Feasibility and cost of a telemedicine-based short-term plan for initial access in general dermatology in Andalusia, Spain

BACKGROUND: In developed countries, health care delivery in dermatology is hampered by the low availability of dermatologists. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the feasibility of a teledermatology-based action plan to provide initial dermatologic care in areas with low availability of dermatologists. METHODS: A cross-sectional study describing the feasibility and cost of a 12-month action plan based on a store-and-forward teledermatology (TD) connecting primary care centers and a TD center. Teleconsultations from patients complaining of any cutaneous condition were included. The primary outcome measure was the percentage of patients not referred to the local dermatologist. RESULTS: Among the total of 15,523 teleconsultations attended in the TD-based action plan, 3360 (21.65%) required a face-to-face visit with a local dermatologist. In 32.32% (n = 5017) of the cases, a therapeutic and follow-up plan report was issued. The most common conditions managed were melanocytic nevi (15.63%, n = 2426), followed by seborrheic keratosis (14.89%, n = 2312), and actinic keratosis (8.65%, n = 1342). The average response time was 14.52 days (95% CI 14.35-15.23). The additional total investment in this action plan was $142,681.01, with a unit cost of 9.20$/patient. LIMITATIONS: Noncontrolled study. CONCLUSIONS: Experienced dermatologists working with store-and-forward TD can deliver a fast and effective response in health care areas with access limitations.