Trends in Patch Testing in the Medicare Part B Fee-for-Service Population

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Allergic Contact Dermatitis
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Patch testing is crucial for diagnosing allergic contact dermatitis.
• Limited data exist on Medicare patch testing utilization and reimbursement trends.
• Understanding these trends is vital for healthcare policy and practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze trends in patch testing use among diverse Medicare provider groups.
• To evaluate changes in Medicare reimbursement rates for patch testing services.
• To identify key drivers of patch testing utilization shifts.

Main Methods:

• Longitudinal analysis of Medicare Part B Physician/Supplier Procedure Summary files (2010-2018).
• Examined submitted patch testing claims by dermatology physicians, nondermatology physicians, and nonphysician providers.
• Assessed Medicare reimbursement amounts per service and per 1000 enrollees.

Main Results:

• Patch testing services per 1000 Medicare enrollees increased by 89.0% from 2010 to 2018.
• Nonphysician providers showed a significant annual increase of +34.1% in submitted services.
• Allergists also demonstrated a substantial annual increase of +31.40% in submitted services.

Conclusions:

• Patch testing utilization rose in the US Medicare population between 2010 and 2018.
• The increase was predominantly influenced by nonphysician providers and allergists.
• These findings indicate a shift in how allergic contact dermatitis is managed within the Medicare system.