Leveraging Teledermatology to Improve Patient Access to Dermatologist-Level Care

The session focuses on leveraging teledermatology to enhance patient access to dermatologist-level care. Led by Corey Simpson from the University of Washington, the discussion addresses the evolving landscape of telemedicine, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, which accelerated adoption and highlighted the necessity for dermatologists to adapt quickly. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) has developed a teledermatology toolkit to assist practitioners in implementing telemedicine, including best practices for workflow integration, platform selection, and patient triage. The toolkit emphasizes optimizing patient care by utilizing teledermatology for efficient triage, allowing urgent cases to be prioritized and potentially reducing patient overflow in clinics. Additionally, it considers the potential of telemedicine to alleviate burnout among healthcare providers by offering flexibility in scheduling and work environments. The session also aims to address reimbursement issues and the complexities surrounding coding for virtual visits as these practices continue to evolve. Presentations from various committee members will cover patient outcomes in teledermatology, learnings from large healthcare systems, and the implications of e-consults in dermatology. Overall, the discussion seeks to explore effective strategies for improving access to care for marginalized populations and enhancing the efficiency of dermatologic services.