TDS (Dermatology) Ltd, a UK-based telehealth care company, has signed a contract with E-Ceptionist and has begun using its Internet-based appointment booking service.

The E-Ceptionist system allows tds’ users to book dermatology appointments and manage the e-health process between the general practitioners, nurses, dermatology consultant and patients in Britain, helping to reduce the waiting period for consultations.

“E-Ceptionist allows tds and its users to manage the health care process over the Internet in real-time,” said Roger Coomber, Managing Director of tds. "The service allows us to deliver the highest quality of care in the most efficient way possible to the people of Britain."

Tds will initially be serving National Health Service (NHS) patients in Britain.

Merrick Alpert, E-Ceptionist’s Chairman, stated: "E-Ceptionist is honored to assist in meeting British Prime Minister Tony Blair’s goal of reducing the NHS waiting lists."

Tds provides dermatology services to patients in Britain. The tds service allows National Health Service patients access to dermatology services without the waiting period that NHS patients normally experience. The company plans to expand its services to the United States in the near future.

E-Ceptionist, Inc. is a privately held company located in Houston, Texas. The company owns and licenses the E- Ceptionist scheduling (booking) service. The service allows users (administrators, doctors, patients, etc.) to schedule health care appointments in real-time over the Internet as well as to manage the health care process after the appointment occurs.

Current E-Ceptionist customers include WellPoint Health Networks Inc. on behalf of its affiliate, Blue Cross of California, as well as the United States Military’s TRICARE network and Vitao Denmark A/S.