[Primary dermatology--who is the gate keeper?].

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Health Services Research
• Primary Care Medicine

Context:

• Israeli health funds permit direct patient access to specialists, bypassing primary care physicians.
• This policy has sparked debate regarding its justification and cost-effectiveness.

Purpose:

• To evaluate the implications of direct specialist access in dermatology.
• To explore the roles of primary care physicians and dermatologists in skin disease management.
• To understand patient preferences regarding specialist consultations.

Summary:

• The study investigated the practice of direct access to dermatology clinics in Israel.
• It analyzed the roles of primary care and specialist physicians and patient desires.
• Findings from four dermatology clinics inform the discussion on healthcare delivery models.

Impact:

• Provides insights into the efficiency and patient satisfaction of direct specialist access models.
• Informs policy decisions regarding healthcare access and the primary care gatekeeper system.
• Contributes to the understanding of optimal patient pathways for dermatological care.