Dermatology and Skin Care Sciences

Teledermatology: Enhancing Access to Dermatologic Care

Teledermatology increases access to dermatologic care, due to its cost- and time-effectiveness that benefits both providers and patients. Thus, it may prove essential for providing expanded access to many different underserved and marginalized populations in the USA and globally. Given the nation’s undersupply of dermatologists, teledermatology can potentially serve as a way for dermatologists to see more patients efficiently and increase opportunities for patients to seek high-quality dermatology care. Teledermatology has not only enhanced patient compliance and improved individualized care but has also increased access to care among rural and urban communities both domestically and internationally. Medicaid populations in particular have benefited, but other underserved communities that stand to benefit come from rural and urban communities, and elderly populations. The implementation of teledermatology has shortened appointment wait times, increased follow-up care and treatment compliance, minimized the distance needed to be travelled for care.