Crutchfield Dermatology Offers Free Teledermatology Online Appointments for Those Who Need It and Takes A National Leadership Position in Telemedicine

EAGAN, Minn., April 6, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Dr. Crutchfield realizes that there are many people without insurance or who have recently lost their insurance and still need dermatologic care. As a result, Crutchfield Dermatology is offering 40 telemedicine/teledermatology visits every month, at no charge, for those who need it.

During a pandemic, other human health issues don't disappear. In fact, if additional medical clinics close or have limited availability, patients suffering from many different medical ailments will be forced to take up valuable appointment spots in urgent care centers, emergency rooms, and even hospitals. That is why it is so essential to maintain a robust telemedicine capability to free up the burden and stress that could potentially burden those other healthcare facilities so they can focus on providing care for those who urgently need it.

At Crutchfield Dermatology, we have conducted nearly 300 telemedicine (teledermatology) visits in the past two weeks. Per capita, per dermatologist, this leads the nation. The schedulers at Crutchfield report excellent results as patients are happy to sign up for virtual online teledermatology visits. Patients love the ability to get their skincare needs addressed without having to go to urgent care. They can do so from the comfort, safety, and convenience of their own home. "Patients give the teledermatology visits very high ratings." Commented Ashley N., lead nursing staff member.

Minnesota Governor Walz recently wrote a letter jointly with the Commissioners of Health and Commerce, urging health plans in Minnesota to extend coverage for most Minnesotans to receive medical care remotely – known as "telemedicine." Other state leaders praised the effort as consistent with legislation aimed at expanding remote care. "Crutchfield Dermatology was ahead of the curve on this one and are seeing patients who need it, without charge," commented Tim Quesnell, Clinic General Manager.

When it comes to online virtual telemedicine visits, we are incredibly flexible. Crutchfield Dermatology utilizes several telemedicine platforms including, but not limited to, Zoom, Skype, FaceTime, Google Duo, WhatsApp, GoToMeeting, Slack cell phones, and even emailed photos combined with landlines. As a result, Crutchfield Dermatology can now serve about 95% of all patients who need an online virtual dermatology appointment.

Another positive is that most skin conditions are very amenable to telemedicine. Dr. Crutchfield can see the problem right on the monitor. With the quality of most computer cameras and cell phones, the picture quality is outstanding. For the few visits where there is a suspicious lesion, the doctor can have the patients come into the clinic, with full safety precautions. In urgent cases, the clinic can handle acute medical needs, in-person, also. "In fact, we have detected three melanoma's via teledermatology over the past two weeks." reports Dr. Crutchfield

In these unprecedented times, we are fortunate to be able to help and feel honored to serve all those with dermatologic needs, including those who can't afford it." said Charles E. Crutchfield III, M.D., Medical Director of CrutchfieldDermatology.com

All they have to do is call our gratis telemedicine coordinator, Kelly M., at 651 209 3628, and she will take it from there.

About Charles E. Crutchfield III, M.D.:
Charles E. Crutchfield III, M.D. is a graduate of the Mayo Clinic Medical School and a Clinical Professor of Dermatology at the University of Minnesota Medical School. He currently is the Medical Director of Crutchfield Dermatology in Eagan, (serving the greater Minneapolis-St. Paul area), Minnesota. Dr. Crutchfield is an annual selection of the "Top Doctors" issue of Mpls. St. Paul magazine. He is the only dermatologist to have been selected as a "Best Doctor for Women" by Minnesota Monthly magazine since the inception of the survey. Dr. Crutchfield has been selected as one of the "Best Doctors in America," an honor awarded to only 4% of all practicing physicians. Dr. Crutchfield is the co-author of a children's book on sun protection and dermatology textbook. He is a member of the AΩA National Medical Honor Society, an expert consultant for WebMD and CNN, and a recipient of the Karis Humanitarian Award from the Mayo Clinic School of Medicine. Dr. Crutchfield was also given "first a physician" award, Healthcare Hero, 100 most influential healthcare leaders in Minnesota, and one of the Top 100 African –American Newsmakers in the United States by TheGrio, an affiliate of NBC News. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grio_Awards

SOURCE Crutchfield Dermatology