Improved Patient Access and Outcomes with the Integration of an eConsult Program (Teledermatology) within a Large Academic Medical Center

Abstract Background Insurance, racial, and socioeconomic health disparities continue to pose significant challenges for access to dermatologic care. Studies applying teledermatology to increase access to underinsured individuals and ethnic minorities are limited. Objective To determine how the implementation of a teledermatology program affects access to healthcare and patient outcomes. Methods A cross-sectional evaluation of all ambulatory dermatology referrals and electronic dermatology consultations (eConsults) at Ohio State University within a 25-month time period. Results Compared to ambulatory referrals, eConsults served more non-white patients (612 of 1,698 [36.0%] vs. 4,040 of 16,073 [25.1%]; P Conclusions Integrating dermatologic care through a telemedicine system can result in improved access for underserved patients through improved efficiency outcomes.