San Francisco-based MD Dr. Peter “Pete” Killcommons graduated cum laude from City College of New York before attending New York Medical College. Focused on telemedicine and its ability to rapidly improve access to quality care, Dr. Peter Killcommons is the CEO of Medweb, a company that makes telemedicine equipment. One of Medweb’s products for dermatologists is the Handheld Telemedicine Kit (HTK).

Medweb’s HTK is a lightweight bag about the size of an ordinary laptop bag featuring several devices including a multi-scope exam camera, handheld USB ultrasound probe, digital EKG, tablet, otoscope, and Bluetooth stethoscope. It equips dermatologists and general practitioners with the most advanced offerings in LED light sources, wireless data transfer, high-resolution imaging, and digital displays, empowering them with the tools to provide care to patients in remote locations or those who are incarcerated.

The HTK combines a computer-based patient assessment system with a simple user interface enabling easy capturing of digital images. The devices are wifi, 3G, and 4G enabled for quick transmission of data to a dermatological specialist for real time screening, diagnosis, and treatment.

Besides dermatologists, the HTK can also help nurses and community workers consulting patients in the field, allowing them to quickly reach out to specialists for guidance on complex cases. It is also a must-have for EMTs, firefighters, police officers, and other first responders as it makes on-site treatment possible, limiting the need for emergency ambulatory trips.

Based in San Francisco, Dr. Peter “Pete” Killcommons has guided Medweb for more than 25 years, providing secure, web-enabled telemedicine to populations across the globe. Future focused, Dr. Peter Killcommons continues to position his firm at the cusp of an expanding marketplace that connects physicians with patients remotely through continuous monitoring and video conferences.

A recent Bisnow National Healthcare New England event brought together medical industry leaders to discuss trends of care centered away from hospitals. This is reflected in a more than doubling of urgent care clinics in Massachusetts between 2010 and 2018, from 18 to 45. Though these clinics offer greater convenience, a consensus of panelists was that patients want even more responsive care from home and this is a niche that telemedicine fills.

As described by the Boston Medical Center director of ambulatory operations, an increasing number of patients are beginning to receive care via apps on their phone. Through the use of video conferences or photos, patients can easily consult with professionals in areas ranging from psychiatry to dermatology, and also access prescriptions.

High demand is reflected in new Persistence Market Research data, which estimates the North American telemedicine market value at almost $7 billion, with this figure expected to expand by a factor of five over the next decade. Nearly 70 percent of physicians surveyed reported strong interest in employing telemedicine and remote patient monitoring moving forward.