JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Teledermatology is an effective healthcare delivery model that has seen tremendous growth over the last decade. This growth can be attributed to a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, increased access to dermatologic care for those with socioeconomic or geographic barriers, reduction of healthcare costs for both the patient and physician, and delivery of high-quality dermatologic care. However, associated barriers include practice reimbursements, interstate licensing, and liability. Despite these apparent barriers, the emergence of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) afforded teledermatology a surge of demand and loosened regulations, allowing dermatologists to see higher volumes of teledermatology patients. Herein, we analyze the American Academy of Dermatology’s (AAD) DataDerm registry teledermatology utilization and patient demographic trends throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective:

To characterize national-level teledermatology demographic data in the setting of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods:

National-level data were curated for all practices enrolled in the AAD DataDerm registry from April 1, 2020, through June 30, 2021. Encounter utilization rates were collected for visit type (i.e., teledermatology versus in-person), sex, race, age, insurance provider, and location (i.e., in-state versus out-of-state). Aggregate total data, as opposed to individual encounter data, were collected.

Results:

The proportion of women who utilized services via teledermatology (65.9%) was greater than those who utilized in-person services (58.2%). Non-white patients made up a higher percentage of teledermatology utilizers (14.3%) when compared to in-person utilizers (11.2%). Younger patients (age<40) contributed more to teledermatology service utilization (83.2%) when compared to in-person services (40.3%). Medicare was a larger payor contributor for in-person services (25.2%) than for teledermatology services (5.4%). Utilization by out-of-state patients was proportionally higher for teledermatology services (14.6%) compared to in-person services (4.2%).

Conclusions:

Teledermatology services may reach and benefit certain populations (females, younger patients, non-White races, out-of-state patients) more so than others. These baseline demographics may also serve to highlight populations for potential future teledermatology outreach efforts.