How Well Revolution Combines In-Person Care with Telehealth

“I mean, I don't want to be exaggerating, but this is what people say,” Michael Rubio, PA-C, said, “[It’s] life-changing, people say this is incredible.”

Renata Block, MMS, PA-C, a board-certified physician assistant in Chicago, Illinois, and a Dermatology Times Editorial Advisory Board member, interviewed Rubio, co-founder of Well Revolution. In a previous interview, Rubio, a board-certified dermatology physician associate practicing in Brooklyn, New York, reflected on the founding of the platform and how it broadens access to dermatological care.

Telemedicine overall can eliminate barriers to in-person visits, particularly for vulnerable populations such as those in nursing homes, on Medicaid, or working mothers. Rubio’s platform offers quick virtual appointments, even during evenings and weekends, making care more accessible.

“About 60 to 70% [of our patients] are women. They work full time, they have kids, they can't take time off work,” Rubio said. “So, when we give them a same-day appointment within 15 minutes of them starting a chat with us...they can do this on their lunch break.”

Block agreed that patients love virtual visits, though some dermatology colleagues are less enthusiastic. Rubio emphasized the importance of offering telehealth, as patients appreciate the convenience. However, there may be some challenges in gaining patient trust with telemedicine. Because of this, Well Revolution partners with established practices to help ensure trust and streamline care.

There are some limits to virtual care, such as the inability to perform full-body skin checks or thoroughly examine pigmented lesions with a dermatoscope. However, telehealth is effective for follow-ups, refills, and non-emergency care, which is why it should be used in conjunction with in-person treatment.

“One big thing I learned during COVID and in New Zealand is you just can't be virtual. You got to have some in-person care and that's what really sets us apart,” Rubio noted.

Additionally, dermatological telemedicine requires a unique skill set and the right customer service-driven personality, according to Rubio, who calls himself a “virtualist.”

“I just love treating people via this way because I know how much impact I'm making for them,” Rubio said. “Now, I know it's not for everybody [but] it's just something that I just love doing.”

While some practices prefer handling telehealth themselves, Well Revolution’s model of outsourcing virtual care helps practices focus on in-person visits while ensuring continued access to telemedicine. This promotes clear communication, flexibility, and accessibility for all patients.

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