Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Teledermatology: Current Integration in Modern Healthcare

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Teledermatology

Part of the book series: Updates in Clinical Dermatology ((UCD))

  • 199 Accesses

Abstract

Modern healthcare is evolving and teledermatology has entered into mainstream skin disease management during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Store-and-forward dermatology is the preferred platform to increase access to specialty dermatologic care often through smartphone technology. However, live-interactive video visits are better reimbursed through insurance payors. Physicians need to recognize the importance of the selective use of telehealth to maximize patient care. This review summarizes the current status of teledermatology.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 129.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Abbreviations

AAD:

American Academy of Dermatology

AI:

Artificial intelligence

DALY:

Disability-adjusted life-years

FTF:

Face-to-face

GAPP:

Greater access for patients partnership

HIPAA:

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act

References

  1. Coates SJ, Kvedar J, Granstein RD. Teledermatology: from historical perspective to emerging techniques of the modern era: Part I: History, rationale, and current practice. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2015;72(4):563–74. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2014.07.061.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Kennedy J, Arey S, Hopkins Z, et al. Dermatologist perceptions of teledermatology implementation and future use after COVID-19: demographics, barriers, and insights. JAMA Dermatol. 2021;157(5):595–7. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamadermatol.2021.0195.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  3. Turner A. How many people have smartphones worldwide (Dec 2022). https://www.bankmycell.com/blog/how-many-phones-are-in-the-world

  4. Seth D, Cheldize K, Brown D, Freeman EF. Global burden of skin disease: inequities and innovations. Curr Dermatol Rep. 2017;6(3):204–10. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13671-017-0192-7.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  5. Laughter MR, Maymone MBC, Karimkhani C, et al. The burden of skin and subcutaneous diseases in the United States from 1990 to 2017. JAMA Dermatol. 2020;156(8):874–81. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamadermatol.2020.1573.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Bickers DR, Lim HW, Margolis D, et al. The burden of skin diseases: 2004: A joint project of the American Academy of Dermatology Association and the Society for Investigative Dermatology. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2006;55(3):490–500. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2006.05.048.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Verhoeven EWM, Kraaimaat FW, van Weel C, et al. Skin diseases in family medicine: prevalence and health care use. Ann Fam Med. 2008;6(4):349–54. https://doi.org/10.1370/afm.861.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  8. Lim HW, Collins SAB, Resneck JS, et al. The burden of skin disease in the United States. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2017;76(5):958–972.e2. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2016.12.043.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Perednia DA, Brown NA. Teledermatology: one application of telemedicine. Bull Med Libr Assoc. 1995;83(1):42–7.

    CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  10. Norton SA, Burdick AE, Phillips CM, Berman B. Teledermatology and underserved populations. Arch Dermatol. 1997;133(2):197–200.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Wong C, Colven R. Teledermatology in underserved populations. Curr Dermatol Rep. 2019;8(3):91–7. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13671-019-0260-2.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. Khatibi B, Bambe A, Chantalat C, et al. Teledermatology in a prison setting: a retrospective study of 500 expert opinions. Ann Dermatol Venereol. 2016;143(6-7):418–22. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annder.2015.12.018.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Morrison A, O’Loughlin S, Powell FC. Suspected skin malignancy: a comparison of diagnoses of family practitioners and dermatologists in 493 patients. Int J Dermatol. 2001;40(2):104–7. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-4362.2001.01159.x.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. Tran H, Chen K, Lim AC, Jabbour J, Shumack S. Assessing diagnostic skill in dermatology: A comparison between general practitioners and dermatologists. Australas J Dermatol. 2005;46(4):230–4. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1440-0960.2005.00189.x.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  15. Chen SC, Pennie ML, Kolm P, et al. Diagnosing and managing cutaneous pigmented lesions: primary care physicians versus dermatologists. J Gen Intern Med. 2006;21(7):678–82. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1525-1497.2006.00462.x.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  16. Mulcahy A, Mehrotra A, Edison K, Uscher-Pines L. Variation in dermatologist visits by sociodemographic characteristics. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2017;76(5):918–24. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2016.10.045.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. Uscher-Pines L, Malsberger R, Burgette L, Mulcahy A, Mehrotra A. Effect of teledermatology on access to dermatology care among medicaid enrollees. JAMA Dermatol. 2016;152(8):905–12. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamadermatol.2016.0938.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Tsang MW, Resneck JS. Even patients with changing moles face long dermatology appointment wait-times: a study of simulated patient calls to dermatologists. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2006;55(1):54–8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2006.04.001.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Uhlenhake E, Brodell R, Mostow E. The dermatology work force: a focus on urban versus rural wait times. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2009;61(1):17–22. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2008.09.008.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. PatientsAre Waiting: America’s Dermatology Appointment Wait Time Crisis. Greater Access for Patients Partnership; 3–6.

    Google Scholar 

  21. Creadore A, Desai S, Li SJ, et al. Insurance acceptance, appointment wait time, and dermatologist access across practice types in the US. JAMA Dermatol. 2021;157(2):181–8. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamadermatol.2020.5173.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  22. Maddukuri S, Patel J, Lipoff JB. Teledermatology addressing disparities in health care access: a review. Curr Dermatol Rep. 2021;10(2):40–7. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13671-021-00329-2.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  23. Glazer AM, Rigel DS. Analysis of trends in geographic distribution of US dermatology workforce density. JAMA Dermatology. 2017;153(5):472–3. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamadermatol.2016.6032.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  24. Coustasse A, Sarkar R, Abodunde B, Metzger BJ, Slater CM. Use of teledermatology to improve dermatological access in rural areas. Telemed J E Health. 2019;25(11):1022–32. https://doi.org/10.1089/tmj.2018.0130.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Marchell R, Locatis C, Burges G, Maisiak R, Liu WL, Ackerman M. Comparing high definition live interactive and store-and-forward consultations to in-person examinations. Telemed J E Health. 2017;23(3):213–8. https://doi.org/10.1089/tmj.2016.0093.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  26. Brinker TJ, Hekler A, von Kalle C, et al. Teledermatology: comparison of store-and-forward versus live interactive video conferencing. J Med Internet Res. 2018;20(10):e11871. https://doi.org/10.2196/11871.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  27. Loane MA, Bloomer SE, Corbett R, et al. A comparison of real-time and store-and-forward teledermatology: a cost-benefit study. Br J Dermatol. 2000;143(6):1241–7. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2133.2000.03895.x.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  28. Edison KE, Ward DS, Dyer JA, Lane W, Chance L, Hicks LL. Diagnosis, diagnostic confidence, and management concordance in live-interactive and store-and-forward teledermatology compared to in-person examination. Telemed J E Health. 2008;14(9):889–95. https://doi.org/10.1089/tmj.2008.0001.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. Baba M, Seçkin D, Kapdağli S. A comparison of teledermatology using store-and-forward methodology alone, and in combination with Web camera videoconferencing. J Telemed Telecare. 2005;11(7):354–60. https://doi.org/10.1258/135763305774472097.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  30. Romero G, de Argila D, Ferrandiz L, et al. Practice models in teledermatology in spain: longitudinal study, 2009-2014. Actas Dermosifiliogr (Engl Ed). 2018;109(7):624–30. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ad.2018.03.015.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. Pathipati AS, Lee L, Armstrong AW. Health-care delivery methods in teledermatology: consultative, triage and direct-care models. J Telemed Telecare. 2011;17(4):214–6. https://doi.org/10.1258/jtt.2010.010002.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Kaur J, Sharma P, Thami GP, Sethi M, Kakar S. Evaluation of patient-initiated direct care mobile phone–based teledermatology during the COVID-19 pandemic. iproc. 2021;7(1):e35400. https://doi.org/10.2196/35400.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  33. Coates SJ, Kvedar J, Granstein RD. Teledermatology: from historical perspective to emerging techniques of the modern era: Part II: Emerging technologies in teledermatology, limitations and future directions. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2015;72(4):577–86. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2014.08.014.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Ouellette S, Rao BK. Usefulness of smartphones in dermatology: a US-based review. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022;19(6):3553. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19063553.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  35. Clark AK, Bosanac S, Ho B, Sivamani RK. Systematic review of mobile phone-based teledermatology. Arch Dermatol Res. 2018;310(9):675–89. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-018-1862-4.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. Koh E, Maranga A, Yane T, et al. Evaluation of whatsapp as a platform for teledermatology in botswana: retrospective review and survey. JMIR Dermatol. 2022;5(3):e35254. https://doi.org/10.2196/35254.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  37. Weingast J, Scheibböck C, Wurm EMT, et al. A prospective study of mobile phones for dermatology in a clinical setting. J Telemed Telecare. 2013;19(4):213–8. https://doi.org/10.1177/1357633x13490890.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Sonthalia S, Yumeen S, Kaliyadan F. Dermoscopy overview and extradiagnostic applications. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island, FL: StatPearls Publishing; 2022. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537131/. Accessed 20 Dec 2022

    Google Scholar 

  39. Vestergaard ME, Macaskill P, Holt PE, Menzies SW. Dermoscopy compared with naked eye examination for the diagnosis of primary melanoma: a meta-analysis of studies performed in a clinical setting. Br J Dermatol. 2008;159(3):669–76. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2133.2008.08713.x.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. Tan E, Yung A, Jameson M, Oakley A, Rademaker M. Successful triage of patients referred to a skin lesion clinic using teledermoscopy (IMAGE IT trial). Br J Dermatol. 2010;162(4):803–11. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2133.2010.09673.x.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. Kroemer S, Frühauf J, Campbell TM, et al. Mobile teledermatology for skin tumour screening: diagnostic accuracy of clinical and dermoscopic image tele-evaluation using cellular phones. Br J Dermatol. 2011;164(5):973–9. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2133.2011.10208.x.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  42. Blum A, Hofmann-Wellenhof R, Luedtke H, et al. Value of the clinical history for different users of dermoscopy compared with results of digital image analysis. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2004;18(6):665–9. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-3083.2004.01044.x.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  43. Saleh J. Practice of teledermatopathology: a systematic review. Am J Dermatopathol. 2018;40(9):667–70. https://journals.lww.com/amjdermatopathology/Fulltext/2018/09000/Practice_of_Teledermatopathology__A_Systematic.6.aspx

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  44. Nakayama I, Matsumura T, Kamataki A, et al. Development of a teledermatopathology consultation system using virtual slides. Diagnostic Pathology. 2012;7(1):177. https://doi.org/10.1186/1746-1596-7-177.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  45. Massone C, Peter Soyer H, Lozzi GP, et al. Feasibility and diagnostic agreement in teledermatopathology using a virtual slide system. Hum Pathol. 2007;38(4):546–54. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.humpath.2006.10.006.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  46. Finnane A, Dallest K, Janda M, Soyer HP. Teledermatology for the diagnosis and management of skin cancer: a systematic review. JAMA Dermatol. 2017;153(3):319–27. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamadermatol.2016.4361.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  47. Hamad J, Fox A, Kammire MS, Hollis AN, Khairat S. Evaluating the experiences of new and existing teledermatology patients during the COVID-19 pandemic: cross-sectional survey study. JMIR Dermatol. 2021;4(1):e25999. https://doi.org/10.2196/25999.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  48. Yeboah CB, Harvey N, Krishnan R, Lipoff JB. The Impact of COVID-19 on teledermatology. Dermatol Clin. 2021;39(4):599–608. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.det.2021.05.007.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  49. Teledermatology during the COVID-19 pandemic. https://www.aad.org/member/practice/telederm/toolkit. Accessed 21 Dec 2022.

  50. Puri P, Yiannias JA, Mangold AR, Swanson DL, Pittelkow MR. The policy dimensions, regulatory landscape, and market characteristics of teledermatology in the United States. JAAD Int. 2020;1(2):202–7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdin.2020.09.004.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  51. Gajarawala SN, Pelkowski JN. Telehealth benefits and barriers. J Nurse Pract. 2021;17(2):218–21. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nurpra.2020.09.013.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  52. Gerhardt CA, Foels R, Grewe S, Baldwin BT. Assessing the diagnostic accuracy of teledermatology consultations at a local veterans affairs dermatology clinic. Cures. 2021;13(6):e15406. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.15406.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  53. Young JD, Borgetti SA, Clapham PJ. Telehealth: exploring the ethical issues. DePaul J Health Care Law. 2018;19(3):2.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA

    Nicole Natarelli

  2. Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Vallejo, CA, USA

    Nimrit Gahoonia

  3. College of Medicine, California Northstate University, Elk Grove, CA, USA

    Raja K. Sivamani

  4. Integrative Skin Science and Research, Sacramento, CA, USA

    Raja K. Sivamani

  5. Pacific Skin Institute, Sacramento, CA, USA

    Raja K. Sivamani

  6. Department of Dermatology, University of California-Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA

    Raja K. Sivamani

Authors
  1. Nicole Natarelli
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Nimrit Gahoonia
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Raja K. Sivamani
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

    Joseph C English III

Ethics declarations

There are no relevant conflicts.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2023 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Natarelli, N., Gahoonia, N., Sivamani, R.K. (2023). Teledermatology: Current Integration in Modern Healthcare. In: English III, J.C. (eds) Teledermatology. Updates in Clinical Dermatology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-27276-9_24

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-27276-9_24

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-031-27275-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-031-27276-9

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation