Cheraghlou S, Watsky KL, Cohen JM. Utilization, cost, and provider trends in patch testing among Medicare beneficiaries in the United States from 2012 to 2017.
J Am Acad Dermatol 2020;
85:1218-1226. [PMID:
32387633 DOI:
10.1016/j.jaad.2020.04.163]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Patch testing is the best diagnostic test for allergic contact dermatitis. However, there is presently a lack of data on the test's geographic availability and the characteristics of the providers offering this test across the United States.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the geographic variation in the availability of patch testing for the Medicare population and to characterize the temporal trends of patch testing cost, use, and provider specialty from 2012 to 2017.
METHODS
Retrospective cohort study of the Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment Data from 2012 to 2017.
RESULTS
As of 2017, patch testing was available in 20.3% of metropolitan counties and in 1.1% of nonmetropolitan counties. From 2012 to 2017 in metropolitan regions, the number of beneficiaries tested by dermatologists grew by an average annual growth rate of 1.84%, whereas those tested by allergists grew by an average annual growth rate of 20.31%. Most providers that averaged use of 80 or more patches per beneficiary were dermatologists (76.3%).
LIMITATIONS
Analysis was restricted to Medicare Part B claims; data were unavailable on individuals with commercial insurance.
CONCLUSIONS
Most of the increase in patch testing utilization from 2012 to 2017 has been in metropolitan regions. Although growth was especially prominent among allergists in metropolitan counties, the majority of providers performing comprehensive patch testing were dermatologists.
Collapse