Location
Philadelphia, PA
Start Date
10-5-2021 12:00 AM
End Date
13-5-2021 12:00 AM
Description
The accelerated implementation and use of teledermatology during COVID-19 has been met with successes and challenges. This review explores first, how telemedicine was utilized in dermatology prior to the pandemic, the regulatory adaptions made in response to the pandemic and the effectiveness of the rapid implementation of teledermatology during COVID-19, and finally, how teledermatology has expanded in response to the pandemic. In sum, this review examines lessons learned, how teledermatology’s reliance on digital technologies might paradoxically exacerbate healthcare disparities, and considers the future outlook. Prior to COVID-19, teledermatology was limited due to decreased insurance reimbursement for telemedicine visits, concern about liabilities, and licensing restrictions. COVID-19 prompted regulatory and policy changes, with corresponding new telemedicine growth and innovation; health systems created and adapted protocols to continue care, save personal protective equipment, and decrease unnecessary exposures. Teledermatology has been conducive to COVID-19 constraints, but limitations focus on access; dependence on telemedicine may actually worsen access to care for many patients who lack digital access. Expansion of telemedicine reimbursements favored synchronous video visits rather than store-and-forward teledermatology, which may be a missed opportunity for more efficient delivery of care. Policy changes established during COVID-19, though possibly temporary, have nevertheless set new precedents that will surely have long-term impacts on teledermatology use post-pandemic.
Embargo Period
6-7-2021
The Impact of COVID-19 on Teledermatology
Philadelphia, PA
The accelerated implementation and use of teledermatology during COVID-19 has been met with successes and challenges. This review explores first, how telemedicine was utilized in dermatology prior to the pandemic, the regulatory adaptions made in response to the pandemic and the effectiveness of the rapid implementation of teledermatology during COVID-19, and finally, how teledermatology has expanded in response to the pandemic. In sum, this review examines lessons learned, how teledermatology’s reliance on digital technologies might paradoxically exacerbate healthcare disparities, and considers the future outlook. Prior to COVID-19, teledermatology was limited due to decreased insurance reimbursement for telemedicine visits, concern about liabilities, and licensing restrictions. COVID-19 prompted regulatory and policy changes, with corresponding new telemedicine growth and innovation; health systems created and adapted protocols to continue care, save personal protective equipment, and decrease unnecessary exposures. Teledermatology has been conducive to COVID-19 constraints, but limitations focus on access; dependence on telemedicine may actually worsen access to care for many patients who lack digital access. Expansion of telemedicine reimbursements favored synchronous video visits rather than store-and-forward teledermatology, which may be a missed opportunity for more efficient delivery of care. Policy changes established during COVID-19, though possibly temporary, have nevertheless set new precedents that will surely have long-term impacts on teledermatology use post-pandemic.