Choose the assessment format that fits the case
FHI offers remote, in-person, hybrid, and follow-up options. The route depends on the history, location, available records, scalp findings, and whether direct examination adds value.
How the route is selected
FHI separately confirms whether the case is best handled as an Initial Assessment or a Comprehensive Case Review, and whether the most suitable format is Remote, In-Person, or Hybrid.
- 1. The patient or referring practitioner begins the intake.
- 2. FHI reviews the timeline, photographs, records, treatments, symptoms, and main question.
- 3. FHI confirms the remote, in-person, hybrid, or follow-up route and the preparation required.
Remote Case Review
Remote Case Review is designed for patients who have sufficient history, photographs, prior assessments, laboratory results, treatment information, or a defined decision that can be reviewed without an initial in-person visit.
- A diagnosis does not fully explain the current presentation.
- Laboratory results appear reassuring while change continues.
- Treatment response, relapse, or recovery is difficult to interpret.
- A structured review is needed before the next practitioner, product, procedure, or transplant decision.
- The patient is outside the local area.
Typical output: Integrated case interpretation, written assessment summary, unresolved questions, next-step priorities, and monitoring recommendations.
In-Person Assessment
In-Person Assessment is for patients who benefit from direct evaluation of the hair and scalp, including clinical photography and trichoscopy.
- The visible distribution or scalp findings need closer assessment.
- Symptoms or inflammatory signs are part of the presentation.
- There is concern about scarring, breakage, follicular changes, or permanent loss.
- Prior explanations do not fully match the visible presentation.
- A measured baseline is needed before treatment or monitoring.
Typical output: Direct hair and scalp assessment, photography and trichoscopy, integrated interpretation, baseline documentation, written summary, and follow-up priorities.
Hybrid Assessment
Hybrid Assessment combines remote preparation with in-person assessment. It is useful when a longer or fragmented history, multiple prior opinions, treatment changes, and direct scalp findings all need to be integrated.
- The case has several possible contributors or overlapping presentations.
- The record is extensive or the timeline needs reconstruction before the appointment.
- Direct examination is useful after remote review.
- A more complete case map and monitoring baseline are required.
Typical output: Remote intake and record review, timeline reconstruction, in-person examination and imaging, integrated summary, and a defined follow-up plan.
Follow-Up & Monitoring
Follow-up visits review new information, clarify findings, reassess priorities, and compare the current presentation with the baseline. Monitoring can follow remote, in-person, or hybrid assessment.
Typical output: An updated comparison with the baseline, revised priorities, and monitoring recommendations.