Dermatologists selected for a teledermatology project with the National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance (RIZIV)

Since 2019, our dermatologist have experimented with teledermatology. Starting in February 2021, the dermatology group of the Maria Middelares General Hospital will participate in a new teledermatology project with the National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance. In this pilot project, the GP can use a template in eHealth to digitally contact the specialist for advice on a dermatological problem.

After receiving the patient's informed consent, the GP electronically provides the necessary patient medical information and appropriate photographs. This process follows the principle of 'store and forward'. This means that the GP saves the information before forwarding it to the dermatologist (no 'live consult'). As a result, the dermatologist can make a diagnosis online and can respond to the patient within 24-48 hours. The pilot project aims to provide 2000 teleconsults over the course of one year. The cost of a consult is €22.33 - it is completely reimbursed.

This project has the major advantages of shorter wait times for dermatologists, and it facilitates better collaboration between GPs and dermatologists. In addition, it reduces the learning curve for the GPs or general practitioners in training. The work process adheres to the GDPR regulations, in contrast to using insecure platforms such as e-mail or WhatsApp to pose diagnostic questions.

There is also an article in our GP magazine. You can find it here.