New web-based platform launched to provide acne care to patients across Pennsylvania

Dr. Jamie Altman, owner and president of Aesthetic Dermatology Associates, PC, a dermatology practice based in the Philadelphia suburbs of Media and Paoli, today announced the launch of AcneCareMD.com, a secure telemedicine website designed to provide acne care to patients across Pennsylvania via a web-based platform. The site allows patients seeking acne treatment to do so from the comfort of their homes, ensuring both direct access to physicians when needed and better compliance with treatment plans.

The secure site allows a patient to transmit his or her medical history, photos and description of his or her acne to board-certified dermatologists, who in turn provide a specific treatment plan for each patient to follow. Patients receive the same care via computer that they would receive in an in-office setting. Each visit is $47 and prescription coverage for the patient is the same whether a prescription is received in the office or via the web, per their insurance plan.

"As healthcare providers, we are seeing an increase in demand from patients for telemedicine models, and as a result, we think patients are going to be very excited about this service," said Altman. "Patients using AcneCareMD.com are treated like any other patient in a dermatology practice. The advantage is it can all be done from home – without worrying about taking time off from work or school. Studies have found that with acne treatment, specifically, outcomes are no different whether a patient visits a dermatologist in the office or via a teledermatology visit."

Telemedicine is a rapidly growing sector of healthcare in the United States. According to the American Telemedicine Association, there are approximately 200 telemedicine networks, with 3,500 service sites in the U.S., and more than half of all U.S. hospitals use some form of telemedicine. Additionally, since the beginning of 2015, 100 telemedicine-related bills have been introduced across 36 states to define telehealth and telemedicine, redefine licensed provider practice standards, remove artificial barriers or improve coverage and payment options.

"The biggest obstacle to treating acne is patient compliance with treatment. This includes a patient consistently using his or her medication, and keeping follow-up appointments," said Altman. "Our telemedicine model helps solve this problem, as patients can visit us at their convenience."

Dr. Altman completed his residency at the University of Michigan, one of the country's top dermatology programs, and his fellowship at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, where he focused on skin cancer. He obtained his undergraduate degree from The University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude, and received his medical degree from Temple University, where he was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society.

Dr. Altman is the Chief of the Subdivision of Dermatology at Riddle Memorial Hospital, and a clinical instructor in the Department of Dermatology at The University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Altman was named "Top Doctor" by Philadelphia Magazine in 2013 and 2014, "Top Dermatologist" by US News & World Report in 2013, and has been repeatedly named "Top Doctor" by Main Line Today.