The UZ Brussel and dermatology app Skindr are joining forces to work towards an efficient, high-quality and more accessible future for dermatology. Where the gap between supply and demand is now creating long waiting times of 4 months to a year, UZ Brussel and Skindr want to provide patients with the care they need much faster through smart triage and a strong physical basis. On the one hand, UZ Brussel and Skindr want to offer patients with general skin conditions a quick diagnosis and treatment and at the same time offer people with complex problems a quick physical appointment.

App as an entry point for specialist care

Thanks to special training, Skindr's dermatologists can Handle 95% of all cases completely online on the basis of photos and a description that the patient provides in the intake. In 2 years, Skindr was already able to guarantee advice to more than 15,000 patients within 48 hours.

But what if a user of the Skindr app? still need to be seen physically? Just think of malignant skin cancer or severe eczema. Where can they go, and do they just have to join the back of the queue? In cooperation with UZ Brussel, these high-risk patients can be scheduled quickly in case of medical urgency. This way, they can specifically get an appointment for any additional research or treatment. For example, if allergy tests are necessary, they will be scheduled immediately, without the need for a physical consultation (again) first. In this way, Skindr and UZ Brussel can offer all patients a solution tailored to their condition, in line with the classic referral for complex care from other dermatologists or general practitioners.‍

Prof. dr. Gutermuth, head of dermatology at UZ Brussel: “In dermatology, in the vast majority of cases, the credo is one look, one diagnosis. Experienced dermatologists can make a conclusive diagnosis in the majority of cases based on the clinical picture. When this is done via photos, very good image quality and the right choice of a representative injury are important.”‍

Dr. Annelies Avermaete, dermatologist and co-founder of Skindr: “We are incredibly excited to shape the future of dermatology with UZ Brussel. This partnership not only represents a huge step forward in reducing the healthcare gap, but also puts us at the forefront of digital innovation in dermatology. It is an honor to carry out this mission with UZ Brussel, and I look forward to the further positive impact we will have on patient care in Belgium.”

A step forward in digital health‍

Prof. dr. Marc Noppen, CEO of UZ Brussel: “UZ Brussel believes in digital progress to improve patient care. The collaboration with Skindr is an illustration of the intelligent use of technology with clear added value for the patient, the healthcare provider and the care system. The patient gets quick access to care, and targeted use is made of third-line care.”

About Skindr

Skindr is a medical app that ensures that, on average, people receive professional skin advice from a dermatologist within 48 hours, including a treatment plan and prescription. No long waiting lists, no travel, no hassle.

The app was launched in 2021 by Dr. Annelies Avermaete (dermatologist) and Jochen Boeykens (patient) in collaboration with 20 dermatologists. Meanwhile, the organization has grown into the largest dermatology practices in Belgium and the Netherlands with more than 15,000 patients. Skindr's goal is to provide patients with the best possible dermatology experience and to be the best possible workplace for dermatologists.

About UZ Brussel

The Brussels University Hospital is a university hospital with more than 4,100 employees. It is affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel at the Brussels Health Campus in Jette. With 721 hospital beds, it accounts for 30,779 admissions of patients from home and abroad, 412,246 consultations (excluding emergency) and 78,840 emergency patients every year. His philosophy is based on three principles: Dutch, pluralistic and social. As a university hospital, it also has a training assignment and conducts scientific research.

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