Something’s Got to Give
Consultant dermatologist, Dr Toby Nelson, on why aesthetic clinics and medics must embrace digital skin health solutions now
The healthcare system is under relentless pressure from overloaded GP surgeries to stretched consultant clinics, and the signs of strain are everywhere. As a consultant dermatologist, I can see up to 40 patients daily. It’s a figure that underscores the immense demand and limitations of a system trying to keep up. In contrast, I can assess 40 moles in just two hours thanks to Map My Mole. This kind of innovation doesn’t just promise convenience, it delivers real, scalable relief to practitioners and patients alike.
This isn’t just about streamlining skin cancer screening. It’s about rethinking our engagement with early detection, prevention, and patient autonomy. Map My Mole is the UK’s first app to combine advanced digital technology with consultant-led dermatological expertise, offering expert-assessed skin cancer screening without the need to step into a GP surgery. It empowers individuals to take control of their skin health and enables clinicians to provide a faster, smarter option for patients without compromising the quality of care.
And there’s a bigger picture.
We’re actively looking to collaborate with medics and aesthetic clinics across the UK who are on the frontlines of patient interaction. By offering Map My Mole as a trusted service, effectively a digital “prescription”, professionals can provide patients with a quicker pathway to reassurance or treatment, while freeing up GP and hospital time for those in greater need of face-to-face care.
Early detection is critical. It saves lives, shortens treatment plans, and now, thanks to technology, can save time and resources and even reduce healthcare’s carbon footprint. With outpatient appointments generating significant emissions and healthcare contributing up to 5% of global greenhouse gases, digital-first solutions like Map My Mole aren’t just innovative but sustainable.
Aesthetic professionals are uniquely positioned to support this shift. You already focus on skin and build trust with your clients. By integrating Map My Mole into your practice, you become part of a movement that protects patients, supports the NHS, and pushes private healthcare into a greener, more efficient future.
Show your commitment to proactive care. Encourage your patients to get screened by using the Map My Mole service
Here’s how it works:
- Using a dermatoscope, you upload clear, high-resolution images of any concerning moles or skin lesions via the app, along with the patient’s medical history. (The scope is provided when you sign up for the clinic service)
- A qualified consultant dermatologist reviews the images and provides an expert opinion within 48 hours. The clinic and the patient are sent a diagnosis of the lesion.
- The patient is advised to follow up with their GP or a specialist if further action is needed. The Map My Mole team will also telephone them regarding the next steps.
The process is fast, reliable, and easy to incorporate into everyday practice, whether you bring it up during appointments or display information in your waiting area.
As a participating clinic, you’ll also be featured on the Map My Mole provider directory, making it even easier for patients to find and trust your support.
Something has got to give. Let’s make it the status quo, not the standard of care.