Inpatient Teledermatology: a Review

Abstract

Purpose of Review Inpatient teledermatology is a rapidly growing field with significant potential to add value and streamline patient care. This review summarizes the current literature on inpatient teledermatology, primarily focusing on its diagnostic and clinical management utility as compared to live dermatologic evaluation. Recent Findings The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of inpatient teledermatology, which has been shown to be comparable to live hospitalist evaluation for triage, diagnosis, and management of hospitalized patients for a wide variety of conditions. Despite its comparative cost-effectiveness and recent changes in reimbursement practices, inpatient teledermatology still lacks sufficient reimbursement incentive for widespread implementation. Summary Inpatient teledermatology is an effective, efficient, accurate, and cost-effective means of managing the hospital burden of skin disease, especially in areas where access to dermatologic care is limited. It is essential that dermatologists and referring providers comprehend the use and potential pitfalls of inpatient teledermatology to effectively incorporate it into hospital practice.

Virtual Access to Quality Dermatology Care: Challenges and Promises

“…In order to optimally utilize telederm, it is imperative to be aware of its advantages and disadvantages and to judiciously select patients who would benefit the most. Patients who particularly benefit from telederm are those living in rural areas, those without reliable transportation, or those who live far away from their dermatology providers (Barbieri et al, 2014; Mocharnuk et al, 2022; Rismiller et al, 2020). Furthermore, hospitals and clinics can use telederm to improve patient compliance, triage skin lesions prior to a clinic visit with the consultant, improve clinic efficiency, and enhance their trainees' education.…”

“…Telederm providers will need to continue to work towards finding ways to better engage these patients. Patient privacy and protection, including storing data in a secure electronic medical record, is even more important in the telederm setting (Mocharnuk et al, 2022). Facilities using telederm should consult their data protection and ethics committee for guidance on the best ways to ensure that telederm care is Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliant.…”

Teledermatology in the diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections: a narrative review

“…Teledermatology offers a solution by reducing the need for physical visits. It is becoming more accessible and effective in treating conditions, including STIs [ 6 , 7 ]. While telemedicine and teledermatology bring benefits like convenience and quicker consultations, their integration into healthcare systems also poses challenges that need careful consideration [ 8 , 9 ].…”