Search

Background: Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) remains a significant burden of disease in the United States. Patch testing is the criterion standard for diagnosing ACD, but its use may be limited by reimbursement challenges., Objective: This study aimed to assess the current rate of patch test utilization among dermatologists in academic, group, or private practice settings to understand different patch testing business models that address these reimbursement challenges., Methods: All members of the American Contact Dermatitis Society received an online survey regarding their experiences with patch testing and reimbursement., Results: A "yes" response was received from 28% of survey participants to the question, "Are you or have you been less inclined to administer patch tests or see patients needing patch tests due to challenges with receiving compensation for patch testing?" The most commonly reported barriers include inadequate insurance reimbursement and lack of departmental support., Conclusions: Compensation challenges to patch testing limit patient access to appropriate diagnosis and management of ACD. This can be addressed through a variety of innovative business models, including raising patch testing caps, negotiating relative value unit compensation, using a fixed salary model with directorship support from the hospital, and raising the percentages of collection reimbursement for physicians.

Background: The state of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) education has not been formally examined since the original study done by High and Cruz (Am J Contact Dermat. 2003;14(4):195-199)., Objective: The objectives of the study were to characterize the current state of ACD and patch-testing education in US dermatology residency programs and to determine if there has been any significant improvement over the past 8 years., Method: This was a survey of ACD education and patch-testing practices in US dermatology residency programs., Results: Surveys were sent to program directors and chief residents at all 112 US dermatology residency programs. Of the 224 surveys sent out, 105 (46.88%) were returned. There were several statistically significant changes from the 2002 survey. More faculty members who are designated as ACD experts are now members of the American Contact Dermatitis Society. Fewer programs now routinely review contact dermatitis-specific journals. Residents are now more likely to receive didactic lectures on ACD. Program directors estimated graduating residents will now be less likely to perform the TRUE Test in practice, and although not statistically significant, program directors also estimated an increase in the number of residents who will use expanded tests., Conclusions: Although some areas of ACD education have improved over the past 8 years, opportunities to further improve remain.