.
Some tips for a successful virtual visit:
- Find a well-lit area for your visit
- Test your video equipment beforehand to avoid technical issues
- Assure you are in a private setting
For more information on virtual visits, including technology needs, before and day-of visit instructions, and troubleshooting concerns, visit Prepare For Your Video Visit.
Live video chats often have picture resolution limitations. Photographs offer higher resolution and can help your provider see your concern, thus we recommend sending photos of your concerns to your provider before your visit.
- Take photos of your concern. Tips on how to take high quality photos.
- Take at least one photo from distance (~12 inches away)
- Take at least one close-up photo (~3-4 inches away).
- Use MyChart Messages to securely share your photos to your visit provider. Do not send your images outside of MyChart.
- (Computer): From your MyChart screen, hover your mouse over MAILBOX, select ASK A QUESTION and choose CONTACT MY DOCTORS OFFICE. From here, select your provider as the recipient, type "photos" in the subject line, and click "attach an image". Browse and select your images, and then "send".
- (Phone/tablet): From your MyChart app, select MESSAGES and press the green SEND A MESSAGE button. Select your provider as the recipient, type "photos" in the subject line, click "add an attachment". When done attaching your images, select the send icon (envelope with an arrow found on the header).