Earlier detection of skin cancers with fewer office visits will lead to better outcomes and decreased overall costs to the system. Thus, we should collectively applaud the work of Gerbert et al 12 because it is exemplary of the kind of creative thinking we need to solve the health care crisis in which we find ourselves. I fear, however, that the response to this article, either publicly or privately, by many of our colleagues will be anything but laudatory. There will be many variations on these cries of desperation, despite the authors' clear attempt only to pose questions and simply suggest solutions that need objective analysis and further study. We should be careful about overt, blanket, and pejorative dismissal.
Information technology is potent and can contribute to health care improvement.
Its adoption, while slow and complex, is inexorable. We dermatologists will be well served if we thoughtfully guide this change and recognize and embrace those advances that offer the ability to improve the delivery of care. Blumenthal D. Health care reform at the close of the 20th century. N Engl J Med. Smith S, Freeland M, Heffler S, et al.