The use of a digital imaging system in a dermatologic surgery practice.
BACKGROUND
Digital imaging systems are now commercially available, reasonably affordable, and much improved in quality.


OBJECTIVE
To present our 2-year experience with a digital imaging system in Mohs and dermatologic surgery practice and to inform readers of the equipment needed, its cost, uses, advantages, and disadvantages compared with conventional photography.


CONCLUSIONS
The advantages of a digital imaging system include quality images, easy storage and retrieval, and cost-effectiveness. The disadvantages are few: a substantial initial investment and the training of office personnel in its use and maintenance. Uses include monitoring nevomelanocytic lesions, surgical photo documentation, medical records, and a photographic research database.
Price
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MA
Skin and Mohs Surgery Center, Baptist Medical Center, Kansas City, Missouri, USA.
Goldstein
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GD
D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D007636:Keratoacanthoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D008838:Microcomputers; D015580:Mohs Surgery; D009506:Nevus / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D010781:Photography / Q000379:methods; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D013518:Surgery, Plastic / Q000379:methods*