Attitudes of California dermatologists toward Worker's Compensation: results of a survey

Abstract

A survey-questionnaire on Worker's Compensation sent to 492 California dermatologists produced 268 replies, a recovery rate of 54 percent, representing approximately 10 percent of the practicing dermatologists in the United States. A total of 75 percent replied they treat Worker's Compensation patients; most of the 25 percent who replied they do not gave strong reasons for refusing to assume the care of these patients. The answers to the questionnaire given by the 201 California dermatologists who treat Worker's Compensation patients are tabulated and discussed. Although there exists considerable misunderstanding among physicians, insurance companies and employers on many aspects of Worker's Compensation, the situation is not without hope for improvement. Better knowledge of work procedures, more availability of precise information on the ingredients of work contactants and cooperation among the interested parties should improve the quality of care for these patients in the future.