Association of Society of Dermatology Hospitalist Institutions With Improved Outcomes in Medicare Beneficiaries Hospitalized for Skin Disease

    January 2023 in “ Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology ”
    Pranav Puri, Benjamin D. Pollock, Miranda Yousif, Puneet Bhullar, Blake W. Boudreaux, Lindy P. Fox, Misha Rosenbach, Mark R. Pittelkow, Aaron R. Mangold
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    Studysummary This letter discusses the emergence of the dermatology hospitalist model and reports no new clinical outcomes; single institution studies suggest these services may enhance diagnostic accuracy and decrease readmissions. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.
    The study analyzed the impact of hospitalization at Society for Dermatology Hospitalists (SDH) institutions on risk-adjusted outcomes, using data from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services from 2016 to 2018. It was found that patients at SDH institutions had a 24% lower chance of risk-adjusted 30-day mortality and a 12% lower chance of risk-adjusted 30-day readmissions. However, the cost per encounter was $850 higher at these hospitals. Despite the increased cost, the study concluded that dermatology hospitalist models at SDH institutions may provide added value in treating patients with skin disorders.
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