Association of Society of Dermatology Hospitalist Institutions With Improved Outcomes in Medicare Beneficiaries Hospitalized for Skin Disease
February 2023
in “
Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology
”
TLDR Patients at dermatology specialist hospitals had lower death and readmission rates but higher treatment costs.
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.