Damian's Dermatology Blog

Teledermatology is dermatology practised at a distance with the help of technology. It can either be in the form of video conferencing or store and forward methods. Videoconferencing is when you use video conferencing equipment for real-time consultation with your dermatologist. Thus, the dermatologist will see you through a video link. Store and forward methods are when you take a picture of yourself using a digital camera and send it to the dermatologist. What are the advantages and disadvantages of teledermatology?

Pros of Teledermatology

The central convenience that teledermatology brings about is saving time and travel cost. In a normal circumstance, a patient would have to visit the clinic spending on travel and then you will have to sit in a queue and wait for your turn to be served. If you think of your daily routines including work, teledermatology will allow you to have your consultation while still at work hence you will not compromise on productivity. You will not also have to ask for permission off work.

To those who live in remote areas, this will be a significant advantage. You will not travel long distances to get to your dermatologist clinic. You will not tire from the journey, and you will also save on travel cost. To the dermatologist, it can also offer convenience in time-saving. In such a case where the dermatologist is held up somewhere and might not make it to the clinic, he or she can render their services. Same as the patient, the dermatologist can also save on travel cost, where he or she does not have to travel to the clinic.

Cons of Teledermatology

The elderly may not take up or feel comfortable with the new technology and may take some getting used.  Additionally, if your skin condition is in a sensitive area, it can be quite embarrassing, for example, if the rash is around the genitals. In such cases, you can visit a dermatologist clinic.

Video conferencing may not be considered the same as a physical visit, and a wrong diagnosis may be made. This is not very likely, as a qualified dermatologist will inform you to visit the clinic when he or she cannot make a diagnosis from the video conferencing.

There may be scenarios where, in the case of the store and forward methods, an image may be linked to a different patient that may lead to a misdiagnosis. This can be avoided by having a good organisation system. Another instance that may be of concern regarding the store and forward methods is if the images sent are of poor quality and dermatologist is unable to make a diagnosis. You will have to visit the clinic.

To learn more about whether teledermatology is right for you, consult with your doctor and compare online dermatologists.