title: A comprehensive analysis of a web-based dermatopathology second opinion consultation practice.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Sharing cases and seeking second opinion consultations is an important part of everyday pathology practice. Internet-based communications and upcoming digital slide technologies have the potential to decrease barriers and open access to the best expertise. We recently developed a dedicated Web-based process for communication with outside practices seeking second opinion consultations. The software allowed us to collect data about the current needs and use of a second opinion consultation practice, a topic that has not been addressed in research studies thus far.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To analyze the needs for and performance of a Web-based second opinion consultation practice in dermatopathology.
  
  
  METHODS
  We performed a retrospective analysis on paper and digital records.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The average turn-around time from the time of biopsy to the time the report was issued was 7-days. Eighty-two percent of cases were reported the same day they were received. Biopsies of melanocytic lesions, inflammatory dermatoses, and squamous lesions comprised 82% of consultations. Among the remaining cases, soft tissue tumors, adnexal neoplasms, alopecia, and nonmelanoma nonsquamous lesions were the most common diagnoses. In 69% of cases, the outside report contained information about the diagnosis favored by the submitting pathologists. In 5%, there was a significant change in the diagnosis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Web-based communication facilitates rapid turn-around time and reduces costs and barriers to second opinion consultation.
authors.affiliation: dr.z@DermatopathologyConsultations.com
authors.forename: Artur
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Zembowicz
authors.forename: Adeel
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ahmad
authors.forename: Stephen R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Lyle
mesh_terms: D017046:Cost Savings; D003880:Dermatology / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D019113:Telepathology / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D013997:Time Factors; D057188:Workflow