The Effects of Walk-In Dermatology Appointments for Atopic Dermatitis and Hidradenitis Suppurativa Management

Atopic dermatitis (AD) and hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) are two inflammatory skin conditions characterized by intermittent flares that may lead some patients to seek treatment in urgent care or emergency departments (ED). At our institution, we implemented a walk-in appointment process for patients seen in the ED for urgent dermatologic concerns. After implementation of this program, patients received treatment by a pediatric dermatologist faster: 75.7 days versus 19.1 days for AD pre- and post-implementation, respectively, and 89.9 days versus 9.33 days for HS pre- and post-implementation, respectively (p < 0.01). Our work demonstrates that walk-in visits for urgent dermatologic concerns facilitate timely access for pediatric patients with chronic dermatologic conditions.