Teledermatology in Switzerland. Set-up for and examples of dermatological treatment from a telemedicine center

Background and objectivesIn Switzerland, telemedicine has been an integral part of the health care system for many years and plays asignificant role in basic medical care. Telemedicine is particularly suitable for skin diseases, thanks to the possibility of diagnostic imaging. The aim of this article is to point to services and structures needed using the example of asuccessful telemedicine center (Medgate Tele Clinic, Basel, Switzerland) and to illustrate the wide range of applications of telemedicine available in Switzerland based on examples from teledermatology.Materials and methodsThis article describes how atelemedicine center functions, with particular emphasis on teledermatology. As examples, some of the dermatological disorders that have been treated only using teledermatology will be presented.Results and discussionIn about half of all cases, physicians working at the above-mentioned telemedicine center can complete treatment of their patients over the phone or video, so that no further appointment with adoctor is necessary. Many dermatological problems (such as pityriasis versicolor, perioral dermatitis or rosacea without eye involvement) can be treated particularly well with telemedicine.