A study of the practice of dermatology in the United States. Initial findings.

A nationwide study of the practice activities of dermatologists reports that dermatology is a predominantly outpatient specialty, with 97% of patient encounter occurring outside of the hospital. The average dermatologist cares for approximately 7,000 patients a year and functions almost exclusively as a specialist, with only 2.2% of his cases related to nondermatologic problems. The dermatologist performs a type of primary care, however, with seven out of ten patients being self-referred. Eighty-seven percent of dermatologic encounters can be categorized into 25 disease conditions. This study serves to increase the understanding of how the dermatologist cares for his patients.