The most common dermatologic problems identified by family physicians, 1990-1994

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Family Medicine
• Medical Education

Background:

• Family physicians manage a high volume of dermatologic complaints.
• Current dermatology education for family physicians may not align with common diagnoses.
• Data are needed to guide curriculum development in family practice dermatology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the most frequent skin conditions diagnosed by family physicians.
• To compare the diagnostic patterns of family physicians with those of dermatologists.
• To inform dermatology training priorities for family medicine residents.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAICS) data from 1990-1994.
• Comparison of dermatologic diagnoses between family physicians and dermatologists.
• Inclusion of general practice, sports medicine, and geriatrics within family practice.

Main Results:

• Top diagnoses for family physicians: dermatitis (16.4%), pyoderma (13.7%), warts (8%), tinea (5.4%), epidermoid cysts (5.1%).
• The top 10 and 20 diagnoses constituted 65% and 81.8% of skin issues, respectively.
• Family physicians managed more infectious processes, infestations, and insect bites; dermatologists saw more psoriasis, alopecia, and rosacea.

Conclusions:

• Significant differences exist between skin conditions managed by family physicians and dermatologists.
• Dermatology training for family physicians should emphasize common conditions they encounter.
• Conditions like psoriasis and melanoma, though less common in family practice, require attention in training.