Teledermatology: An updated overview of clinical applications and reimbursement policies

Abstract

Telemedicine is an emerging field in healthcare that provides services from different medical specialties to patients all around the world. One of the specialties in telemedicine, teledermatology, has grown exponentially as a cost-effective way to implement dermatological healthcare to underserved areas and populations. This article reviews the literature that pertains to the cost-effectiveness, reliability, public access, patient satisfaction, and reimbursement policies of teledermatology. Teledermatology was found to be cost-effective and reliable in reducing in-person visits and time away from work, and allows for the faster delivery of care. However, reimbursement policies for teledermatology services are rather new and vary significantly from state to state. As public interest in and access to teledermatology continue to grow, the future of teledermatology depends on the development of new technology as well as quality improvement strategies and the evolution of sustainable reimbursement policies.

A Framework-Driven Systematic Review of the Barriers and Facilitators to Teledermatology Implementation

“…In the USA for example, there are barriers to obtaining reimbursement across state-lines due to state-specific reimbursement policies. The Netherlands, however, has integrated telemedicine into its national healthcare system, and offers full reimbursement for telemedicine services [65]. Of the 3 studies conducted in the Netherlands in this review, none reports reimbursement barriers.…”

Factors Affecting the Establishment of Teledermatology in Iran; A Mixed-Method Study

“…Another variable affecting the establishment of teledermatology in Iran are the factors related to service recipients. The studies conducted by Rajda [15], Chang [33], Manarao (2018) [22], Tol (2017) [34], Campaigna (2017) [36], Livit (2016) [35], and Neuilu (2016) [30] showed that the factors related to service recipients also affect the establishment of teledermatology. The results of this study indicated that the most important factor in this regard was patient satisfaction.…”

“…Economic factors are among the variables affecting the establishment of teledermatology in Iran. Raja [15], Campagna [36], Tol [34], Van Derberg [32], and Oikonomou [27] reported that economic factors are among the variables affecting the establishment of teledermatology. When implementing new technology in organizations, it should be taken into account that the initial investment and financial resources must be combined with the human resources and experienced and technical staff because providing equipment without proper and efficient users will not be effective [39].…”

Implementation of Teledermatology: Theory and Practice

“…Maintenance refers to sustainment of teledermatology programs over time. Funding is a critical limiting factor for teledermatology programs [30,42,93]. Short-term grant funding rarely sustains programs but diverse sources of funding, including fee for service, generally alleviate funding difficulties to maintain programs.…”