Diagnostic accuracy and image quality using a digital camera for teledermatology.
OBJECTIVE
The study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of digital photography for dermatologic diagnoses and compare it with in-person diagnoses.


METHODS
Patients referred for specialty consultations (n = 308) were recruited from a university dermatology clinic. Patients were examined in-person by one of three board-certified dermatologists who provided clinical diagnoses. Digital photos were obtained on all patients and were evaluated as computer images by a panel of dermatologists.


RESULTS
There was 83% concordance between in-person versus digital photo diagnoses. Intradermatologist concordance averaged 84%, and interdermatologist concordance averaged 81%. Decision confidence was rated as "very definite" to "definite" 62% of the time. Concordance with biopsy results was achieved in 76% of the cases. Image sharpness and color quality were rated "good" to "excellent" 83% and 93% of the time, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
Digital photography for store-and-forward teledermatology produces high-quality images and diagnostic concordance rates that compare favorably with in-person clinical diagnoses.
Krupinski
E A
EA
Telemedicine Program, University of Arizona, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA.
LeSueur
B
B
Ellsworth
L
L
Levine
N
N
Hansen
R
R
Silvis
N
N
Sarantopoulos
P
P
Hite
P
P
Wurzel
J
J
Weinstein
R S
RS
Lopez
A M
AM
D001130:Arizona; D003880:Dermatology; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D010781:Photography; D019114:Remote Consultation; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis