Online Doctor for Hair Loss: Telemedicine in Switzerland

How Online Hair Loss Treatment Works

Telemedicine has gained significant importance in Switzerland in recent years. Especially for dermatological concerns like androgenetic alopecia, teledermatology proves to be an effective alternative to the classic practice visit, with studies showing that patients are very satisfied with telemedicine care. ^{[1] [2]} The process of online treatment is clearly structured and follows high medical standards.

Initially, you complete a detailed medical questionnaire that takes about 5 to 10 minutes. You answer questions about your hair loss pattern, medical history, current medications, and possible allergies. Optionally, you can upload photos of your scalp that help the doctor with assessment, with all information transmitted encrypted and subject to the Swiss Data Protection Act (DSG).

Subsequently, medical evaluation follows, typically within 24 to 48 hours. A licensed Swiss doctor carefully reviews your information, assesses medical suitability, and recommends appropriate treatment. If there are uncertainties or additional information is needed, the doctor contacts you directly, ensuring that treatment is tailored to your individual profile.

After approval, a digital prescription is issued and transmitted to a Swiss partner pharmacy, where your treatment is prepared and discreetly packaged. Delivery occurs in neutral packaging within 2 to 5 business days throughout Switzerland with a tracking number for shipment tracking. Alternatively, you have the option to pick up medications directly at the pharmacy.

Legal Basis and Safety

Telemedicine in Switzerland is subject to strict legal requirements. The FMH (Association of Swiss Physicians) adapted its professional code in June 2023 and has since enabled telemedicine consultations in medical practices, provided the required medical diligence is ensured and the duty of information and documentation is fulfilled ^[3]. This change acknowledges the reality that telemedicine consultations are increasingly offered in regular medical practices.

According to the Federal Act on Medical Professions (MedBG), online consultations may only be conducted by doctors with valid professional practice permits. Medical professional duties must be fulfilled to the same extent as with conventional on-site treatment. Medical treatment must correspond to the medical standard valid at the time of treatment ^[3].

Prescription issuance via telemedicine is legal in Switzerland and is increasingly established. The prerequisite is that the doctor makes a sound medical assessment and that treatment is medically indicated. For prescription medications like finasteride or dutasteride, the doctor carefully checks whether contraindications exist and whether treatment is suitable for you.

Data protection plays a central role. In telemedicine consultations, data protection provisions of the Federal Act on Data Protection (DSG) must be mandatorily observed ^[3]. All platforms must ensure that your personal and medical data are treated confidentially and stored and transmitted encrypted according to current state of technology. Additionally, you have the right to access, correction, or deletion of your data at any time.

Which Treatments Are Available Via Telemedicine

Various evidence-based therapy options are available via telemedicine. Selection depends on the type and severity of your hair loss as well as your individual needs and medical requirements.

Finasteride is available in Switzerland both as an oral medication and as a topical solution. More information can be found in our article Finasteride Prescription Switzerland. While the oral form acts systemically and lowers DHT levels throughout the body, topical finasteride aims to limit the effect locally to the scalp. Studies show that topical finasteride is effective while reducing systemic side effects ^{[4] [5]}. In Switzerland, mainly 2.275 percent solutions are currently available.

Minoxidil is also frequently prescribed and is available in various concentrations from 2 to 5 percent. It promotes scalp circulation and can stimulate hair growth. The combination of finasteride and minoxidil often shows better results in scientific studies than single-agent use ^[6]. Read more about minoxidil application and the comparison of topical and oral finasteride.

Additionally, there are personalized topical formulations that combine multiple active ingredients. These customized solutions are based on current study data and can be individually tailored to your needs. Dutasteride, an even stronger DHT blocker than finasteride, is also prescribed with special indication when other treatments are not sufficiently effective.

Personalized Treatment with orva

While in Switzerland standardized solutions like 2.275 percent finasteride solutions or separate minoxidil preparations up to 5 percent are usually offered, orva takes a different approach. We offer personalized topical formulations with different active ingredient strengths and combinations based on scientific studies and tailored to your individual needs.

Our approach is based on the recognition that hair loss progresses differently in each person and can have different causes. Based on your information in the medical questionnaire, our Swiss doctors create a treatment concept that combines various evidence-based active ingredients in optimal concentrations. This allows us to respond flexibly to your situation and adjust therapy as needed.

After the online consultation, you receive a prescription for your customized formulation. Treatment is prepared by our partner pharmacy and delivered discreetly to your home. This process combines medical expertise with the convenience of digital health solutions and enables effective treatment without long waiting times or personal doctor visits.

Long-Term Accompaniment and Therapy Adjustment

Successful hair loss treatment requires time and continuous care. Unlike a one-time doctor visit, telemedicine enables long-term accompaniment where therapy is regularly reviewed and adjusted as needed.

After starting treatment, check-ins with your doctor occur at regular intervals. Treatment progress is assessed, possible side effects are discussed, and further procedure is determined. If treatment isn't working as desired or intolerances occur, the formulation can be adjusted. This flexibility is particularly important as not every patient responds equally to the same treatment.

You always have the opportunity to contact the doctor with questions or concerns. Communication occurs via secure digital channels so your data remains protected. Prescriptions can be easily renewed or changed without having to make a new appointment each time. This continuous care increases the likelihood that treatment will be successful long-term.

Advantages of Telemedicine Over Classic Doctor Visits

Telemedicine offers several advantages that are particularly relevant for hair loss treatment. First and foremost is time savings. You don't need to make appointments in crowded practices, accept long waiting times, or travel. Consultation occurs conveniently from home whenever it suits your schedule.

Another important aspect is discretion. Hair loss is a sensitive topic for many people that they don't like to discuss in public waiting rooms. Online consultation enables confidential discussion of your situation without having to appear personally in a practice.

Especially for people in rural areas or regions with limited access to specialized dermatologists, telemedicine represents a valuable alternative. You gain access to specialist care regardless of where you live. Additionally, digital accompaniment enables high continuity as you're cared for by the same doctor over a longer period who knows your medical history precisely.

Telemedicine can also be advantageous in terms of price. While specialized private practices often charge high fees, costs at digital health platforms are typically more transparent and often cheaper. Additionally, costs for travel and parking are eliminated.

Conclusion

Hair loss treatment via telemedicine is a safe, legal, and convenient option in Switzerland. It enables access to professional medical care without having to personally visit a practice. The process is clearly structured, from online consultation through prescription issuance to discreet medication delivery.

With personalized treatment approaches like at orva, you can benefit from customized topical formulations based on scientific studies and individually tailored to your needs. Long-term accompaniment by licensed Swiss doctors ensures that therapy is continuously monitored and adjusted as needed.