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. 1999 Fall;5(3):257-63.
doi: 10.1089/107830299312005.

Diagnostic accuracy and image quality using a digital camera for teledermatology

E A Krupinski  1 , B LeSueur, L Ellsworth, N Levine, R Hansen, N Silvis, P Sarantopoulos, P Hite, J Wurzel, R S Weinstein, A M Lopez
Affiliations

Diagnostic accuracy and image quality using a digital camera for teledermatology

E A Krupinski et al. Telemed J. 1999 Fall.

Abstract

Objective: The study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of digital photography for dermatologic diagnoses and compare it with in-person diagnoses.

Materials and methods: Patients referred for specialty consultations (n = 308) were recruited from a university dermatology clinic. Patients were examined in-person by one of three board-certified dermatologists who provided clinical diagnoses. Digital photos were obtained on all patients and were evaluated as computer images by a panel of dermatologists.

Results: There was 83% concordance between in-person versus digital photo diagnoses. Intradermatologist concordance averaged 84%, and interdermatologist concordance averaged 81%. Decision confidence was rated as "very definite" to "definite" 62% of the time. Concordance with biopsy results was achieved in 76% of the cases. Image sharpness and color quality were rated "good" to "excellent" 83% and 93% of the time, respectively.

Conclusion: Digital photography for store-and-forward teledermatology produces high-quality images and diagnostic concordance rates that compare favorably with in-person clinical diagnoses.

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