Dermatology E-consults Ease Access to Care

Skin complaints among children are common. Unfortunately, so are long wait times for in-person pediatric dermatology appointments, due to a shortage of specialists.

Waiting for answers to a child's health condition can cause undue stress and worry for parents. CHOP's provider-to-provider teledermatology program has proven to be a feasible solution, providing care quickly and effectively.

The program expanded to eight total Primary Care locations in the CHOP Care Network and recently achieved preliminary Medicaid reimbursement approval, which is a major success. Learn More

Physician reviewing an e-consult provided photo on a computer

The Power of a Picture

Dermatology is a visually oriented specialty that lends itself well to remote consultation.

Pediatricians at participating CHOP Care Network sites can send a picture of a child's skin issue through the Electronic Medical Record system to the Dermatology team for a consultation. The Dermatology team typically responds within just a few days, as opposed to patients having to wait months for an in-person consult.

How E-consults Benefit Families

More than 2,500 cases have been completed since 2020, saving 55,340 miles of travel for families.

  • Average diagnostic turnaround time for patient families decreases from 6 months to just 33 hours
  • No need to take time off from work or school
  • No travel time
  • No wait time
  • No visit time with a specialist (unless e-consult determines one is needed)
  • Improved patient and family satisfaction
  • Better outcomes
  • Lower overall healthcare costs
Mother and daughter looking at tablet together
The E-Consult program in dermatology has become an important part of my clinical practice. I love the fact that I can save families time, money and the anxiety of waiting for an answer, while also equipping pediatricians to manage their dermatology patients. A well-taken photo truly is worth a thousand words!

Amanda Moon, MD, CHOP Pediatric Dermatologist

The teledermatology program plans to expand to all CHOP Primary Care sites in the future. CHOP is also exploring using e-consults for other subspecialties to improve access to care and the patient family experience.

Learn more about the ways CHOP is using technology to enhance care to help children everywhere
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2022