An Integrated Teledermatology Model: Attacking Access to Skin Care in a Rural State

Purpose of Review Teledermatology has quickly evolved to become an indispensable tool in modern health care valued by both patients and primary care physicians. We compiled the most recent teledermatology research in this review, emphasizing the value of the integrated teledermatology health care paradigm used at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC). Recent Findings There are two primary modalities of teledermatology: live synchronous and the store-and-forward (SAF). Store-and-forward systems have been demonstrated to be cost-effective, reliable approaches to provide rural access to care in areas where in-person consultations are unavailable or associated with long wait times. The UMMC developed a reliable, time-efficient program based on the collaboration of university-based dermatologists and rural primary care physicians within Mississippi using SAF teledermatology consultations. When needed, primary care physicians are able to refer patients to rapid access dermatology clinics when an “in person” visit is required for an examination or a procedure. Summary The integrated teledermatology system at the UMMC is an essential part of efforts to provide medical treatment for patients in underserved, rural areas of Mississippi. While telemedicine’s dependability, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness are still being studied, integrated models are starting to break down obstacles that would prevent the broad adoption of this technology.