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Fewer dermatologists in solo practice compared with previous years
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Results of the American Academy of Dermatology practice profile survey indicated shifts in the workforce supply of dermatologists in the U.S.
The survey has been conducted for more than 10 years and includes email and postal mail responses from a random sample of 2,001 practicing dermatologists. Eligible practitioners are also AAD members. The current study is an update of trends in the field, and response rates ranged from 31% in 2007, to 28.6% in 2009, to 34.1% in 2012.
The biggest shift observed was in the primary practice setting, according to the results.
Findings showed that 44% of dermatologists were in solo practice in 2005, compared with 35% in 2014. The other most significant change was in teledermatology, which increased from 7% in 2012 to 14% in 2014. Electronic health record use rates increased from 51% to 70% between 2011 and 2014.
Dermatology was composed of 30% women in 2002 and 45% women in 2014.
The findings indicated that 46% of dermatologists in rural areas are solo practitioners, compared with 31% in urban areas. Nearly half of those practicing in rural areas reported a need for more dermatologists, whereas 39% of those practicing suburban areas and 32% of those in urban areas suggested that there is an over-supply of practitioners (chi-square result, 78.56; P < .0001).
Approximately one-third of dermatologists work in more than one office, with the remaining two-thirds working in one setting.
An increase in employment of physician assistants and nurse practitioners was observed, from 28% in 2005 to 46% in 2014.
“The demand for dermatology services remains strong,” the researchers concluded. “Shifts in the practice setting may be related to increases in overhead costs that are partially associated with the implementation of technology-based medical records.” – by Rob Volansky
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
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