| Autor: |
Wallace, Matthew M., Hackstadt, Amber J., Zhao, Zijun, Patrinely, James R., Zic, John, Ellis, Darrel, Paul, Lynn, Sultan, Miliyard, Danford, Brandon, Hanlon, Allison M. |
| Předmět: |
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| Zdroj: |
Telemedicine & e-Health; May2024, Vol. 30 Issue 5, p1411-1417, 7p |
| Abstrakt: |
Introduction:Teledermatology adoption continues to increase, in part, spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study analyzes the utility and cost savings of a store-and-forward teledermatology consultative system within the Veterans Health Administration (VA). Methods:Retrospective cohort of 4,493 patients across 14 remote sites in Tennessee and Kentucky from May 2017 through August 2019. The study measured the agreement between the teledermatology diagnoses and follow-up face-to-face clinic evaluations as well as the cost effectiveness of the teledermatology program over the study period. Results:Fifty-four percent of patients were recommended for face-to-face appointment for biopsy or further evaluation. Most patients, 80.5% received their face-to-face care by a VA dermatologist. There was a high level of concordance between teledermatologist and clinic dermatologist for pre-malignant and malignant cutaneous conditions. Veterans were seen faster at a VA clinic compared with a community dermatology site. Image quality improved as photographers incorporated teledermatologist feedback. From a cost perspective, teledermatology saved the VA system $1,076,000 in community care costs. Discussion:Teledermatology is a useful diagnostic tool within the VA system providing Veteran care at a cost savings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| Databáze: |
Complementary Index |
| Externí odkaz: |
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