Ensuring overall skin health is a vital part of the healthcare system. Diagnosing, treating, and staying on top of skin conditions can improve a person’s quality of life and increase longevity. However, the Dermatology telemedicine specialty is one of many experiencing shortages, which is why a solution is needed.
Why Today’s Hospitals Need Telehealth Dermatology Services
The American Academy of Dermatology Association has found multiple reasons behind fewer dermatologists in the United States. Some contributing factors include a growing number of aging physicians, burnout, the pandemic, more patients, and a decreased physician pipeline.
The United States has a projected dermatologist deficit of 4,000 by 2025. While we haven’t reached these numbers yet, the shortage is already starting to cause issues within the healthcare system.
Hospitals of all sizes need access to dermatologists. However, many don’t have them. If a hospital is lucky enough to have one or two dermatologists, it’s not enough to meet the demand, which means patients go on long waiting lists.
The lack of dermatologists is concerning, given skin cancer drops from a 99% survival rate to 25% when caught early versus treatment in the advanced stages. While this is the most deadly of cancers and one of the most concerning skin conditions, other skin conditions also need early detection for the best results.
Dermatology Telemedicine Is the Answer
The answer to our shortage problem is a new way for patients to see doctors who can’t be there in person. With telemedicine programs, dermatologists can see patients promptly across the nation and help diagnose and treat skin conditions early.
TeleDermatology Benefits
Some of the benefits that come with a TeleDermatology Program include:
- 24/7 Patient Access
- Increased Early Skin Condition Detection
- Improved Time-to-Treatment
- Increased Specialist Revenue
- Reduced Physician Recruiting Costs
- Improved Community Wellness
- Reduced Patient Wait Times
- Enhanced Recurring Hospital ROI
Eagle Telemedicine’s Online Dermatologist Services
When you choose to work with Eagle Telemedicine you get access to dermatologist specialists who can see your patients in real-time and help diagnose and provide care. Read more on our services.
Conditions A TeleDermatologist Can Diagnose
There are many skin conditions a TeleDermatologist can diagnose, making it easier to catch anything that might pose a concern early on. In 2021, about 106,000 new cases of melanoma alone were diagnosed via telehealth dermatology.
Some of these conditions include:
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Dermatitis
- Rosacea
- Skin Cancers
Care Provided By TeleDermatologists
When a TeleDermatologist sees patients, there are a variety of services they can provide. These services include:
- A Full Physical Exam (with the help of an on-site nurse)
- Identify Speciality-related Diseases
- Manage Chronic Diseases
- Direct Necessary Follow-up Care
- Discuss Diagnosis and Treatment With the Patient
Other Eagle Telehealth Specialties to Consider
Dermatology isn’t the only specialty with a physician deficit. Hospitals across the country are experiencing a shortage in a variety of specialties. Thankfully, Eagle has a solution. We offer over 17 different specialties with physicians who can support your staff and expand your care.
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