Integrating digital image management software for improved patient care and optimal practice management.
BACKGROUND
Photographic images provide vital documentation of preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative results in the clinical dermatologic surgery practice and can document histologic findings from skin biopsies, thereby enhancing patient care. Images may be printed as part of text documents, transmitted via electronic mail, or included in electronic medical records.


OBJECTIVE
To describe existing computer software that integrates digital photography and the medical record to improve patient care and practice management.


CONCLUSIONS
A variety of computer applications are available to optimize the use of digital images in the dermatologic practice.
Starr
Jon C
JC
Department of Dermatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California 94304-2201, USA. drstarr@pacbell.net
D003880:Dermatology / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005791:Patient Care / Q000639:trends*; D020399:Practice Management / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012984:Software