Web based consultations with general practitioners regarding patients with skin conditions helps bring down referrals to dermatologists by 20 percent.
"In Western countries, health services face increasing pressures because of the aging population and patients' increasing demands for evaluation by specialists," the authors write as background information in the article. "The demand results in increased referral to specialists and longer waiting times for appointments. This has led to a debate regarding the appropriateness of referrals and what treatment general practitioners should be able to provide before referral. Improved communication between general practitioners and specialists leads to lower referral rates."
Anti-Aging Skin Treatments Without Surgery Are Effective: Dermatologists
Wrinkles, creases, sagging skin make many dread the onset of old age, but researchers say that some of the anti-aging methods available in the market will get rid of these unwanted signs of aging.
Wrinkles, creases, sagging skin make many dread the onset of old age, but researchers say that some of the anti-aging methods available in the market will get rid of these unwanted signs of aging.
Eighteen of the practices, which included 46 general practitioners, were randomly assigned to participate in the intervention. For each of 312 eligible patients, the clinicians took four digital images of the skin problem and attached them to a form completed on a secure Web site. A dermatologist reviewed the form and provided feedback within 48 hours about further procedures. The other 16 practices, which included 39 general practitioners, referred 293 eligible patients according to their usual practices.
All of the patients were seen in the office by one of five study dermatologists after about one month. The dermatologist then rated whether the consultation was preventable, most often because the patient had recovered or the general practitioner could have treated the condition without a specialists' assistance. In-person consultations were determined to be preventable for 39 percent of the patients in the teledermatology group and 18.3 percent of the control patients—a difference of 20.7 percent. At the one-month visit, 20 percent of patients who received teledermatologic consultations had recovered compared with 4.1 percent of control patients.
North Texas Leishmaniasis Outbreak Identified by Dermatologists
Nine North Texas cases of an infectious skin disease common in South America, Mexico and in the Middle East, where it is sometimes referred to as a “Baghdad boil” has been identified
Nine North Texas cases of an infectious skin disease common in South America, Mexico and in the Middle East, where it is sometimes referred to as a “Baghdad boil” has been identified
"Teledermatologic consultation successfully enables general practitioners to treat patients they would otherwise refer to a dermatologist," the authors conclude. "Further research conducted with more specific patient groups as well as about patient satisfaction should be encouraged."
Advertisement
Sunbathers Beware of Skin Cancer, Dermatologists Warn
Dermatologists and skin cancer researchers have warned against too much exposure to sun and urged appropriate steps to protect themselves.
Dermatologists and skin cancer researchers have warned against too much exposure to sun and urged appropriate steps to protect themselves.
SAV
Holy Grail Of Dermatologists On The Verge Of Discovery
The hoary saying that there is no cure for jealousy or baldness may be a thing of the past.
The hoary saying that there is no cure for jealousy or baldness may be a thing of the past.
