DermTech Connect

What is DermTech Connect?

DermTech Connect is a digital health platform that helps people submit photos of a suspicious mole to an independent, board-certified dermatologist for professional, medical evaluation and recommendation.

How does DermTech Connect work?

DermTech Connect works by enabling you to take images of a suspicious mole in the app and send them to an independent dermatologist to evaluate your images and recommend next steps for care. Evaluations and recommendations are delivered back to you in the DermTech Connect mobile app typically within 48 hours.

This process, known as a virtual consultation, happens completely through the DermTech Connect app. In some cases, the dermatologist may reach out to you by text, email, or phone, but otherwise you’re simply sending a photo of your mole to a dermatologist who will, at a later time, send you back an evaluation and recommendation for next steps.

What is a Virtual Consultation?

We use the term “Virtual Consultation” to describe a common technology in teledermatology called “Store and Forward” or “Asynchronous Telemedicine.” What this means is that the app will package together (“Store”) your medical information (mole location, photos, patient intake information) and then send it off (“Forward”) to the dermatologist for them to evaluate at a later time.

The dermatologist will evaluate your mole and recommend a course of action for you at their earliest convenience, which is typically within 48 hours.

DermTech Connect is a HIPAA-compliant platform that enables this secure and encrypted data transfer between you and the independent dermatologist at separate times and locations.

What do you mean by “Independent Dermatologist”?

The dermatologists that provide care on the DermTech Connect platform are independent of DermTech. DermTech provides the technology platform for the independent dermatologists to provide care, and the virtual consultation fee is paid directly to the dermatologist.

Who should use DermTech Connect?

It’s a good idea for everyone to be aware of lesions on their skin and be proactive about their health.

DermTech Connect is not a replacement for regular skin checks. However, the app can be helpful for people in-between regular visits to their dermatologist. DermTech Connect is not a diagnostic tool and you should always inform your healthcare provider about any health concerns.

Who can I contact for help with DermTech Connect?

Feel free to contact us here:
Email:  telehealth@dermtech.com
Phone:  1-866-394-1117

Our hours of operation are 7:30am – 4:30pm (PST) Monday – Friday.

Can the Independent Dermatologist order the non-invasive DermTech Melanoma Test for me?

Yes. If the dermatologist evaluates your photos and deems it appropriate for you, then he/she may order the non-invasive DermTech Melanoma Test. The cost of this laboratory test is separate from the virtual consultation fee. It’s the same as if your brick-and-mortar doctor orders a lab test, and may be covered in total, or in part, depending on your insurance.

I submitted a picture and paid the fee and the evaluation was to see a dermatologist. I want the DermTech Melanoma Test. Why did I pay $39 and the DermTech Melanoma Test not offered?

The $39 virtual consultation fee is for the independent dermatologist’s evaluation of the photo you submitted and a recommended course of action. If appropriate for you, the dermatologist may order the DermTech Melanoma Test. However, the test may not be appropriate in every case and the decision to order the test is entirely up to the independent dermatologist. There may be many reasons why he/she did not order the test and recommended a physical exam instead. Most likely it’s because the DermTech Melanoma Test was not an appropriate course of action for your specific lesion. If this occurs, please follow the advice of the dermatologist.

Is DermTech Connect Free?

DermTech Connect is free to download.

The DermTech Connect virtual consultation is $39 which is paid to an independent, board-certified dermatologist for evaluation of your mole and recommended course of action. The virtual consultation fee is not covered by insurance.

How many moles can I send to the dermatologist?

You can only submit one mole to be evaluated per virtual consultation, but there’s no limit to how many virtual consultations you can do. Each submission, however, requires a $39 virtual consultation fee.

What do I get for my $39 virtual consultation fee?

The $39 virtual consultation fee is for the independent dermatologist’s evaluation of your mole and medical information. The dermatologist will also provide a recommendation for what to do next about your mole. Both the evaluation and recommendation will be provided to you through the app, typically 48 hours after your submission.

Does insurance cover the virtual consultation fee?

No. The $39 virtual consultation fee is cash pay only. All major credit cards are accepted.

Can I use an FSA or HSA to pay for the $39 teleconsult fee?

Yes, telehealth visits may be eligible for reimbursement with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA) and health reimbursement arrangement (HRA). Please check with your benefits provider to determine whether the service qualifies.

What is the DermTech Melanoma Test?

The DermTech Melanoma Test is a non-invasive genomic test used to enhance evaluation of moles suspicious for melanoma by detecting the presence of genomic markers linked to melanoma.

The DermTech Melanoma Test is comprised of two laboratory assays:

1. The Pigmented Lesion Assay (PLA) detects two RNA biomarkers:  LINC00518 and PRAME.
2. The TERT Add-On Assay detects DNA TERT promoter mutations and is only run following PLA testing when ordered and if sufficient genomic material is available. The TERT Add-On Assay does not yet have Medicare coverage.

This test is a physician-ordered laboratory developed test (LDT) and is regulated under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA). DermTech’s laboratory is qualified to perform high complexity testing, developed and analytically validated the LDT in accordance with CLIA standards, and is also accredited by the College of American Pathologists and holds a New York State Dept. of Health permit. The test is not reviewed or approved by the FDA. False positive and false negative results may occur. Samples of insufficient quantity or quality may not produce a result. For full intended use, please see https://dermtech.com/risk-information/.

How can I get a DermTech Melanoma Test through DermTech Connect?

The DermTech Melanoma Test is a physician-ordered test, so if the independent dermatologist evaluates the photo of your mole and determines a DermTech Melanoma Test is appropriate for you, they can order the non-invasive DermTech Melanoma Test to rule out melanoma.

The test will only be ordered if you consent and agree. If you do not agree, the test order will be canceled and the dermatologist will be notified. The test is entirely voluntary. You can choose not to consent to the testing. Agreement to proceed with testing is done in the DermTech Connect app.

Can I refuse the DermTech Melanoma Test even if the dermatologist orders it for me?

Yes. If for any reason you decide that you do not want the DermTech Melanoma Test that is ordered by the independent dermatologist, you can reject the test order in the app and the dermatologist will be notified that you have elected not to proceed with the test.

If my telehealth doctor recommends a DermTech Melanoma Test, what can I expect to happen next?

1. You will receive a notification to consent to the test.
2. You must go into DermTech Connect and consent to the test, or reject the test order. It is voluntary and you can choose not to consent to the testing.
3. If you consent to testing, you will schedule a date/time for your supervised at-home collection and receive Zoom information.
4. You will receive a DermTech Smart Sticker (TM) Adhesive Skin Collection Kit in about one to three days prior to your scheduled collection appointment.
5. You will apply the adhesive stickers during the appointment with virtual real-time supervision by a collection supervisor to guide you through the steps.
6. Once the sample collection is completed, you will  drop off the prepaid envelope to ship the sample to DermTech’s Gene Lab.
7. The results will be sent to the independent dermatologist who will review the results and share their recommendations on next steps with you.

If I’m ordered a DermTech Melanoma Test, how quickly do I need to get my skin sample collected?

Few things keep dermatologists up at night, but pigmented lesions are one of them. If the independent dermatologist determines your pigmented lesion is appropriate for further testing with the DermTech Melanoma Test, it is important to get your skin sample collected within 30 days, and returned to the laboratory within 15 days of the collection. If those time limits are exceeded, the test order will be canceled and any re-order would require a new submission in DermTech Connect, and new evaluation by the dermatologist. If an order is canceled, the dermatologist will be notified and may reach out to you to follow up on your care.

How quickly will I receive my DermTech Smart Sticker(TM) Adhesive Skin Collection Kit once I consent to the test?

Typically, the DermTech Smart Sticker(TM) Adhesive Skin Collection Kit will arrive at your residence a day or two prior to your scheduled remote collection appointment date.

How quickly do I need to send my skin sample to the DermTech Gene Lab?

As soon as possible. DermTech must receive your skin sample within 15 days of collection otherwise your sample cannot be processed. Just follow the instructions from the Remote Sample Collection Supervisor during your remote collection. They will guide you through packaging your sample for shipment to the Gene Lab.

How long does it take to receive my DermTech Melanoma Test results?

Results are reported to your telehealth doctor typically in 3-5 business days from when your sample is received by the DermTech Gene Lab. You will receive a notification in the app when results are released to you by the independent dermatologist.

How will the doctor communicate with me about my DermTech Melanoma Test results?

The telehealth dermatologist will notify you by phone, push notification, text, or email that your results are ready to view in the DermTech Connect app. In some cases, the dermatologist may also phone you directly to discuss your results with you.

What does a negative result mean?

A negative test result means that genomic abnormalities were not detected, and there is approximately 99% probability that the mole is not a melanoma.

What does a positive result mean?

A positive result means that one or more genomic abnormalities were detected. These abnormalities sometimes occur in benign moles but they could also indicate a higher risk for melanoma, and a biopsy may be necessary to determine if the mole is a melanoma or not.

The telehealth dermatologist that orders your test may recommend an in-office visit for physical examination by a dermatologist in-person. If you don’t have a dermatologist, you can find a one near you by visiting:  https://find-a-derm.aad.org/

Does the DermTech Melanoma Test replace a surgical biopsy?

The DermTech Melanoma Test is not a replacement for a biopsy. The DermTech Melanoma Test is rather a step before a biopsy that can see genomic markers linked to melanoma. If the genomic markers are present, your doctor will use this information to choose the best path forward for your treatment.

Is the DermTech Melanoma Test covered by insurance?

Insurance plans vary. The DermTech Melanoma Test may be covered by some commercial insurance, and it’s also covered by several government health insurance such as Medicare, Tricare, and Veterans Affairs.

The DermTech Melanoma Test is comprised of two laboratory assays:

1. The Pigmented Lesion Assay (PLA) detects two RNA biomarkers:  LINC00518 and PRAME.
2. The TERT Add-On Assay detects DNA TERT promoter mutations and is only run following PLA testing when ordered and if sufficient genomic material is available. The TERT Add-On Assay does not yet have Medicare coverage.

If insurance does not cover the cost of the test, the patient is responsible for payment. Information regarding the potential cost and payment options for the DermTech Melanoma Test may be found on our coverage details page or by reaching out to DermTech at 866-394-1117 or telehealth@dermtech.com.

What if I don’t have insurance?

The DermTech Melanoma Test is a laboratory test provided by DermTech. As with other laboratory tests, the patient is ultimately responsible for payment. DermTech will work with patients to reduce their out-of-pocket cost through our self-pay option, as well as offer a patient-friendly financial assistance program. If you have additional questions or need assistance, please contact our Patient Concierge Team at 866-394-1117 from 7:30am to 4:30pm PT (Mon-Fri) or via email at telehealth@dermtech.com.

What if my insurance does not cover this test?

If a DermTech Melanoma Test is performed and your insurance company does not cover the full cost of the test, DermTech will work with you and appeal the denial on your behalf. We also offer some options to assist with the cost including a financial assistance plan for patients that is based on household income, total number of persons in the household, and other federal guidelines. Please contact us at telehealth@dermtech.com to learn more.

How does DermTech secure my data?

DermTech and DermTech Connect are compliant with the U.S. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) to store protected health information for patients in the United States.  

See DermTech’s Privacy Policy here: https://dermtech.com/privacy-policy/. The Telehealth Terms of Service can be viewed here: https://dermtech.com/tele-tos/.