DigitalDerm, Inc - MoleMapCD Practice Integration

Saving people from melanoma
one patient at a time

Integrating MoleMapCD into Your Practice

Depending on your threshold for performing biopsies, Total Body Photography leads to the increased detection of “de novo” melanomas in your high-risk patients.
MoleMapCD technology is not intended as a replacement to visual exams conducted by physicians. It is an adjunct tool designed to facilitate the physician’s ability to document changes in the skin.

The MoleMapCD Practice Matrix is an easy 10-step program for integrating MoleMapCD into your practice regimen. It involves two phases: the Introductory and Maintenance Phases.

Introductory Phase

Step One:
Physician examines patient and removes concerning lesions.

Step Two:
Physician determines patient is appropriate candidate for the MoleMapCD.

Step Three:
Physician’s office faxes patient’s contact and insurance information to DigitalDerm.

Step Four:
DigitalDerm contacts the patient and schedules an imaging session.

Step Five:
Patient attends imaging session. Images are sent to DigitalDerm for MoleMapCD production.

Step Six:
DigitalDerm sends two MoleMapCDs and original images to the physician’s office within two to three weeks.

Maintenance Phase

Step Seven:
During first follow-up visit, the patient is given one copy of their MoleMapCD and instructions for performing at-home Skin Self-Examinations.

Step Eight:
Physician conducts visual skin exam and compares all or concerning lesions with appropriate MoleMapCD images.

Step Nine:
Between scheduled office visits, patient performs regular at-home Skin Self-Examinations, checking concerning lesions against their MoleMapCD images.

Step Ten:
If patient still has concerns, he or she contacts their physician immediately.

Candidates for the MoleMapCD

Patients at-risk of melanoma should be referred for a MoleMapCD. Go to our “At-Risk Patients” page for an overview on who is a good candidate. Most physicians using MoleMapCD recommend it to all eligible patients. This allows the patient to make the final imaging decision. An involved patient will help in the early detection of melanoma and is more likely to follow sun protection measures.

Referral to DigitalDerm

A DigitalDerm representative will provide your office with referral forms. This form must be completed, signed and dated, and faxed to the number at the top of the form. DigitalDerm will contact the patient within 48 hours for scheduling. The physician should explain to the patient that they will be asked to disrobe during the imaging session and that a chaperone can be present, if desired. All patients will be offered disposable underwear. The patient always has the option to keep parts of their body covered. However, areas covered by clothing or otherwise not photographed will result in a less than optimal MoleMapCD.

MoleMapCD Processing

The patient's images are forwarded to DigitalDerm. The images are processed and formatted. Formatted images are then integrated into the viewing software. Two copies of the completed MoleMapCDs are sent to the physician along with the patient's original images. One copy is for the physician's use and the other is for the patient's use during at home Skin Self-Examinations (SSE).

Patient follow-up

During the patient's follow-up office visit, any concerning lesions can be compared directly to the digital images contained on the MoleMapCD. Changes or lack thereof may improve the ability of the physician to detect early melanoma. At this time, the patient should be given instructions concerning the importance and frequency of performing skin self-examinations and implementing sun protection measures.

Home use

In additional to the physician’s copy, DigitalDerm provides a MoleMapCD for patient use. We believe this is paramount to early melanoma detection as approximately 70% of all new melanomas are initially discovered by the patient. The patient should be instructed to use the MoleMapCD in conjunction with regular SSEs and contact their physician if any changes are observed between regularly scheduled office visits. Additionally, DigitalDerm provides an easy-to-follow Patient Brochure for use during the at-home SSE process. A log is available on the back flap of the Patient Brochure to document the dates of the patient’s SSE. DigitalDerm recommends physicians request this log be presented at subsequent follow-up visits to assess the need for additional SSE reinforcement and/or training.

Saving people from melanoma one patient at a time