Time Intervals Until the First Return Office Visit After New Medications.

INTRODUCTION

Poor patient adherence to medications is common in dermatology and can result in negative health outcomes. A short interval until the first return office visit after starting a medication can increase adherence.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study by using the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey from 2014 to 2016 to determine the length of time until the scheduled return visit.

RESULTS

Our study examined 10.9 (95% confidence interval 9.43, 12.5) million estimated visits in the NAMCS. Patients with acne, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis prescribed at least one new medication had dispositions to return at two months or greater or to return as needed at 73.5% (38.8, 100), 49.1% (12.6, 92.0), and 55.0 % (14.0, 100) of visits, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

The time for a first return visit is frequently more than two months after a new medication is prescribed. Incorporating an earlier visit when prescribing a medication may be a means to improve adherence. J Drugs Dermatol. 2020;19(12): doi:10.36849/JDD.2020.5542.