Access (def.): The ability, right, or permission to approach, enter, speak with, or use.
For many of us, access is something we’ve always been able to take for granted. The idea that something important or fundamental would be out of reach – whether that’s food, clean water, basic healthcare, education, transportation – isn’t a familiar feeling. To one degree or another, COVID showed all of us – some for the first time – what lack of access feels like. Countries closed their borders. Restaurants closed their doors. Physical contact with extended family and close friends was cut off. Trips and nights out and parties and bear hugs were off the menu. Overnight we lost our ability, permission, and right to access them. And it felt… well… terrible.
It’s far from news that, for decades, access to quality health care in the U.S. – particularly specialty care – has been a privilege, not a right. And dermatology is a specialty that’s portrayed in pop culture as a service that’s reserved for the fortunate and fabulous few. Whether your guilty pleasure is Real Housewives, The Kardashians, or Botched (admit it, you’ve definitely watched one of them), reality TV has made dermatology synonymous with Hollywood.
But the truth is, for 1 in 5 of us1, dermatology is the specialty that can save our lives. Though it doesn’t get much reality TV airtime, the most vital role dermatologists play is detecting skin cancer – the most prevalent form of cancer in America, more common than all other forms of cancer combined. The problem? Despite the unmatched prevalence of skin cancer dermatologists are in short supply. There’s an average of only 1 dermatologist for every 33,000 Americans, most of whom are located in major cities and affluent neighborhoods. Which means the everyday American’s lack of access to dermatology isn’t just perceptual; it’s real.
SkinIO is driven by the belief that access to lifesaving dermatology is a right, not a privilege. That’s why our platform is purpose-built to address access to care – both geographic and socioeconomic – as the major barrier in fighting the most prevalent form of cancer in America. Our AI-enabled, app-based technology gives any person with a smartphone or tablet access to preventative skin screenings and expert dermatologist review. And our ever-expanding Preferred Network of Dermatologists ensures that people who use SkinIO can physically access timely in-person follow-up should their results indicate that they need it.
For too long, cultural conversation has positioned dermatology as a high-end, nice-to-have luxury for aesthetic concerns vs. a lifesaving offering. And many of those who are most at risk for skin cancer in the U.S. – outdoor workers, farmers, and laborers – have the most limited access to this specialty care. The non-TV reality is that dermatology focused on detection and treatment of skin cancer is a critical, broad, and under-staffed area of need. And SkinIO is the breakthrough technology purpose-built to address it.
Ready to Learn More? Contact SkinIO at hello@skinio.com.
1: https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-facts/
