TL;DR: Key Takeaways
- Teledermatology = dermatology care delivered remotely
- Three modes: store-and-forward (photo), live-video, hybrid
- Cost: $19.99–$85 anonymous photo; $75–$200 live-video with prescription
- 80–90% concordance with in-person for photographable conditions
- AI screening is a fourth, separate category — instant and often free
What is a "free AI prediction"?
A single AI screening result on a photo you upload, delivered in your browser without an app install or an account. Free predictions are a triage tool — not a medical diagnosis — and are governed by our Terms of Service.
The three modes of teledermatology
- Store-and-forward: you upload photos + a short form; a clinician replies within hours or days. Most common.
- Live-video: real-time video visit, often with prescription capability.
- Hybrid: photos submitted first, followed by a short video call to clarify.
Where AI screening fits in
AI screening is a separate category, not teledermatology itself. It's an algorithm — no clinician in the loop — returning a risk indication in seconds. It's best used before teledermatology: a free AI screen (see mole-checker) triages whether the concern is worth paying a clinician to look at.
Cost in 2026
- AI screening (ScanSkinAI): free
- Anonymous store-and-forward: $19.99–$85
- Live-video with prescription: $75–$200
- In-person private: $150–$400
Try anonymous store-and-forward teledermatology
Photo + email, no app, no account. From $19.99.
How accurate is teledermatology?
Published reviews put diagnostic concordance with in-person exams at 80–90% for photographable conditions. Concordance is lower for pigmented lesions requiring dermoscopy — those must go in-person for biopsy consideration.
When teledermatology is safe (and when it isn't)
- Safe: rashes, acne, dermatitis, eczema, hair/nail concerns, common spots
- Safe with escalation: suspicious moles → get the review, then in-person biopsy if flagged
- Not safe as a substitute: bleeding, ulcerating, or rapidly growing lesions
- Not safe: fever with rash, spreading infection, systemic symptoms — seek urgent care