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

BACKGROUND AND

OBJECTIVES

In Switzerland, telemedicine has been an integral part of the health care system for many years and plays a significant 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 a successful 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

METHODS

This article describes how a telemedicine 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 DISCUSSION: In 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 a doctor is necessary. Many dermatological problems (such as pityriasis versicolor, perioral dermatitis or rosacea without eye involvement) can be treated particularly well with telemedicine.