Photographic utilization in dermatology clinics in the United States: a survey of university-based dermatology residency programs.
BACKGROUND
Photography has recently been introduced as an adjunct to the clinical management of patients with the dysplastic nevus syndrome (DNS).


OBJECTIVE
Our purpose was to evaluate the methods used and the extent of clinical photography in dermatology residency programs in the United States.


METHODS
Nonmilitary accredited dermatology residency programs in the United States were surveyed (73% response rate) regarding utilization and technical aspects of clinical photography.


RESULTS
Forty-one percent of respondents used photography for the clinical management of 90% or more of patients with DNS. Twenty-four percent of respondents used photography for the clinical management of all patients with DNS. Eighty-one percent of respondents used slides, and 62% utilized total body photographs. The median number of photographs taken for a patient with DNS was 20.


CONCLUSIONS
Dermatologic photography has been widely adopted for the clinical management of patients with DNS. Failure of the health insurance industry to recognize the value of this procedure may result in its underutilization.
Shriner
D L
DL
Department of Dermatology, University of California Hospital, San Francisco.
Wagner
R F
RF
D003880:Dermatology / Q000193:education*; D004416:Dysplastic Nevus Syndrome / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D008499:Medical Records; D010781:Photography / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods; D012051:Reimbursement Mechanisms; D012577:Schools, Medical; D016353:Self-Examination; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D014481:United States