Time needed to schedule dermatological consultations in Brazil.
BACKGROUND
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.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the time it takes to schedule a private dermatological consultation in Brazil, and other factors concerning consultations.


METHODS
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.


RESULTS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
The characteristics of dermatologists are varied throughout regions of the country. Private consultations and procedures are scheduled sooner than with insurance companies.
Departament of Dermatology and Radiotherapy, Medical School, State University of São Paulo (Júlio de Mesquita Filho), BotucatuSP, Brazil.
Hélio Amante
HA
Miot
Luciane Donida Bartoli
LD
Miot
D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001071:Appointments and Schedules; D001938:Brazil; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003880:Dermatology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011331:Private Practice / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017678:Sex Distribution; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult