Video Consultations via ClineCall
At Dermatology Consulting, the safety and well-being of our patients, staff and the general public are of utmost importance. Consequently, we are taking the Coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak extremely seriously and adhering to guidelines set forth by the government and Public Health England—one of which is to limit all non-essential in-person interactions.
With that being said, we understand dermatological issues will still arise and may even require treatment during this global pandemic. Therefore, we are offering video consultations via ClineCall to virtually assess all medical and cosmetic skin conditions and provide such guidance or care possible as we continue to navigate this extraordinarily challenging period.
Before deciding whether to take part in a virtual or telephone consultation it is important that you understand that there are limits to what can be achieved by a telephone/virtual consultation. and that Dr Farrell’s ability to make a diagnosis and/or treatment plan may be limited, and so in some cases the only advice Dr Farrell will be able to give is about whether a face-to-face consultation may need to be arranged. It is important that you understand that Dr Farrell may only be able to make a ‘working’ or preliminary assumed diagnosis because some conditions require a close-up examination in person, or investigations such as a biopsy, for a firm diagnosis. If Dr Farrell is only able to make a ‘working’ or preliminary assumed diagnosis she will inform you of that fact and of any risks involved in proceeding with a treatment plan without the benefit of a firm diagnosis. This is to enable you to make an informed decision about whether to accept any such risks.
How Do Video Consultations Work?
As part of our efforts to provide video consultations that are user-friendly and secure, Dermatology Consulting are holding them through ClineCall. ClineCall is a cloud-based video conferencing platform that can be accessed from your desktop computer, laptop, tablet or mobile smartphone. While we cannot take responsibility for any problems or weaknesses with the software itself, we have selected ClineCall because it is a video conferencing service designed for use in a clinical setting.
Step 1: Schedule Your Consultation
To schedule your video consultation, you will first need to contact us through our online form or by telephone on 01892 517620 (just as you would to book an appointment under normal circumstances). If completing the online contact form, simply fill out all of the fields listed and check the applicable box to consent to our Privacy Policy before clicking the “Submit” button. If phoning, please make sure to provide your name, the reason for your consultation request and the best telephone number and email address to reach you.
Once we have received your message, a member of our team will contact you via telephone to book your virtual appointment at a date and time that is convenient for you. An email will then be sent to confirm the details of your consultation and provide you with the pin required to join your ClineCall video conference.
Step 2: Download & Install the ClineCall App
If this is the first time you have used ClineCall, it is recommended that you proceed with the download and installation of the ClineCall application upon receipt of your confirmation email in order to ensure smooth access to your video appointment when the time comes. To download and install the app, simply click on the “CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CALL” button in your email, click again on the “First time here?” box and follow the onscreen instructions. If prompted as to whether or not the software can be trusted, you will need to select “Trust” to complete the installation.
Step 3: Join Your Consultation
When the time of your virtual consultation arrives, you can join the video conference by clicking the link provided in your confirmation email, or by opening the ClineCall app and manually entering the pin found in your email. In either case you will need to check tick the “Terms and Conditions” box. Then, click “Start Video Call” and adjust/confirm your microphone and speaker settings. Doing so will take you to a virtual waiting room until Dr Farrell begins the conference. In order to ensure you protect your confidentiality at your end, we recommend you ensure that you join the consultation somewhere where you cannot be overheard or overlooked.
Step 4: Video Chat with Dr Farrell
Once Dr Farrell begins the meeting, you will be able to communicate “face-to-face” via the live online video feed. After verifying your identity, she will proceed with the consultation by listening to your dermatological concerns, offering guidance and formulating a plan of action.
In the event your issue is urgent or potentially life-threatening, such as suspected severe skin cancer, Dr Farrell will provide you with advice to enable you to make an informed decision as to whether to move forward with an in-person assessment and subsequent treatment. If an in-person consultation or treatment is arranged, Dermatology Consulting will require you to comply with extra safety measures to minimise the risk of Coronavirus infection.
If your skin concerns are cosmetic or non-urgent, she will discuss what you can potentially do at this time (such as utilise skin care products and/or take prescription dermatology medications), or she will recommend effective treatment options that will be available to you once in-person care can be safely resumed.
