Teledermatoscopy in Switzerland: A preliminary evaluation

Background: Since devices for digital epiluminescence microscopy and for te lemedicine have become affordable, a critical evaluation of this new method has been needed. Objective: Our aim nas a critical evaluation of teledermatoscopy under rout ine conditions in private practice. Methods: Pigmented skin lesions (PSLs) scheduled for excision were document ed with a digital epiluminescence microscopy (DELM) system. Images were sen t to the PSL consultation at the Department of Dermatology of the Universit y Hospital Geneva, where a diagnosis was established. The histopathologic r eport including the initial diagnosis was sent afterward. Both approaches w ere compared concerning diagnostic accuracy. Results: Over a period of 6 months, 55 lesions on 51 patients have been inc luded in this study. Picture quality was good or very good in more than 90% . Diagnostic accuracy of the teledermatoscopy approach was superior to that of the conventional approach for malignant melanocytic lesions. Conclusion: We have shown the feasibility of a teledermatoscopic consultati on. The gain of diagnostic accuracy in this teledermatoscopic approach, esp ecially for malignant melanocytic lesions, suggests that patients might ben efit directly from such a consultation at distance.