Diagnosing and treating patients from hundreds of miles away using online platforms is the basis of telemedicine, a new and fastgrowing trend. In dermatology, there are already numerous studies highlighting the value of teledermatology in delivering quality care to communities where dermatologists are scarce.

Herbert Goodheart, MD, oversaw the first teledermatology initiative at Elmhurst Hospital Center, a Mount Sinai Health System affiliate. This year, the Kimberly and Eric J. Waldman Department of Dermatology launched a formal teledermatology program directed by George Han, MD, PhD, at Mount Sinai Beth Israel. Under the supervision of Dr. Han, residents see patients remotely in real time at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown, New York.

Our doctors conduct online interviews and examinations, order tests, and prescribe medications, all from over a hundred miles away.

“Teledermatology allows us to help people in a way that other patients experience in Manhattan, where dermatologists are abundant,” says Shira Wieder, MD, a dermatology resident at Mount Sinai. “We have had the opportunity to help patients suffering from untreated psoriasis or atopic dermatitis their entire lives and have never been able to see a dermatologist. Patients are so appreciative of our help and seem to love the service, despite only getting to meet us over the computer.” Dr. Wieder said that some clinic nurses were initially skeptical about the teledermatology concept but now think it is a wonderful addition to their clinic. Ellen de Moll, MD, a dermatology resident, said she has also enjoyed her time on the rotation. “It has allowed me to help many patients with limited access and provide truly life-changing treatments for everything from acne to severe psoriasis to rare diseases, she says.” Dr. de Moll also noted some of the challenges of teledermatology, including the difficulty of obtaining clear images and the inability to touch and apply pressure to skin lesions.

Patient feedback has been very positive, with testimonials such as, “Less wait time to be seen by specialists” and “Getting care from physicians at a premier hospital.” Patients also appreciate the chance to see changes in their clinical photos and receive opinions from several physicians over the course of their care. Prior to teledermatology, the average wait time for a dermatology appointment for these patients in upstate New York was close to a year. Now they can consult with a Mount Sinai dermatologist within a couple of weeks, and sooner for urgent problems.

“Dermatology lends itself to telemedicine, given the uneven distribution of dermatologists in the U.S. and the visual nature of our field,” says Dr. de Moll.