Measures of satisfaction for providers and patients using same day teledermoscopy consultation

Background We aimed to determine whether patients and providers were satisfied with teledermoscopy consultation for skin lesions. Methods From 2010 to 2011, patients with clinically suspicious lesions were referred for teledermoscopy by internal medicine physicians. Lesions were digitally photographed using a dermatoscope accessory lens. Images were interpreted by an on-call dermatologist. We conducted same day surveys of providers and patients after the evaluations. Results The survey response rate was 100%. Of the 20 patients surveyed, all agreed that a teledermoscopic consult was convenient and helpful. Nineteen patients (95%) strongly agreed that teledermoscopy potentially was a cost-saving tool. All providers thought the evaluations were helpful. Ninety-five percent of providers and patients reported satisfaction with the ease of use of this technology. Conclusions Teledermoscopy may give primary care providers the ability to consult with dermatologists when seeing patients in remote or medically underserved areas. This can streamline the referral process and decrease the number of referrals for benign lesions.