You have been referred by your 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.
How does it work?
Whilst you wait, we will ask you to complete a short questionnaire and a nurse will be able to assist you if required. 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 will be reviewed by a dermatologist (skin doctor) within 2 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 we will only assess the specific lesion that your GP has referred you with.
What happens after my photographs have been reviewed?
The dermatologist may offer you further treatment or appointments once they have reviewed your photographs and questionnaire.
Outcomes:
You may be asked to.
• Come back for an urgent (2 weeks) or a routine (12 weeks) biopsy or removal of skin lesion. If urgent the waiting list team will be in contact within 72 hours.).
• Come back for an urgent face to face clinic appointment (2 weeks) with a dermatologist or Lead Nurse.
• Reassurance and a routine appointment letter (usually within 3 months). This may be for repeat photographs.
• Reassurance letter and no further treatment or follow up appointment required (Discharged).
No. We could ask you to come back urgently for several reasons. Urgent appointments will generally be seen within 2 weeks.
If there is any uncertainty around the diagnosis you will be called back for an urgent review by the dermatologist.
You will receive a letter in the post within 2 weeks of your appointment. If you have not heard from us after the 2 week period, please contact us on our telephone number: 01253 957089 / 01253 956238.
Studies have been undertaken in the United Kingdom and in this department have shown the same outcomes whether patients were seen in person or in a tele-dermatology clinic. The questionnaire we have asked you to complete gives the dermatologist additional information to aid diagnosis.
Yes. All your data will be kept safely in accordance with existing NHS regulations.
