Overview
for Teledermatologists
Teledermatologist
Application
TeleDerm Solutions is recruiting board-certified dermatologists to join
our network of teleconsultants, who will provide dermatology consultations
over the Internet using our web application. Our Teledermatologists
will be paid for evaluating the clinical history and the images from
the primary care physicians and making diagnosis and recommending treatment.
Why
Teledermatology?
There is a sizeable body of peer-reviewed literature documenting the
diagnostic accuracy of Teledermatology as being on par with that observed
in traditional face-to-face consultations. The advantage of Teledermatology
is that it provides high-quality diagnostic services – faster and
more economically – than traditional patient consultations. This
is particularly true for many regions in the US and around the world
where the demand for dermatologists exceeds supply. The highly profitable
field of cosmetic dermatology continues to grow rapidly and is creating
a shortage of general dermatologists. It is expected that this shortage
of clinical dermatologists will drive up the demand for Teledermatology
for the foreseeable future. Through a combination of Internet technology
and a network of highly qualified dermatologists, TeleDerm Solutions
provides diagnostic consultation services from anywhere in the world.
What
does a Teledermatologist do?
Teledermatology consultants answer consultation requests from those
states in which they are licensed. The system is based on a store-and-forward
technique that allows consultants to respond after the primary-care
physician has sent the consultation request. Since the consult system
is not live video teleconferencing, consultants are able to answer consults
at their own time and leisure - and from virtually any location. Teledermatologists
have access to images and clinical information online using the Internet.
The volume of consults per Teledermatologist depends on the number of
primary-care centers using TeleDerm Solutions services, the number of
dermatologists in our network, the number of dermatologists with a given
state license, and the availability of each consultant. Our system allows
you to choose a schedule that fits your availability. Initially we expect
the volume to be light and to increase significantly over time. These
services are not intended to replace the services you currently provide
in your practice, but to be an additional source of potentially significant
revenue from patients you might not otherwise see.
How
are Teledermatologists selected?
As would be expected of any service provider in the healthcare industry,
TeleDerm Solutions is selective in building our network of Teledermatology
consultants. Our primary-care physicians are interested in the credentials
and clinical expertise of our dermatologists, and in some cases will
require additional credentialing prior to signing up a dermatologist
as a provider.
Does
insurance reimburse for Teledermatology?
MEDICARE already reimburses for live-interactive teleconsultations.
Additionally, the reimbursement for store and forward Teledermatology
for MEDICARE patients is under a pilot program in Hawaii and Alaska.
It is likely that MEDICARE reimbursement for store-and-forward technology
across the rest of the United States will occur within 4-5 years. TeleDerm Solutions pays consultants a flat rate per consult, and the amount is
expected to increase as reimbursement statutes become formalized.
Does
a Teledermatologist need malpractice insurance?
Separate insurance will be necessary for practicing Teledermatology.
We are currently in communication with several national malpractice
carriers to explore options for malpractice coverage for our Teledermatology
network. It is also possible that your current malpractice carrier may
cover your Teledermatology consultations in certain states. Please contact
us to learn more about your options for obtaining malpractice insurance
to cover your practice of Teledermatology. The important point is that
the exposure risk of malpractice suits in Teledermatology is minimal.
How
Do I Apply?
To apply to become a Teledermatologist, please fill out the Teledermatologist
Application. After the application has been reviewed, you will be
contacted via email on the status of your application. Once your application
is accepted, you will then go through a credentialing process for the
healthcare organizations that you may service.
More Questions?
Please email additional questions to Dr. Hon S. Pak at hpak@Teledermsolutions.com.
Teledermatologist
Application
