TLDR Few dermatologists in Ontario accept OHIP referrals for hair loss, leading to long wait times and high fees.
The study reveals that only 38.38% of dermatologists in Ontario accept OHIP referrals for hair loss, with an average wait time of 4.51 months, highlighting significant accessibility issues for patients. Many offices have restrictive criteria, accepting only specific or severe cases, which limits access further. The study suggests that the complexity of alopecia assessments, limited treatment options, and financial factors may influence dermatologists' decisions to decline referrals. This situation may lead to unmet patient needs and reliance on unlicensed providers. The findings indicate a broader systemic issue of high demand and insufficient supply in dermatological services, necessitating further research to explore referral acceptance factors and improve access to care.
7 citations,
October 2021 in “Indian Journal of Plastic Surgery” Hair loss patients need psychological counseling to cope better.
36 citations,
November 2018 in “American Journal of Clinical Dermatology” Alopecia is linked to various health and mental conditions, impacts life quality, and needs medical attention beyond its cosmetic effects.
7 citations,
January 2018 in “Skin appendage disorders” The document suggests recognizing "trichiatrists" as doctors specializing in hair and scalp health, using evidence-based treatments.
144 citations,
July 2015 in “Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology” Alopecia areata is a common autoimmune disease affecting about 2% of people, causing significant disability and often associated with mental health issues and other autoimmune conditions.
24 citations,
March 2017 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology” Finasteride use linked to increased risk of sexual dysfunction, especially in younger people.
15 citations,
February 2003 in “British Journal of Dermatology” The study suggests computer-assisted analysis of scalp biopsies could improve hair loss diagnosis but needs more validation.
14 citations,
September 2015 in “PubMed” Alopecia areata can be managed with various treatments, and severe cases should be referred to dermatologists.
6 citations,
June 2021 in “EClinicalMedicine” ALRV5XR significantly improves hair density in women with hair loss and is well-tolerated.
3 citations,
September 2021 in “EClinicalMedicine” ALRV5XR effectively increases hair density in men with androgenetic alopecia without adverse effects.
