The American Academy of Dermatology recently named Cory Simpson, physician and clinical instructor in the Perelman School of Medicine, a Patient Care Hero for his work providing free dermatologic care to uninsured Philadelphia patients.

Dr. Simpson and his colleagues at Penn Dermatology use teledermatology—technology that can facilitate the remote diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions—to help patients at the Puentes de Salud (Bridges of Health) community health clinic. The mobile phone-based platform allows dermatologists to view photos of skin, hair or nail conditions sent electronically by primary care physicians and other providers and give treatment recommendations and arrange follow-up care if needed. The Penn team of volunteer dermatologists also holds in-person appointments with patients with more complex diseases or who do not see improvement despite initial recommendations.

All of the clinic’s patients lack insurance and most are immigrants who face cultural, language and financial barriers to accessing health care. Clinic visits and teledermatology consultations with dermatologists are provided regardless of patients’ ability to pay.