Despite the challenges facing its growth, telemedicine is seen as way to improve access to care, particularly to specialists in rural areas where they might be in short supply. Teledermatology is one telemedicine segment that’s been growing, helped by store-and-forward technology that allows users to take a picture of a rash or skin irregularity, upload it and sending it to a dermatologist
In a nod to the growth of mobile apps for dermatology, Iagnosis has developed a mobile platform for its DermatologistOnCall platform with help from Newton Consulting, according to a company statement. Instead of uploading and forwarding images from computers, users can do the same thing from their mobile devices. It’s also improved the user interface. Dermatologists and patients can send direct messages back and forth as a follow-up to diagnosis, treatment and consulting. Earlier this year it began working with Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield in Western Pennsylvania as a partner.
Patients create a private and secure account where they can submit photographs and descriptions of their condition and receive a response from a board-certified dermatologist within three business days, according to a company statement. The idea is that if a condition warrants closer examination, the doctor would organize an in-person visit.
In the U.S., the store-and-forward teledermatology market has grown at a faster rate compared with other countries, although there is some debate about its benefits compared with real-time interaction. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has also toughened its stance on mobile apps, requiring companies developing apps as part of a diagnosis to seek 510(k) clearance for these medical devices.
