Health plan provider Simplyhealth has launched an online skin health service that offers support for employees concerned about a skin condition.
The service, provided by MySkinDoctor, means health plan users can access online dermatology experts with their smartphone or tablet to get support for suspicious moles, acne and rash care among other things.
People can upload photographs of their skin condition, which will then be assessed by consultant dermatologists. Patients will then receive a diagnosis, treatment plan or reassurance about the condition within three working days.
Faster access
Simplyhealth said that faster access to skin specialists means people can start treatment sooner and avoid lengthy NHS wait times. The provider said that 40 percent of people are waiting more than 18 weeks to start dermatology treatment on the NHS (NHS England).
A survey with 500 HR professionals, conducted by Opinium on behalf of the provider, showed that employee concerns about skin conditions are one of the top three reasons people take time off work in one in five organisations (19 percent).
Claudia Nicholls, chief customer officer at Simplyhealth, said: “Diagnosing and treating skin conditions quickly enables people to get back to work and on with their lives as soon as possible. We know 25 percent of all GP appointments are related to skin conditions, so by giving people access to a dermatologist via our health plan we are also helping reduce pressure on the NHS.
“By joining forces with MySkinDoctor, customers can treat their conditions without having to wait weeks or months, and fund them via claim-backs and discounts. This is all part of our continuous innovation bringing more services to our health plan.”
Bav Shergill, chief medical officer at MySkinDoctor, said: “We are delighted to be bringing our pioneering dermatology diagnosis solution to Simplyhealth members. At a time when skin conditions are an increasing concern, we are proud to offer the UK’s largest network of dermatologists, helping people avoid ever growing national wait times.”
