Direct-To-Consumer Teledermatology’s Limitations May Be Addressed With Greater In-Person Care Synergy

The document discusses the limitations of direct-to-consumer (DTC) teledermatology platforms, highlighting concerns about financial conflicts of interest and the quality of care provided. While DTC platforms offer easy access and cost savings, they may not be suitable for complex cases and often depend on the sale of pharmaceutical products. In contrast, traditional in-person care can be more flexible and cost-effective, especially regarding prescription costs. The authors suggest that a synergistic model combining DTC and in-person care could improve access and quality, with triage systems determining the best care method for each patient. They encourage ongoing evaluation and improvement of DTC platforms by dermatologists and organizations.