Skin cancer referrals--could prioritization be a reasonable approach in the new millennium?
With the increasing and ageing population and concomitant increased referral of skin lesions and skin cancer in particular, problems with regard to waiting times to be seen as well as waiting lists currently face us. While several other specialties including radiotherapists, dermatologists, general surgeons, general practitioners may perform surgical and other treatments, there may be some confusion as well as some inefficiencies in the services provided. With a better understanding of the different grades and types of skin cancer, it should be possible to provide a more efficient and fairer service even without a major increase in resources. The question is whether or not the general practitioners and their patients are ready for prioritization?
McGregor
J C
JC
Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, St John's Hospital, Livingston, West Lothian.
D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000453:epidemiology; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000453:epidemiology; D015276:Health Care Rationing; D006801:Humans; D008545:Melanoma / Q000453:epidemiology; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology*; D013222:State Medicine; D013518:Surgery, Plastic; D006113:United Kingdom; D014850:Waiting Lists