NHS Direct was set up by the UK National Health Service. It operates a 24-hour nurse-backed advice and health information service, providing confidential information on:

• What to do if you or your family are feeling ill
• Particular health conditions
• Local healthcare services, such as doctors, dentists or late night opening pharmacies
• Self help and support services

NHS Direct works hand in hand with other healthcare services provided by the NHS, helping people make the right choice to meet individual needs. The telephone service is available in England and Wales and a similar service called NHS24 is available in Scotland. NHS Direct is available on 0845 4647 and NHS24 on 0800 224488.

Teledermatology is one of the original and most active applications of telemedicine. Dermatology is particularly suited to the use of advanced communication technologies and the internet for delivery of care. By using advanced communication technologies, dermatologists are able to widen their reach to patients in a cost-effective manner.

Teledermatology is generally operated via store-and-forward communications or by full-motion video. In teledermatology, store-and-forward communication typically refers to the sending or forwarding of digital images and associated patient data to the specialist for storage and consultation. For full-motion video, providers and patients interact via live videoconferencing. For videoconferencing, a variety of peripheral hardware attachments may be utilized to enhance the consultation.