1. News & Updates

News & Updates

THE LATEST NEWS AND MORE FROM TOUCHMD SUPPORT:

Consult v5.17.0 update* 

  • NEW photo background replacement tool. Quickly replace unwanted backgrounds with the color of your choice on existing patient photos. 

Snap v3.4.0 update* 

  • NEW photo background replacement tool. Quickly replace unwanted backgrounds with the color of your choice when taking photos of your patient.  
  • Added support for “virtual lens” zoom options available on some newer iPhone and iPad models. 
  • Added support for the new iPhone 16 camera control button. 
  • Added a notification badge count to the Snap settings menu to alert user of any pending uploads remaining. 

*Updates Require iOS / iPadOS  17 or higher.  

Apple no longer supports the following devices for iOS17: iPhone X, iPhone 8 / 8 Plus, iPad (5th generation), iPad Pro 9.7″, Pad Pro 12.9″ (1st generation). 

Background Replacement Tool (Consult and Snap) 

Background replacement for consult

In TouchMD Consult

A new background replacement tool has been added to the drawing tools filter menu.  Use this tool to quickly replace the background color of any existing patient photo.  Select from 8 common colors or add up to four custom colors of your own.  

Follow these steps to replace the background color in Consult: 

  • Open the patient’s gallery and select the desired photo. 
  • Tap on the ‘Draw’ button and select the “Filter” tool.
Drawing Tool filters
  • On the filter tool ‘Background Replace’ options, select one of the 8 standard replacement colors, or add/choose a custom color.
Custom Color picker
  • Tap on the “Replace Background’ option.  For a more natural looking background, we recommend also selecting the ‘Add Gradient’ option. 
Image Replaced

Click here for step-by-step guide to this feature in the TouchMD Consult app. 

Want to add that “wow” factor to before/after photos on social media?  Use the background replacement tool to seamlessly replace all the backgrounds on composite photos created with the Consult image ‘Compare’ tool or ‘Image Tray’ templates.  Doing this will provide a consistent background across the entire composite photo. 

In TouchMD Snap

A new background replacement tool has been added to the photo session menu.  Use this tool to quickly replace the background color of any photo as it is taken in Snap. Select from 8 common colors or add up to four custom colors of your own.  

Follow these steps to replace the background color in Snap: 

  • Select your desired patient and start a photo ‘session’. 
  • On the session ‘Save Options’ menu, select ‘Replace Background’.
Background replacement for Snap
  • On ‘Replace Background’ menu, select one of the 8 standard replacement colors, or add/choose a custom color. For a more natural looking background, we recommend also keeping the ‘Add Background Gradient’ option enabled.
  • The “Replace Background” button will now display the selected replacement color.
Replace Background enabled
  • Start your photo session and take your patient photos.  NOTE: If you want to review the photo with the background replaced prior to upload, either the ‘Capture Confirmation’ needs to be enabled or the ‘Auto Upload’ disabled in the Snap ‘General’ settings menu.
Take Picture to replace background
  • Snap will remember the last used ‘Save Options’ each time a new photo session is started.  To remove (disable) the background replacement color, select the ‘Replace Background’ from the ‘Save Options’ menu and tap the ‘None’ button

Click here for step-by-step guide to this feature in the TouchMD Snap app.

Virtual Lens Zoom Options (Snap) 

In addition to supporting the optical lenses on Apple devices, Snap now supports Apple’s ‘virtual lens’ zoom options available on newer Apple devices. For the highest quality photos, we recommend using these preset zoom options and then adjusting the device’s distance from the patient, instead of an on-screen manual zoom (or pinch-to-zoom)*. 

To access available zoom options for your device: 

  • Tap on the ‘lens’ button in your Snap session 
  • Select your camera lens 
  • Select a zoom option for the desired lens (note: not all lenses have additional zoom options).  

For devices with multiple lenses: When available, we recommend using the ‘Back Dual Camera’ or ‘Back Triple Camera’ for the best photo quality, rather than selecting one of the single ‘back’ lens options. When using the Back Dual or Triple Camera options, the camera will decide the best lens to use for the zoom, subject, and lighting.  

Click here for a guide on choosing the correct lens in the TouchMD Snap app 

*NOTE: As a safeguard, when using the on-screen manual zoom (or pinch-to-zoom), the ‘Lens’ icon will turn red when using a digital zoom. This indicates a potential loss in image quality. For best results, the ‘Lens’ icon will be white to indicate the use of a higher quality optical or virtual lens.  

Lens Warning

iPhone 16 Camera Control Button (Snap) 

Snap Camera Control button

Snap now supports the new ‘camera control’ button only available on the new iPhone 16 and 16 pro models.  

Options for the camera control button include: 

  • Clicking the button captures a photo in photo mode 
  • Clicking the button starts/stops video capture in video mode 
  • Slider control for Zoom
  • Slider control for Zoom Presets
  • Slider control of Exposure

Pending Session Notification Badge Count (Snap) 

Notification badge count

A new notification badge has been added to the Snap settings menu button to call attention to any ‘Pending Uploads’ remaining that need to be reviewed.   This reduces the need to specifically navigate into the settings menu to check for any ‘pending uploads’, and is a more visible indicator that ‘pending sessions’ exist throughout most screens in the Snap app. 

Beginning June 28th, 2024 you will notice changes to your login screens for the TouchMD Consult, Snap, and Dashboard Apps. To learn more about these changes, please the information below and this link. This link has a video to shows you the changes.

Why are we making these changes?
We are making this change to prepare our system for multi-factor authentication and for the use of Nextech logins for Nextech clients. These options will be available to clients in the coming months. The change is also being made in order to prevent accidental PHI exposure and to increase security.
Who will this affect?
These changes will impact all clients who utilize our apps on iPads and our webpages. At this time the change does not affect the Consult app on Windows 10/11 touchscreen.
Which apps will this affect?
This will affect the Consult (iOS only), Snap/Snap Pro, Dashboard app. All the web apps such as Playlist and Capture will have slight changes to the login screen.
Can I opt out of these changes?
No, these changes are to prepare for the future of TouchMD to include multi-factor authentication and increase security.
Do I need to be a Nextech client to take advantage of these changes?
No, these changes are available to all clients with the TouchMD system. In the coming months, clients with Nextech, will be able to use their Nextech credentials to authenticate reducing the number of logins required to use Nextech products.
Will I need to reset my PIN if I already had one in use in the prior version?
No, our development team programmed in such a way to reduce the impact that this will have on you. You will be able to use the same PIN as you used before as your PIN will be automatically be migrated to the new login screen. If you did not have a PIN set up on a particular device, you will need to set up your PIN.

Introducing Snap v3

Snap v3 was rebuilt from the ground up for better a user experience and upload performance. This new version features a new modern design including support for ‘Dark Mode’. Other notable updates include the following:

  • A groundbreaking horizontal and vertical level with ‘Auto Snap’ mode
  • Simplified ‘save’ options, with the less used options now found in the general settings
  • New Photo capture confirmation with setting options including off, manual, and auto up to 6 seconds
  • New patient visibility options… always on, always off, and per session
  • See pending photo uploads in individual patient galleries and on the ‘Pending Uploads’ screen
  • Open the App menu, including ‘Pending Uploads’ when Snap is accessed through the Consult app
  • Intuitive new custom exposure settings
  • Better placement of the controls at your fingertips

What’s New or Changed?

New photo capture confirmation

Now confirm the photo just taken prior to upload. If you like the photo, do nothing and it will save it to your upload queue after 2 seconds. To review the photo closer, just tap the image to stop the review timer. Use two fingers pinch and zoom review the photo closer. If satisfied, tap the green button to save the photo to the upload queue. To delete and retake the photo, tap the red button.

PhotoConfirmation

If you do not like the 2 second photo capture confirmation, you have the following additional options found in the ‘General’ settings of the app menu:

  • Disabled – No photo confirmation after picture is taken… the feature is always off.
  • 2 Sec – Photo is automatically saved to the upload queue after a 2 second preview (default setting).
  • 4 Sec – Photo is automatically saved to the upload queue after a 4 second preview.
  • 6 Sec – Photo is automatically saved to the upload queue after a 6 second preview.
  • Manual – Photo confirmation is always on and user has to select the ‘confirm’ or ‘retake’ buttons.

New Combined Horizontal and Vertical level with ‘Auto-Snap’ feature

With our new intuitive level, now you can make sure your device is level on both the horizontal and vertical planes. Use the outer ring to adjust the horizontal level, and use the inner bar adjust the vertical level. The levels will turn yellow when level.

Turn on the ‘Auto Shutter’ option to automatically snap a picture when everything is level for 1 second.

Please Note: When this ‘Auto Shutter’ option is active, you will always have to confirm the photo captured. Additionally, if the device is laid flat on a table/desk the camera will consider it level and snap a photo.

Simplified ‘Save Options’ screen

The ‘Auto upload’ and ‘Upload Quality’ settings usually change from session to session. So to prevent these settings from accidentally getting changed, we have moved these two options from the ‘Save Options’ screen to the ‘General’ settings of the app menu.

Additionally, we now have three options for patient image visibility on this screen:

  • Always On – Images/videos upload will always be visible to the patient at home and disables the ‘Visible to patient’ option from the ‘Session Options’ screen
  • Always Off – Images/videos uploaded WILL NOT be visible to the patient at home and disables the ‘Visible to patient’ option from the ‘Session Options’ screen
  • Per Session – Enables the ‘Visible to patient’ option on the ‘Session Options’ screen so the user can select whether images/videos upload will, or will not be visible to the patient at home on case-by-case basis.

Note: These are a ‘per device’ settings and options must be selected on each Snap device.

Controls are now at your fingertips

We have moved all the controls closer to your fingertips. On an iPhone, all controls are near the bottom of the iPhone.

On the iPad, all controls are on the left and right edge of the iPad.

‘Pending Sessions’ is now ‘Pending Uploads’ in the App Menu and in the Patient’s Gallery

You will no longer find ‘Pending Sessions’ at the bottom of the patient list. Instead you will find ‘Pending Uploads’ in the App Menu when pending uploads exist.

Additionally, when viewing the patient gallery you will see any pending uploads for that patient as well (if they exist).

We are so excited to show you the newest feature in the TouchMD Consult App.

Can you imagine being able to save your patient’s before and after images into a slider video to showcase their transformation? Introducing the TouchMD Slider Tool with video!

  • This feature is part of the Consult App’s Image Tray. See more info here.
  • It allows you to make comparisons between two images, where the images will be superimposed on each other.
  • Saving the image comparison slider video is easy! Find step-by-step instructions on our Help Website.
  • Your Consult App should automatically update with this new feature. Available now! Contact our Support Team if you need assistance.

We can show you what it’s all about in less than 5 minutes. Check out this video made by our President of Sales, Tyler Terry.

Save precious time and wow your patients by instantly transferring their photos into their TouchMD account.

With Canon© Connect, the dreaded task of uploading photos from the camera to the computer is completely eliminated.

Not using Snap for your patient photos yet? Let’s talk! We can streamline your office photography. Reply to this email and we’ll connect you with the right person.

Kaeli Lindholm is the CEO of KLC Consulting and founder of the POP Aesthetic Leadership Academy, a 12 month leadership development incubator for women in aesthetics and wellness who disrupt the status quo.  

The majority of aesthetic practices today offer similar treatments and services. A key to beating commoditization is through creation of proprietary offers that can’t be duplicated.

In this session we took a comprehensive approach combining and naming proprietary treatments and services to stand out as the obvious choice for high paying clients and become known for something distinct in your market!

In this session, you learned to:

  • Market synergistic treatment & product pairing to improve overall results and increase per patient revenue
  • Design and price your own proprietary bundles
  • Identify your most valuable offers to focus on simplifying to scale
  • Received a celebrated step by step guide to assist you in building out and pricing your proprietary bundles

Want to learn more, select here!

Join Account Manager, Amy Finlinson, as she takes you through different features that could be used to increase your usage of TouchMD.

This link will shows the steps needed to enable educational materials to allow for Recommendations to be made, how to create Homework Packets, and how to add Consents to your library.

This link teaches you how to use drawing tools to engage patients.

Join Account Manager, Alyssa Marabella, as she teaches the tips of the Consult app

Are you stressed about the new requirements for Breast Implants?

TouchMD has you covered! Check out our time saving tips on pulling the information into your presentation!

The FDA announced new guidelines and requirements intended to increase communication with patients and help them make informed decisions regarding breast implant surgery. New requirements often bring stress and make you wonder how your office will have time to implement them.

TouchMD has everything you need! We will help you save time in your office, all while informing your patients and keeping up with current guidelines.

Are you looking for the Breast Implant Checklists?* We have them!

Publish the signable checklist for your patients and doctors from our Consent Library, and build out a Homework packet for the more detailed brochure. See the links below to learn how.

Signable Checklist:

Step 1: Enable the desired checklist** from our Consent Library

Step 2: Review and publish the checklist

Step 3: Learn how the new Reviewer Signature option works

Step 4: Start using it!

Detailed Brochure:

Step 1: Import the desired detailed brochure from our Content Library. Hint: Search for “Breast Implant Patient Information Resources” and select the desired brochures***

Step 2: Start using it!

As always, we are here to help wherever we are needed. Please reach out to our support team with any questions!


*Approved FDA checklists from Natrelle, Sientra, Mentor and Ideal.

**Checklists in TouchMD Consents are called: “IDEAL IMPLANTS”, “MENTOR® MemoryGel™ and MemoryGel™ Silicone Gel Breast Implants”, “MENTOR® MemoryShape® Breast Implants”, “MENTOR® Saline-Filled Breast Implants”, “NATRELLE® Saline-Filled Breast Implants”, “NATRELLE® Silicone-Filled Breast Implants and NATRELLE INSPIRA® Breast Implants”, “Sientra Breast Implants”

***Brochures in TouchMD Content/Homework are called: “Mentor Patient Information Resources”, “Sientra Patient Information Resources”, “Ideal Implant Patient Information Resources”, “Natrelle Patient Information Resources”

Join Account Manager, Cossette Houtz, as she takes you through customizing TouchMD patient educational materials including Homework.

Join Regional Sales Manager, Sam Anderson, as he shows you around the myTouchMD patient app and offers best practices and tips for maximum engagement.

Join Account Manager, Saibra Murray as she shows you around the Snap app.

Join Director of Client Services, Lexa Gillette, as she explains the “patient flow”

Join Account Manager, McKenzie Dowell as she discusses the TouchMD feature of Playlist.

Get Started with Playlist

Wanna learn more about Playlist? Check out our Getting Started article

Join Director of Client Services, Lexa Gillette as she discusses how to use the built-in drawing tools of the Consult app to engage patients. This webinar touches on how to use the Sun Damage Filter, the Compare Tool, and the color picker. She also teaches how to use TouchMD for Patient Self Identification.