COVID-19

March 23, 2020

Dear Oahu Dermatology Patients,

With the current COVID-19 situation, we have decided to eliminate all in-office non-essential visits.  Effective immediately, on 3/23/20, new or established patients will be scheduled for in-office appointments only if an urgent dermatologic need is present.  New and established patients may continue to schedule appointments delivered via teledermatology.

Why are we doing this? 

We want to be sure that Oahu Dermatology patients are safe during these uncertain times.  We also want to continue to be available for your urgent dermatologic needs so you can avoid hospital emergency rooms and urgent care clinics where very acute and sick patients are being cared for.

What does urgent dermatologic need mean?

  • Youeve your health or life is endangered by waiting more than 4 – 6 weeks to see the doctor
  • Concern for a significant or severe infection
  • New onset blisters
  • Side effects from medication
  • Rapidly spreading rash
  • Concern for melanoma or other serious cancer
  • Skin pain
  • Suspected shingles
  • Concern that hospitalization may be needed

We are deferring annual full body exams and cosmetic appointments. If you are unsure, our staff will help determine the best course of action. 

Teledermatology

We are happy to be offering Telehealth visits and know that connecting with us virtually is a new experience for many . We are able to communicate via Doxy.me, Modmed PocketPatient, FaceTime , Skype, Zoom, and phone /text with photos during the current pandemic . With each visit you will be cared for by one of our Board-Certified Dermatologists and a trusted healthcare team who will assist you with all of your questions and concerns.

You may request for a telederm appointment with our receptionists OR by email [email protected]. Please leave your full name, phone number, date of birth, and insurance plan/policy number.  

An appointment is required prior to your Telehealth visit.

The following links can be used to connect to your doctor via Doxy.me at the time of your appointment. 

Dr. Carla Nip-Sakamoto click: doxy.me/drnipsakamoto

Dr. Miki Garcia click: doxy.me/drmikigarcia

Dr. Summer Chong click: doxy.me/drschong

Please see guide below for instructional videos on how to log in to PocketPatient and patient portal to join visits with your physician. 

Of note, in addition to iPhone, iPad or android phones, you may access telemedicine using your computer with a microphone and webcam.

PocketPatient for iPhone:

https://vimeo.com/401057251

PocketPatient for Android:

vimeo.com/401056448

Telehealth for Patient Portal:

vimeo.com/401057909

The following are conditions that can be evaluated and possibly treated via telederm

  • Most rashes
  • Eczema
  • Psoriasis
  • Rosacea
  • Acne including those on Accutane (with appropriate labs)
  • Follow-ups for chronic conditions that require monitoring
  • Follow-ups for biologic and /or immunosuppressant medications 
  • Some bumps and spots

Full body exams cannot be adequately performed via telederm and will be deferred. In addition, moles, cysts, warts and other spots that might require close-up evaluation or intervention may not be manageable by telederm.  Wound care will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. For all patients, upon scheduling, we will discuss the reason for your visit and determine if a telederm visit is appropriate.

Office hours

Our office hours for the immediate future will be Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm however we ask that you keep updated by checking our telephone messaging (536-9888 ext 1). 

Thank you for your past, present and future trust.  We will be back to full operation just as soon as this serious situation is over.  Please keep informed, be safe, and stay well!

Mahalo,
The Oahu Dermatology Team

Contact us

We encourage you to contact us whenever you have an interest or concerns.

!
!

Our Location

Find us on the map