Certainly has some impact. There was poorly powered survey a few years ago that found it was far easier (and a sooner appointment) to get in to see dermatologist for Botox than it was for a suspicious mole. But the same holds true for primary care as well...if you have insurance as opposed to Medicare, you can likely get a primary care physician a lot easier too.
One solution always mentioned is to think about mid-level providers like physician assistants. But no specialty has embraced them as well as dermatology, and we still have a shortage. There needs to be more funding for graduate medical education...but in this budget environment, there is little hope for that.
Nice interview!
ReplyDeleteHow much of an impact does derms' doing cosmetic procedures instead of mole checks have on access?
Certainly has some impact. There was poorly powered survey a few years ago that found it was far easier (and a sooner appointment) to get in to see dermatologist for Botox than it was for a suspicious mole. But the same holds true for primary care as well...if you have insurance as opposed to Medicare, you can likely get a primary care physician a lot easier too.
ReplyDeleteOne solution always mentioned is to think about mid-level providers like physician assistants. But no specialty has embraced them as well as dermatology, and we still have a shortage. There needs to be more funding for graduate medical education...but in this budget environment, there is little hope for that.
Thanks Dr. Sue for the comment!