Consent:
By providing photographs to your healthcare provider(s), you are providing implied consent for them to collect, use or disclose the pictures to treat the condition of concern.
Below details how you can take a good quality, digital clinical photo of your 'area of concern':
Equipment:
- Hardware: phone or laptop camera
- Software: have the latest updates installed
1. Prepare to Take Your Picture:
- Lighting: natural light is better than artificial light. Position yourself with your 'area of concern' facing the window while taking a picture with the flash off. If there is no natural light or it is inaccessible, either take a picture with light sources close to white (florescent white lights) or place a piece of paper or tissue in front of the flash to filter the light.
- Background: an uncluttered, white, non-reflective blue or green background is recommended.
- Ensure your 'area of concern' is cleansed before taking your photo(s).
- Place yourself in a comfortable position that allows the 'area of concern' to be in a neutral position.
- Use rolled towels or pillows to support yourself if you need your 'area of concern' to be lifted (ex. if it warps around a rounded body part).
- Place an item beside the 'area of concern' to account for size and scale, such as a pen, pencil, pen cap or ruler. This will help your provider better understand the size of your concern.
- If your 'area of concern' is in a sensitive or private area, be sure the photo does not include anything that could identify you.
2. Take Your Picture:
- Make sure the entire 'area of concern' is in focus.
- Take two photos – one with your camera parallel to the area of concern, and one at an angle that best presents the concern.
3. Upload for Your Healthcare Provider's Assessment:
- Refer to this article for instructions: Upload a File (Photo, Video or Document) During Your Virtual Appointment