Diagnosis and Management of Malignant Melanoma in Store-and-Forward Teledermatology

Background: Published studies have led to concern that store-and-forward teledermatology (SFT) diagnosis and management of melanomas may be inferior to face-to-face (FTF) dermatology care. Introduction: To ascertain the frequency of correctly managed and diagnosed melanomas within a population of veterans in Veterans Integrated Service Network 20 SFT. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of 7,960 veterans seen by SFT between July 1, 2009 and December 31, 2011. Results: Of the 61 veterans that met inclusion and exclusion criteria, 45 (74%) melanomas were correctly diagnosed and 57 (93%) were correctly managed. Discussion: Diagnostic and management accuracy of SFT is comparable to FTF. Incorrect diagnosis or management of melanomas did not prove to have significant consequences for patient care. Cases subject to analysis of this study are not demographically representative of the general population. Conclusion: Diagnosis and management of melanoma in SFT is comparable to FTF care.