Transforming Specialty Care: Virtual-First Centers for Supportive Oncodermatology, Skin of Color, and Chronic Inflammatory Conditions like HS

At Tono, our mission has always been to revolutionize access to advanced specialty care, making it more accessible, convenient, and inclusive. Today, we’re thrilled to share why we’re especially excited about our virtual-first specialty centers for Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS), Skin of Color, and Supportive Oncodermatology. These centers are game-changers, not just for patients, but also for our partners in ER rooms, cancer centers and health systems. Here’s why:

1. Bringing Hard-to-Access Specialty Care to Patients Nationwide

For too long, access to specialized dermatological care has been limited to a few urban centers, leaving many patients without the expert treatment they need. Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is a painful, chronic skin condition affecting about 1-4% of the population, yet it's often under-diagnosed and under-treated due to a lack of specialized care. New treatments, including biologics, are providing incredible outcomes, but these are most effective under the supervision of subspecialists who understand the nuances of managing HS.

Similarly, dermatology for skin of color addresses unique concerns that have historically been overlooked. This specialization is increasingly important as over 50% of teenagers in the U.S. now identify as a race or ethnicity other than "white."

Supportive Oncodermatology is another critical area, focusing on managing the skin side effects of cancer therapies. With approximately 1.9 million new cancer cases diagnosed each year in the United States (American Cancer Society), the demand for targeted therapies is growing. These treatments often lead to skin rashes and immune-related cutaneous reactions, which, while indicating treatment efficacy, significantly impact patient comfort. Dermatologists who specialize in managing these cutaneous side effects play a crucial role in maintaining patient comfort and ensuring continuity of life-saving treatments.

Our virtual-first specialty centers break down these geographic barriers, making top-tier, subspecialty care available to patients across the country. No matter where a patient lives, they can now connect with leading experts in these fields, ensuring they receive the best possible care without having to travel long distances. This accessibility is more than just convenient—it’s life-changing for patients who otherwise might go without proper diagnosis and treatment.

2. Attracting More Doctors to Focus on Complex Medical Dermatology

Our success to date proves that we can attract top-tier dermatologists in highly valuable areas like HS, Skin of Color, and supportive oncodermatology, demonstrating our commitment to excellence. We provide these doctors with the tools they need to treat more patients and connect with individuals they wouldn’t have had access to before. By expanding access to desperately needed subspecialty care, we are building a community of reputable, next-generation doctors who are excited to scale access to complex medical dermatology.

The bigger takeaway is that we can attract doctors to focus on these subspecialty areas of extreme need for patients nationwide. By creating technology that removes friction and aligns incentives, Tono enables doctors to spend more time focusing on medical dermatology. We simplify the practice management process and empower more doctors to deliver advanced care. Our approach not only increases the availability of high-quality, specialized care but also ensures that more patients receive the focused treatment they need for severe and complex medical conditions.

3. Delivering Life-Changing Patient Outcomes

We deliver best-in-class specialty care and have already transformed many patient lives, achieving a 98% patient satisfaction rate with the medical treatments and care provided at Tono. One patient shared, "You gave me my life back," while another expressed, "You saved my life." These testimonials highlight the profound impact of our virtual-first specialty centers on patients. But the benefits extend beyond patient care; we are also creating new opportunities for our partners, including healthcare providers, insurers, and pharmaceutical companies. By bringing together specialists in HS, Skin of Color, and supportive oncodermatology, we are establishing hubs of expertise that can drive research, enhance treatment protocols, and ultimately lead to better patient outcomes.

For example, managing the side effects of targeted cancer therapies is crucial. Skin rashes resulting from these therapies indicate that the treatment is effective, yet without proper dermatological support, these side effects can cause significant discomfort and may lead patients to discontinue their treatment. Our supportive oncodermatologists are experts in managing these cutaneous side effects, ensuring patients remain comfortable and can continue their life-saving medications. To fully harness the potential of targeted therapies, supportive oncodermatology care is essential.

4. A Valuable Partner for Health Systems and Cancer Centers

Tono's unique approach to augmenting existing systems and clinics with subspecialty care makes us an ideal partner for urgent care centers, primary care providers, surgeons, cancer centers, and community health systems looking to enhance their dermatology offerings. It's no secret that there's a shortage of dermatologists across America. Over 70% of counties report not having a dermatologist, and doctors and health system executives report that referrals to dermatologists can result in long waits, often around six months. Even when a dermatologist is available, they may not always match the specific subspecialty needs of the patient. This shortage leads to patients seeking care in emergency rooms or going without necessary treatment. Now, with Tono’s virtual-first specialty centers, the best dermatological care is accessible and convenient, regardless of location.

We provide scalable solutions that allow our partners to offer best-in-class care, improving patient outcomes and satisfaction. By integrating with existing healthcare systems, Tono can significantly enhance the level of care provided to communities, ensuring that patients receive timely, specialized treatment when they need it most.

Our Unique Approach: Subspecialty Care that Makes Access Possible

Tono’s approach is unique because we focus on subspecialty care that is often hard to access but critically important. By honing in on these high-value, niche areas, we ensure that our services are not just comprehensive but also highly specialized. Our virtual-first model allows us to deliver the highest standard of care efficiently, bridging the gap between patient needs and the availability of expert care.