Time needed to schedule dermatological consultations in Brazil

• Published in: Anais brasileiros de dermatología Vol. 88; no. 4; pp. 563 - 569
• Main Authors: Miot, Hélio Amante, Miot, Luciane Donida Bartoli
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English; Portuguese
• Published: Brazil Sociedade Brasileira de Dermatologia 01.08.2013
• Subjects: Adult; Age Distribution; Age Factors; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Answering services; Appointments and Schedules; Brazil; Cross-Sectional Studies; DERMATOLOGY; Dermatology - statistics & numerical data; Female; Health care surveys; Humans; Interviews as Topic; Investigation; Male; Middle Aged; Population surveys; Private Practice - economics; Private Practice - statistics & numerical data; Referral and consultation; Scheduling consultations; Sex Distribution; Time Factors; Young Adult; Brazil; Scheduling consultations; Agendamento de consultas; Health care surveys; Referência e Consulta; Dermatology; Referral and consultation; Population surveys; Dermatologia; Inquéritos demográficos; Serviços de atendimento; Pesquisas sobre serviços de saúde; Answering services
• ISSN: 0365-0596; 1806-4841; 1806-4841; 0365-0596
• DOI: 10.1590/abd1806-4841.20132031

It is not clear what the population's demand for dermatologists is, nor how many professionals are needed in order to provide adequate care in this area of expertise. Knowledge of the flow of patients at dermatological clinics throughout the country allows for the formation of expansion and distribution policies regarding professionals, and provides backing for the decision to increase medical residency places. To evaluate the time it takes to schedule a private dermatological consultation in Brazil, and other factors concerning consultations. Survey with a random sample of 14% of Brazilian dermatologists, simulating the scheduling of emergency clinical and cosmetic consultations, and botulinum toxin procedures. Also, details relating to cost and professionals, were studied. Data were adjusted for each region of the country. A total of 873 dermatologists were evaluated. Full SBD members represented 85%, and 66% were women. The median time to schedule a consultation ranged from 6 (out-of-pocket payment) to 7 (medical insurance) consecutive working days. Times varied depending on the region. A multivariate analysis showed that out-of-pocket consultations and procedures were scheduled sooner than with medical insurance, regardless of whether they were clinical or cosmetic. The characteristics of dermatologists are varied throughout regions of the country. Private consultations and procedures are scheduled sooner than with insurance companies.