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Better accuracy, limited policy variations may increase use of teledermatopathology

Researchers have determined that improving the diagnostic accuracy of, and limiting the policy and reimbursement variations for, teledermatopathology may encourage more pathologists to utilize the technology.

The researchers reviewed 15 studies conducted between 1997 and 2012 that assessed the diagnostic accuracy and concordance of teledermatopathology and traditional light microscopy to address the three main variables that could impede the widespread use of teledermatopathology.

Within the literature review, teledermatopathology was found to be similar to or inferior to conventional microscopy, with none of the studies showing a statistically significant improvement in diagnostic accuracy using the store and forward technology, according to the researchers. Furthermore, earlier studies showed teledermatopathology to have worse accuracy, which the researchers attributed to the quality of the images and equipment available at the time the studies were performed.

Because there are currently no guidelines available for teledermatopathology technology manufacturers to obtain U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval — and, thus, a lack of equipment standardization — the researchers recommended that physicians who wish to use the technology for primary diagnosis carry out validation processes on their own.

The researchers also found that variations from state to state in, as well as the ambiguity of, current legislation was potentially the largest hurdle for widespread use of the technology; however, an increasing number of states have recognized the importance of implementing specific telemedicine laws, according to the researchers.

Physician reimbursement also varied by state and payer; however, newly proposed legislature for changes to how private payers and Medicaid handle telemedicine is indicative that the government has recognized the growing use of and demand for such services, according to the researchers.

Disclosure: The authors have no relevant financial disclosures.