What to Know About Virtual Aesthetic Appointments

In an aesthetics practice, the initial consultation is crucial for meeting prospective patients, learning about their needs, establishing expectations, building trust and identifying the best method to achieve their goals.

Consultations have historically been conducted in-office, but with progressive technology and shifting patient needs, many practices are now offering virtual appointments.

The Rise of Virtual Appointments

Starting in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic brought about unprecedented change. With climbing infection rates, people were only leaving their homes for medical appointments if it was entirely necessary.

But that didn’t mean the need and desire for aesthetic treatment disappeared. Providers in the aesthetic treatment industry had to come up with a way to see patients with minimal risk of virus transmission, and that’s how virtual aesthetic appointments became popular.

While virtual consultations were not a new concept, they became the norm as we navigated life during a pandemic. In addition to significantly reducing the risk of contracting COVID-19 at a medical facility, virtual appointments proved to be convenient.

Patients who may have to travel significant distances, take time away from work, or arrange for the care of small children to attend an in-person appointment can much more easily participate in a virtual consultation without significant disruption to their daily lives. 

Today, the desire for virtual medical visits is still there because people have grown accustomed to their convenience and benefits. In fact, whether or not your practice offers virtual consultations may determine if a patient chooses you for their aesthetic needs. You don’t want to miss out on these prospective patients.

Offering virtual appointments saves money and time for your practice and your patient and makes your services more accessible.

Considerations for Offering Virtual Appointments

If you decide to take your aesthetic services consultations online, be aware that security and privacy are chief considerations. It’s not as simple as firing up Zoom, Skype or FaceTime. You want telemedicine platforms that comply with HIPAA regulations.

Luckily, there is an increasing number of secure third-party platforms available that can offer your practice the technical assistance you need to go virtual, as well as ensure secure connections and full HIPAA compliance.

Some highly rated telemedicine platforms include:

• doxy.me
• AMC Health
• swyMed
• Teladoc
• Mend

How to Start Offering Virtual Appointments in Four Steps

1. Pick a reliable, secure platform: There are many telehealth platforms in addition to those listed above. Do your research to choose which one is best for your practice.
2. Advertise virtual appointments: Anything that doesn’t require in-person action, such as initial consultations, is appropriate for a virtual appointment.
3. Set up online self-scheduling: Patients enjoy the convenience and autonomy of scheduling their own appointments online. This time-saving practice means the ability to make an appointment isn’t limited by your phone lines, schedulers and office hours.
4. Send automated appointment reminders: Remind patients of their upcoming appointments by sending texts or emails. You can also share tips for getting their device ready for the virtual appointment.

Of course, it’s important to remember that a virtual consult doesn’t replace a comprehensive evaluation. Instead, these online visits should be used to introduce prospective patients to your practice and allow them to ask initial questions.

In fact, a thorough virtual consultation can allow for an even more in-depth and informative experience when it’s time for the in-person exam, as many of the questions that would take up valuable exam time will have already been answered virtually.

Enhance Your Practice With the AAAMS

The American Association of Aesthetic Medicine and Surgery (AAAMS) is a specialty board that sets the standards for aesthetic and cosmetic surgery training. We’ve been training physicians, registered nurses and practitioners in the art of aesthetics and noninvasive surgical procedures since 2006.

We invite you to join AAAMS for more tips on leveling up your aesthetic practice. Becoming a member also grants you access to training courses led by highly qualified instructors and our exclusive professional network. Contact us today for more information.