Give your practice the tech boost it needs to thrive!

By Faiza Wasif, MPH, Associate Director, Practice Management, June 1, 2025

Each month, DermWorld tackles issues “in practice” for dermatologists. This month, practice management staff discuss how to optimize technology solutions to best suit your practice.

Running a successful dermatology practice today requires more than just clinical expertise. It demands efficiency, seamless patient engagement, and streamlined operations. With evolving patient expectations and increasingly complex regulatory demands, the role of health IT has become more integral than ever in dermatology. As technology continues to evolve, dermatologists have a unique opportunity to leverage digital solutions that can enhance workflow, improve patient care, and reduce administrative burdens.

The AAD Health Information Technology (HIT) Committee has put together a set of best practices and tools based on their experiences that can help optimize your dermatology practice. While these recommendations are not exhaustive and there is no one-size-fits-all solution, they focus on tools and strategies that have been effective in addressing common challenges related to efficiency, patient management, and overall practice operations.

Before adopting or expanding technology, it’s crucial to assess your current workflow, identify any pain points, and determine your practice’s specific needs. Take the time to research available options, understand how each tool integrates with your existing systems, and make decisions that align with your goals. By doing so, you’ll be in a better position to choose technologies that improve efficiency and patient care.

The Academy’s office optimization resources offer practical insights on improving efficiencies across clinical and administrative tasks, with a focus on technology solutions. Below is a glimpse of key areas where technology can make a significant impact on your dermatology practice.

Key areas where technology can transform your dermatology practice

From automating front desk operations to improving clinical decision-making, technology is transforming how dermatology practices operate. Digital solutions not only streamline processes but also create a more patient-centric experience. By integrating the right tools, you can optimize your practice in key areas:

• Enhancing patient engagement: A strong online presence, digital appointment scheduling, and reputation management tools help attract and retain patients.

• Maximizing office efficiency: Self-check-in kiosks, digital payment solutions, and automated insurance verification reduce administrative burdens and improve workflow.

• Improving clinical care: Teledermatology, digital imaging, and decision-support systems help dermatologists provide more accurate and efficient diagnoses.

• Reducing burnout: Technology can alleviate time-consuming documentation tasks, allowing dermatologists to focus more on patient care and less on paperwork. Access burnout-related guidance and resources.

The role of health IT in optimizing your practice

To stay compliant and competitive and to keep up with evolving patient needs and regulatory requirements, dermatology practices should leverage advanced health IT solutions. These technologies improve workflows, enhance patient care, and reduce administrative burdens — helping you navigate the complexities of modern practice management without feeling overwhelmed. Below are key tools that can help optimize both clinical and administrative tasks.

• Electronic health record (EHR) systems: EHR systems enable instant access to patient histories, prescriptions, and lab results, streamlining consultations and enhancing clinical decision-making. By optimizing EHRs, dermatologists can improve workflow, reduce administrative burdens, and ensure accurate, real-time data for patient care.

  • Optimize your EHR and streamline practice workflows.

• Teledermatology: Offering virtual consultations and follow-ups through teledermatology not only expands access to care but also enhances patient engagement and satisfaction. By adopting secure telemedicine platforms, dermatologists can consult with patients remotely, improving convenience while reducing in-office visits and waiting times.

  • Explore AAD teledermatology resources.

• Patient portals and secure messaging: Patient portals can improve communication by providing secure access to appointment scheduling, lab results, and follow-up care. They enhance patient engagement and care continuity. The Academy encourages the use of portals to reduce wait times and improve efficiency. Ensure the portal integrates with your EHR or practice management software and is activated to maximize its benefits.

  • Learn more about patient portals.

• Practice management software: Integrating practice management software automates scheduling, billing, and insurance verification, reducing administrative tasks and enhancing operational efficiency. By automating routine processes, staff can focus more on patient care, and practices can reduce delays and errors in financial operations.

• Data security and compliance: HIT solutions help dermatology practices stay compliant with HIPAA regulations, safeguarding patient data while ensuring smooth information exchange between physicians. Secure systems allow for real-time collaboration and reduce the risks associated with manual documentation and paper-based records.

  • Get comprehensive guidance on HIPAA and other compliance-related regulations.

• Artificial intelligence (AI) and clinical decision support: AI and clinical decision support tools are showing promise to assist dermatologists in identifying skin conditions like melanoma and acne. These technologies are designed to complement, not replace, clinical judgment. The AAD emphasizes careful evaluation to ensure they support high-quality patient care.

  • Read the AAD Position Statement on Augmented Intelligence (AuI).

Is your practice keeping up with technology adoption and advancements?

Now that you’ve learned how technology can enhance both staff and patient satisfaction, it’s time to evaluate your own practice. Use these insights to assess where your practice stands, and identify areas where you can start adopting new technologies or where improvements are needed. The new guidance and resources available at our technology solutions page can help you get started and ensure your practice stays aligned with the latest advancements.

We understand that technology can be exciting and challenging to navigate. However, with the right resources, the process becomes more manageable and rewarding. The AAD’s Health IT and EHR adoption resources are designed to simplify the transition. Explore more resources at to move from uncertainty to confidence and discover how technology can transform your practice. Be sure to visit the Practice Management Center regularly for a variety of tools and resources designed to streamline your practice’s operations, maintain compliance, and improve patient care. These updated insights will help you continuously enhance your practice’s efficiency and stay ahead of evolving demands.

Additional DermWorld Resources