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The dermatologist and managed care
R H Brodkin1, R Rickert, B C Machler
1Department of Medicine, St. Barnabas Medical Center, Livingston, New Jersey, USA.
Cutis
|November 1, 1996
Summary
Dermatologists offer cost-effective treatment for cutaneous tumors, demonstrating superior diagnostic accuracy and reducing healthcare expenses for managed care. This study highlights their economic advantages in managing skin conditions.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Health Economics
Background:
- Managed care organizations face economic pressures.
- Accurate and cost-effective treatment of cutaneous tumors is a priority.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the economic benefits of dermatologic specialists in treating cutaneous tumors.
- To compare the diagnostic accuracy and treatment setting of dermatologists versus non-dermatologists for cutaneous tumors.
Main Methods:
- Retrieved biopsy reports for 300 consecutive cutaneous tumors from a suburban medical center.
- Compared diagnostic accuracy and treatment location between dermatologists and non-dermatologists.
Main Results:
- Dermatologists exhibited superior performance in diagnosing and treating cutaneous tumors.
- Treatment by dermatologists resulted in substantial cost savings for third-party payers.
Conclusions:
- Dermatologic specialists provide a more economical approach to managing cutaneous tumors.
- Integrating dermatologists into managed care pathways can lead to significant cost reductions.