Local Dermatologists Chosen to Speak at National Dermatology Conference in San Antonio, Texas

Dr. Michael Crowe and Dr. Artis Truett, III, Board Certified Dermatologists with Owensboro Dermatology Associates and Henderson Dermatology, were chosen to speak at the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) annual meeting in San Antonio, Texas.

Dr. Crowe and Truett presented “Don’t Worry, Be Happy: Our Successful EHR Implementation,” a detailed description of how Owensboro Dermatology and Henderson Dermatology converted from paper to electronic medical health records (EMR). Doctors Crowe and Truett gave a brief background of Owensboro and Henderson Dermatology and their reasons for deciding on one system over another. The doctors highlighted the obstacles and the successes of implementation of the computerized system and focused on how they customized the system for their dermatology practice. They explained how their digital medical record system helps enhance the quality of care they provide and how this system allows them to offer services that would otherwise not be available. These improvements include computerized imaging for exam room, tracking of previous biopsies and skin cancer removals, and “mole mapping,” a computerized scanning of suspicious moles to help determine if a biopsy is needed.

The presentation was one component of the workshop entitled “Electronic Health Records.” This workshop featured nine of the top computerized dermatologists in the country presenting information to help other dermatologists make informed decisions as they plan the transition from a paper to an electronic medical record. EMR will likely become a part of all practices within the next decade as is mandated by the U.S. government. Another objective of the educational sessions was for attendees to understand how emerging technologies such as teledermatology and digital imaging may allow for enriched patient care.

The AAD conferences attract over 15,000 people including dermatologists and their staff members from around the nation and the world. The annual meeting provides a venue for dermatology specialists to learn about new advances in diagnosis, treatment and prevention and an opportunity to earn continuing medical education credits. The AAD, a not-for-profit medical specialty association headquartered in Schaumburg, Illinois, is the largest, most influential and most representative of all dermatologic associations. The AAD has developed a platform in which to:

•promote and advance the science and art of medicine and surgery related to the skin

•promote the highest possible standards in clinical practice, education and research in dermatology and related disciplines

•support and enhance patient care and promote the public interest relating to dermatology.