Introduction

The goal of this book is to provide practical guidance for anyone who is interested in initiating a teledermatology program or expanding their current system. This book was written for a wide audience to include anyone in a private practice, academic center, large multispecialty clinic, state or federal sector. To build a successful program several features require consideration and each is addressed in turn throughout this book. Specifically, relevant questions include the following: What are your motivating factors? Do you want to increase access for the underserved? Increase your revenue stream? Maximize flexibility in your lifestyle? Or a combination of these factors? What type of technology should you implement – store-and-forward, real-time interactive, or a hybrid model? What are the equipment needs? What communication systems are available for data transmission? Who should be targeted as users (e.g., referring clinicians, patient population, and/or participating teledermatologists)? Is teledermatology a sustainable enterprise and what are the business models that can be followed? Is teledermatology reimbursable and, if so, how? Is image quality good, and what are the training requirements? Is teledermatology a diagnostically viable way of delivering dermatologic healthcare? What legal, regulatory, and confidentiality issues arise? What are the ethical considerations of using the technology? Can teledermatology be integrated into dermatology training programs? Although this may seem like a daunting list, it should not discourage you from pursuing a teledermatology implementation plan. With proper fore-thought and planning, the development of a teledermatology program can be tremendously successful.

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