Investing in the future of inpatient dermatology: the evolution and impact of specialized dermatologic consultation in hospitalized patients.

Inpatient dermatology has transitioned from units that admitted and cared for patients with chronic dermatoses to consultative services that provide a wide breadth of care, leading to a paradigm shift in the role and impact of dermatologists in the inpatient setting. Consultative dermatology provides a distinct and essential service in the care of hospitalized patients, leading to improved care quality along with reductions in inappropriate health care spending.