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The doctor's office is the best setting for most cutaneous procedures
Hannah J Anderson, Matthew Keller1
1Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. matthew.keller@jefferson.edu.
Dermatology Online Journal
|February 4, 2019
Summary
Dermatologic procedures in ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) are more expensive and lack evidence of better outcomes compared to office settings. Routine use of ASCs for common skin procedures is not supported by current data.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Health Services Research
- Health Economics
Background:
- Most dermatologic procedures traditionally occur in office settings.
- A shift towards performing these procedures in ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) is emerging.
- This shift raises concerns regarding cost and efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the justification for performing common dermatologic procedures in ASCs.
- To compare the costs and outcomes of dermatologic procedures in office settings versus ASCs.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on dermatologic procedures in office settings and ASCs.
- Analysis of cost implications for patients and insurers.
- Assessment of complication rates and patient outcomes.
Main Results:
- Procedures in ASCs incur significantly higher expenses for patients and insurers.
- There is limited evidence to support improved patient outcomes in ASCs.
- Common cutaneous procedures demonstrate low complication rates when performed in traditional office settings.
Conclusions:
- The routine use of ASCs for common dermatologic procedures is not currently justified based on available evidence.
- Office-based settings appear to be a cost-effective and safe alternative for most cutaneous procedures.
- Further research is needed to identify specific scenarios where ASCs might offer advantages.