Home ultraviolet light therapy for psoriasis: why patients choose other options

Psoriasis is a common inflammatory skin condition for which office-based and home phototherapy are safe and effective treatments. However, patients who are prescribed home phototherapy devices often choose other treatment options.

To determine the reasons why patients do not purchase a home phototherapy device after it has been recommended and prescribed by their physician.

Patients who were written a prescription for a home phototherapy device but did not fill the prescription were identified and contacted by the National Biological Corporation to participate in a telephone survey consisting of 4 questions regarding why they did not pursue a prescribed home ultraviolet device and how they were currently treating their psoriasis.

The most common reason for not obtaining the prescribed home phototherapy device was using a biologic agent (31%). The second and third most frequently reported reasons were "cost share too high" and "insurance will not cover" (18% and 17%, respectively), together accounting for 35%.

The reason why patients were prescribed biologics while having an unfilled home phototherapy device prescription was not obtained.

Out of pocket cost is a significant barrier to home phototherapy, even to patients who are well insured.