Tele-Dermatology Rapid Access Clinic

Patient Information

• Author ID:           AJ
• Leaflet Ref:         Derm 071
• Version:              1
• Leaflet title:         Tele-Dermatology Rapid Access Clinic
• Date Produced:   December 2023
• Expiry Date:        December 2025

You have been referred by your General Practitioner (GP) for urgent assessment of a lesion on your skin. To direct you to the most appropriate care, you will initially be seen in our Photography Clinic which is based in:

Medical Illustration Department (Ground Floor)

Leigh Infirmary

The Avenue

Leigh WN7 1HS

How does it work?

Whilst you wait for your photographs to be taken, we will ask you to complete a short questionnaire, and a member of staff will help you with this. The photographer will take photographs of the skin lesion identified by your GP. We usually take 2 types of photographs; a standard lens photograph, followed by one with a microscopic lens which gives us high-quality close-up images. These are saved to your medical file and uploaded to the Trust’s Electronic Patient Record secure system. They are then reviewed by a Dermatologist (skin doctor) within 5 working days, to decide on the most appropriate course of action.

You will not have a face-to-face consultation with a doctor at this appointment.

Please note: if you wish for a second lesion to be assessed, we will ask you to complete an additional questionnaire.

What happens after my photographs have been reviewed?

The Dermatologist may offer you further treatment or appointments once they have reviewed your photograph(s) and questionnaire(s). You will be sent a letter with one of the outcomes outlined below after review of the photograph. The GP will also receive a letter.

Outcomes:

• Return for an urgent routine biopsy or removal of the skin lesion
• Return for an urgent face to face clinic appointment within 2 weeks with a Dermatologist or Nurse Specialist
• Attend for a routine face to face appointment (usually within 3 months). This may include repeat photographs
• Receive a letter explaining a follow up appointment is needed or no further treatment necessary (discharge).

How will I find out the outcome?

You will receive an outcome letter in the post within 2 weeks of your appointment. Your GP will also receive a letter.

If you have not heard from us after the 2-week period, please contact us on our telephone number: 01942 774768.

What happens if the photograph is not conclusive?

If there is any uncertainty around the diagnosis, you will be called back for an urgent face to face review by the Dermatologist.

Does an urgent appointment mean I have cancer?

No. We could ask you to come back urgently for various reasons. Urgent appointments will generally be within 2 weeks.

Will my photographs be stored safely?

Photographs which illustrate a patient's condition or any aspect of the treatment, form a part of that patient's medical records and are protected in the same way as any other medical record. The photographs will be stored securely on a password-protected database.