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. 2004 Sep-Oct;70(5):285-7.

Dermatology referrals in the hospital setting

N S Walia  1 , S Deb
Affiliations
  • PMID: 17642639

Dermatology referrals in the hospital setting

N S Walia et al. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2004 Sep-Oct.

Abstract

Background and aims: Dermatology consultation occurs mainly in the outpatient setting. The reasons for inpatient dermatologic consultation by other specialties in a hospital, its frequency and its impact on health care are largely unrecorded.

Methods: We retrospectively studied the records of 971 hospitalized patients or patients being evaluated in emergency services for which a dermatologist's consultation was requested over a 5-year period in a medium sized military hospital. The demographic details, specialties requiring consultation, provisional diagnosis and dermatological investigations done were tabulated.

Results: Dermatologic consultation changed the dermatologic diagnosis and treatment in more than 2/3rd of the patients. Generally, the dermatologic diagnoses most frequently missed by the referring service were common conditions with established treatment.

Conclusion: The overall impact of dermatologic consultation on health delivery to patients was substantial. Important recommendations to any health care system are offered.

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