Online dermatologist for a second opinion.
A focused visit for patients who want a physician to review the diagnosis, current regimen, and next steps — with time to explain what is working, what is not, and what alternatives exist.
Medically reviewed by Gibran Shaikh, MD, FAAD· Last reviewed September 2026
Board-certified dermatologist · Clinical Instructor, Dermatology, Mount Sinai
4.76/5 from 500+ patient reviews on Zocdoc
Who this consultation is for
- Prior diagnoses that no longer feel right
- Treatments that have not produced expected results
- Conflicting recommendations from prior providers
- Complex regimens that could benefit from consolidation
- Patients considering a major treatment decision
Symptoms and situations
- A condition that has persisted despite multiple treatments
- Uncertainty about whether the current diagnosis is correct
- A regimen that is difficult to sustain or tolerate
- A recommendation to start a significant medication
What Dr. Shaikh will review
- How the condition looks now, shown on camera in good lighting
- Prior medication history and how you tolerated each treatment
- Recent laboratory results, when available
- Prior clinic notes or diagnoses, when available
- Your goals, concerns, and questions about next steps
Potential treatment categories
Treatment is individualized. Categories below may be discussed when clinically appropriate. No prescription or specific outcome is guaranteed.
- Review and discussion of the current diagnosis
- Assessment of alternative or additional treatment options
- Recommendations for laboratory testing when appropriate
- Guidance on when in-person evaluation is worth pursuing
- A written summary you can share with your current provider
When video care may not be appropriate
Some presentations require in-person examination, dermoscopy, biopsy, procedures, or urgent evaluation. If video care is not appropriate, Dr. Shaikh will explain when in-person evaluation is recommended.
- Concerns that require in-person examination, dermoscopy, or biopsy
- Acute or urgent presentations requiring immediate in-person care
- Situations that fall outside the scope of dermatology
What the $250 visit includes
A comprehensive live video consultation with Dr. Shaikh — not an asynchronous topical pathway.
- A 30-minute live video visit directly with Dr. Shaikh
- Structured review of your history, skin findings on video, and prior treatments
- A written summary of the discussion and suggested next steps
- Prescriptions when clinically appropriate
- Guidance on follow-up or referral when appropriate
Medication, laboratory testing, and follow-up visits are not included unless explicitly stated.
Common questions
- What should I bring to the visit?
- A list of current medications and skincare, prior prescriptions, and any laboratory results. If you have prior clinic notes, please have them available, and join from a well-lit room so your skin is clearly visible on camera.
- Will Dr. Shaikh change my current plan?
- Not necessarily. Sometimes the current plan is right and needs more time. Sometimes adjustments or alternatives make sense. The visit is designed to help you decide what to do next.
- Can I get a second opinion before starting a major treatment?
- Yes. Second opinions before starting isotretinoin, spironolactone, biologics, or other significant treatments are a common reason patients book this visit.
- Do you replace my current dermatologist?
- Not necessarily. A second opinion is often used alongside existing care. Dr. Shaikh can also become your longitudinal dermatologist when that is appropriate.
Online dermatology available in 13 states
Eligibility follows the state you are physically located in on the day of the appointment, not your mailing address. See where care is available by state — including New York, Florida, Texas, Illinois and Arizona.
Reviewed by a board-certified dermatologist
This page was written and medically reviewed by Gibran Shaikh, MD, FAAD. Board-certified dermatologist · Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. Last reviewed September 2026. This information is educational and does not replace an individual consultation, diagnosis, or treatment plan.