title: Teledermatoscopy in Switzerland: a preliminary evaluation.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Since devices for digital epiluminescence microscopy and for telemedicine have become affordable, a critical evaluation of this new method has been needed.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Our aim was a critical evaluation of teledermatoscopy under routine conditions in private practice.
  
  
  METHODS
  Pigmented skin lesions (PSLs) scheduled for excision were documented with a digital epiluminescence microscopy (DELM) system. Images were sent to the PSL consultation at the Department of Dermatology of the University Hospital Geneva, where a diagnosis was established. The histopathologic report including the initial diagnosis was sent afterward. Both approaches were compared concerning diagnostic accuracy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Over a period of 6 months, 55 lesions on 51 patients have been included in this study. Picture quality was good or very good in more than 90%. Diagnostic accuracy of the teledermatoscopy approach was superior to that of the conventional approach for malignant melanocytic lesions.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We have shown the feasibility of a teledermatoscopic consultation. The gain of diagnostic accuracy in this teledermatoscopic approach, especially for malignant melanocytic lesions, suggests that patients might benefit directly from such a consultation at distance.
authors.affiliation: Pigmented Skin Lesion Unit, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Geneva and DHURDV Geneva/Lausanne, Switzerland.
authors.forename: R P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Braun
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Meier
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Pelloni
authors.forename: A A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Ramelet
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Schilling
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Tapernoux
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Thürlimann
authors.forename: J H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Saurat
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Krischer
mesh_terms: D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006801:Humans; D008163:Luminescent Measurements; D008853:Microscopy / Q000379:methods; D019114:Remote Consultation; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology