The Aesthetic Oculoplastic Surgery Video Teleconference Consult

• Published in: Aesthetic surgery journal 2019-06, Vol.39 (7), p.714-718
• Main Authors: Hwang, Christopher J, Eftekhari, Kian, Schwarcz, Robert M, Massry, Guy G
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1090-820X; 1527-330X
• DOI: 10.1093/asj/sjz058

Abstract Background Skype video telemedicine consults are gaining popularity to evaluate patients from distant locations. No study has analyzed the utility of this means of patient evaluation in a cosmetic oculoplastic patient population. Objectives The authors sought to provide an evidence-based analysis of the utility of Skype video consults in a cosmetic oculoplastic surgery patient population with regards to patient demographics, reasons for consult, and procedural conversion rate. Methods A 1-year retrospective chart review (May 2016 to May 2017) of patients who underwent aesthetic oculoplastic Skype consults from 2 authors’ practices was performed. The authors analyzed patient demographics, referral source, chief complaint, location of residence, length of consult, and conversion to face-to-face consultation and intervention. Results Seventy-nine patients (60 women and 19 men) underwent Skype evaluations. Mean age was 49 years. Sixty-four consults (81%) lasted 15 minutes or less. Referral sources included the internet (67%), another physician (19%), self-referral (7.5%), referred by former patients (4%), and social media sites (2.5%). Consultations were obtained for revision (49%), or first-time (30%) eyelid/eyebrow surgery, cosmetic ptosis surgery (6%), laser skin procedures (5%), cosmetic orbital decompression (5%), and lower eyelid fat prolapse (5%). Twenty patients (25%) followed-up with in-person consultation. Sixteen of these patients (80%) had surgical (56%) or nonsurgical (44%) interventions. Conclusions Skype consults are an efficient, in-office modality to increase patient flow through the office, expand patient base, and generate income. In this report, 25% of Skype contacts followed-up with formal in-person consultations, of which 80% had surgical or nonsurgical interventions.