Smartphone dermoscopy boosts efficiency and patient satisfaction in skin cancer care

Rising rates of skin cancer demand innovative diagnostic solutions. A patient-led teledermoscopy model not only accelerated access to dermatology review but also reduced unnecessary referrals and delivered high levels of patient satisfaction, thus generating significant cost savings for the healthcare system.

In a 12-month pilot study across 3 general practices, patients who contacted their general practitioner (GP) with new skin lesions were sent a Dyplens™ dermoscopy attachment to their phone, along with instructions and an app for uploading images and medical history [1]. GPs reviewed submissions, with specialist input provided by Map-My-Mole (MMM) dermatologists when needed. Outcomes were compared with 2023 data.

Results were striking. Patients accessed the service immediately, thus avoiding the usual 4 to 14-day wait for a GP visit. The average time from image submission to MMM report was 47 hours, compared with the typical 4–14 days, enabling much earlier diagnosis. GP consultation time was reduced from 20 minutes to 3 minutes per patient, resulting in a savings of 328 hours across 1,158 patients (equivalent to ~82 clinical sessions). Secondary care referrals were reduced by more than half: 317 referrals (27.4%) would have been expected with the conventional pathway, but only 117 (10%) were required in the pilot study. This resulted in cost savings of approximately 29,220€.

Moreover, patient experience was equally positive. Of 99 respondents, 96% rated the service as “good” or “very good,” and 92% reported being “happy” or “very happy” to use it again. Most found the Dyplens™ device and app easy to use, with 80% describing the process as “very easy” or “somewhat easy.”

According to Dr Filip Mijovic (Princess Royal University Hospital, UK) and colleagues, this pathway not only improves diagnostic efficiency but also reduces GP workload and unnecessary referrals, freeing specialist capacity for urgent cases. Furthermore, this approach has the potential to increase access for underserved populations, including rural and marginalised groups, as well as nursing home residents.

Patient-led teledermoscopy using smartphone-based devices represents a safe, cost-effective, and patient-centred approach that accelerates diagnosis, reduces healthcare burden, and may improve equity of access in skin cancer care.

1. Mijovic F, et al. Patient-Led teledermatology for skin lesion assessment in primary care – a real world experience. EPS01.08, EADV Congress 2025, 17–20 September, Paris, France.

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Posted on 18 November 202518 November 2025