Consult by instant messaging with a Dermatologist without an appointment

How to see a dermatologist quickly without an appointment

Feeli is one of the fastest ways to access a dermatologist without an appointment: in under 24 hours, patients can consult an online dermatologist, without having to travel. The platform is indeed available 24/7, offering a valuable consultation alternative given the current shortage of dermatologists. Consulting online couldn't be simpler: the patient starts by completing a short medical questionnaire and can also send high-resolution photos, which helps the dermatologist make a remote diagnosis. The teleconsultation then begins within an average of under 24 hours. Thanks to a secure interface compliant with health-data hosting (HDS) requirements, Feeli guarantees the confidentiality of exchanges and issues, if necessary, a digital prescription valid at pharmacies. This teleconsultation format, which lets you consult an online dermatologist within 24 hours, is therefore particularly popular with patients, especially for a first assessment of a skin rash, or follow-up of chronic eczema or acne.

Dermatologist without an appointment: hospital access-to-care units (PASS)

Permanences d'accès aux soins de santé (PASS) — hospital units providing free access to care — offer essential multidisciplinary support for people in precarious situations or without health cover. Depending on need, it is possible to be referred to a dermatologist without an appointment, but this is not automatic. For example, at Saint-Louis hospital (AP-HP) in Paris, the PASS sees patients from Monday to Friday (hours vary, closed on public holidays), subject to availability. From the moment they arrive, patients are seen by a doctor–social worker duo tasked with assessing the clinical situation (dermatological emergency: psoriasis flare-up, recurrent hives, suspected melanoma...). These healthcare professionals can also help the person with administrative procedures, particularly for covering treatments and further tests (imaging, blood work). Lastly, to ensure a smooth care pathway, the PASS works closely with the ARS (Regional Health Agency) and local health networks (community doctors, specialist facilities, associations...), whether that means referral to a general practitioner, a specialist hospital department or a medico-social support service. If needed, don't hesitate to use a teleconsultation with a dermatologist on Feeli, available within 24 hours.

Dermatological emergencies: hospital departments

Dermatological emergencies cover situations that can be life- or limb-threatening: tissue necrosis, extensive blistering, purpura fulminans (severe sepsis)... It is essential to go to the nearest hospital emergency department or contact the emergency services (dial 15 for the SAMU in France, or 112 across the EU): these conditions may require hospitalisation and, in every case, prompt assessment. According to the National Diagnosis and Care Protocol (PNDS) published by the HAS, Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis (Lyell's syndrome) are recognised as absolute emergencies. If a drug reaction is suspected, stopping the medication and going to an emergency department is therefore the recommended course of action. Similarly, any necrotising infection or purpura fulminans requires immediate admission via emergency services.

Practices and specialist centres offering walk-in consultations

Although most private dermatology practices work by appointment, some solutions, such as Feeli, allow faster access to a specialist:

  •  Choose an online consultation: Feeli offers dermatological care 24/7, with an average waiting time of under 24 hours. In a few clicks, the patient can describe their symptoms, share photos, and obtain a diagnosis and a prescription if necessary.

  •  Check availability in real time: some slots occasionally free up at the last minute. Some websites, such as Doctolib, let you spot last-minute availability in real time, although this is fairly rare for dermatology appointments.

  •  "Open day" events and themed consultations: these events are extremely rare and not standardised, and vary greatly from one city to another. Nevertheless, some multidisciplinary health centres, municipal centres or private clinics may occasionally organise dermatology screening days. These events are usually announced locally (social media, websites) and offer walk-in consultations, subject to registration or availability.

  •  "Walk-in consultation" schemes for minor conditions: a few practitioners offer dedicated "open" slots. But again, this is not a national standard: each doctor or specialist can organise these slots according to their own schedule.

In addition to these arrangements, hospital PASS units make a major contribution to improving access to care. Teleconsultation is also a valuable alternative, but it does not always replace an in-person examination, particularly for complex cases or certain medications subject to restrictions.

Dermatologist without an appointment: the benefits of teleconsultation

Dermatological teleconsultation with Feeli is available on a walk-in basis, 24/7, with care provided in under 24 hours. By avoiding the often overly long waiting times of private practices, telemedicine helps improve the healthcare system. In France, teleconsultation acts are governed by a set of best-practice standards drawn up by the Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS, the French National Authority for Health). Feeli therefore runs a secure platform, with image quality sufficient to guarantee the safety and quality of care. Among the major players in teledermatology, Feeli stands out in particular for the speed of its care. Faced with waiting times of several months at some practices, Feeli offers dermatology consultations within 24 hours. The patient can send high-resolution photos of their lesions and, if needed, receive a prescription, accessible at any time from a secure patient area. In short, Feeli lets you consult a dermatologist quickly, wherever you are, 24/7.

Can you see a dermatologist without a referral?

Seeing a dermatologist does not formally require a referral to book an appointment or be diagnosed; it is possible to go directly to a specialist. However, patients wishing to get the best possible reimbursement from the French health insurance (Assurance Maladie) should follow the coordinated care pathway: in other words, they must be referred by their registered GP or have a GP registered with the health insurance. That said, it is entirely possible to see a dermatologist without a referral from your GP; patients are still reimbursed, but on a less favourable basis and at a lower rate (a reduced reimbursement amount). There are also certain targeted exceptions known as "specific direct access" (ophthalmology, gynaecology, psychiatry, depending on the situation). Generally speaking, dermatology is not on this list: if you see a dermatologist without going through your GP, you will most often face a lower reimbursement. That said, certain emergency cases or specific situations are tolerated by the Assurance Maladie.

Can you get a prescription via teleconsultation?

It is entirely possible to obtain electronic prescriptions issued during a teleconsultation. They have the same legal value as paper prescriptions and can be given to the pharmacy to receive medication. The Assurance Maladie has also published practical guides on the digital prescription and the secure processes that go with it (unique number, QR code, etc.). Approved platforms must therefore comply with these parameters to guarantee the traceability and security of prescriptions. Regarding e-prescribing, the HAS has issued a number of recommendations, freely available on its website. Several of them highlight important points, in particular:

  •  The doctor must ensure that the remote prescription is safe, based on the clinical information available;

  •  Certain medications, in particular narcotics, must not be prescribed via a simple phone call, or must meet specific rules for securing and dispensing them.

  •  "Open day" events and themed consultations: these events are extremely rare and not standardised, and vary greatly from one city to another. Nevertheless, some multidisciplinary health centres, municipal centres or private clinics may occasionally organise dermatology screening days. These events are usually announced locally (social media, websites) and offer walk-in consultations, subject to registration or availability.

Since 2025, certain classes of medication (e.g. tramadol, codeine) have required a secure prescription at the pharmacy. In practice, e-prescribing is feasible and valid for routine dermatology treatments (antifungals, antibiotics, topical corticosteroids, etc.). For controlled treatments or procedures requiring an examination (dermoscopy, biopsy), the dermatologist will require an in-person appointment. Lastly, teleconsultation is entirely suited to renewing a treatment, provided the doctor considers that they know the case well enough. The HAS recommends that remote renewal be based on several criteria:

  •  The patient's medical file;

  •  Treatment history;

  •  Additional information if needed (photos, reports).

Finally, prescriptions issued during a teleconsultation are reimbursable by the Assurance Maladie under the same care-pathway conditions: if you follow the coordinated care pathway, the dermatology teleconsultation will be reimbursed according to the applicable coverage rules. For teleconsultations outside the care pathway, some complementary health insurers may cover part of the cost.