Are recommendations from remote dermatologists reliable?

By Andrew M. Seaman NEW YORK (Reuters Health) – Offsite doctors may be able to reliably evaluate hospitalized patients with possible skin conditions based on photographs and general health information, says a new study. Researchers found that dermatologists who evaluated hospitalized patients remotely using pictures and health information often reached the same conclusions as a doctor who examined the patients in person. Using so-called teledermatology to identify patients who need additional care or screening may improve access to dermatology services in rural areas, according to the study’s senior author. “Across the country and the world there are places that have limited or no dermatology support,” Dr. Misha Rosenbach told Reuters Health.