Uncertain or evolving diagnosis
The diagnosis only partly explains the presentation, more than one process may contribute, or examination, trichoscopy, laboratory and biopsy findings do not agree.
FOR PRACTITIONERS
Expert consultation for complex and unresolved hair loss
Independent case analysis, expert opinion and prioritized management recommendations for uncertain diagnosis, progression or treatment response.
Led by Peter R. Feldman, PhD (Medicine), Evidence-Based Hair Fellow and Certified Trichologist.
What FHI Returns
- Integrated case interpretation
- Evidence-based treatment and management priorities
First-, second- and third-line treatments, adjunctive options, emerging therapies and clinical trials.
- Investigation and referral priorities
- Treatment-response measures and criteria
- Follow-up and reassessment plan
What to Send
Provide the reason for referral and the relevant clinical records already available. FHI will identify any additional information needed.
- Clinical history and working diagnosis
- Timeline, treatments and response
- Available photographs and trichoscopy
- Laboratory, pathology and specialist reports
When to refer
Unexpected treatment response
Progression despite treatment, partial recovery, relapse or regional differences in response leave uncertainty about whether to continue or change management.
Complex management decisions
Competing options, prior treatment failures or overlapping findings complicate the next decision, including further investigation, referral, treatment escalation or a procedure.
Progression and longitudinal monitoring
A changing pattern or poorly documented response requires a reliable baseline, objective comparison and clear criteria for reassessment.
The practitioner pathway
- REFERSubmit the case question and relevant records.
- EVALUATEIntegrate history, examination findings, investigations and treatment-response evidence.
- RECOMMENDProvide an independent interpretation, prioritized management recommendations and monitoring criteria.
- REASSESSReview progression or treatment response when indicated.
Professional collaboration
Feldman provides an independent interpretation of the case and recommendations for management. The treating practitioner remains responsible for prescribing, procedures and other regulated medical decisions. With patient consent, clinical reports and follow-up findings are provided securely to both the patient and referring practitioner.
Bring FHI into your clinic
Offer your patients access to an independent, in-depth hair loss assessment within your clinic.
FHI performs the assessment within your clinic and provides findings with an evidence-informed plan for practitioner review. Patients may elect separate FHI follow-up and monitoring.
Refer a patient to FHI
Once FHI provides a secure submission route, send the clinical question and available records. FHI will confirm the appropriate assessment route before the patient books.