The Dermatologist Is Out? Assessment of Dermatologists in Ontario Accepting OHIP Referrals for Hair Loss Evaluation

    March 2025 in “ Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery ”
    Victoria Young, Renée A. Beach
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    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.
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