R S Stem1. 1. Department of Dermatology, Beth Israel Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Little is known about the utilization of medical services for psoriasis. OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to quantify the medical resources utilized in the United States for the treatment of psoriasis. METHODS: By utilizing data tapes from the National Center of Health Statistics we estimated the number of outpatient visits to physicians for psoriasis and the types of drugs prescribed. RESULTS: Visits to physicians in the United States made principally for psoriasis average 1.5 million per year. Topical steroids are most often prescribed. At less than 10% of visits are systemic therapies (methotrexate, psoralen, oral retinoids) prescribed. CONCLUSION: Although substantial medical resources are utilized in the treatment of psoriasis, the majority of affected persons make less than one visit per year to a physician for treatment.
BACKGROUND: Little is known about the utilization of medical services for psoriasis. OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to quantify the medical resources utilized in the United States for the treatment of psoriasis. METHODS: By utilizing data tapes from the National Center of Health Statistics we estimated the number of outpatient visits to physicians for psoriasis and the types of drugs prescribed. RESULTS: Visits to physicians in the United States made principally for psoriasis average 1.5 million per year. Topical steroids are most often prescribed. At less than 10% of visits are systemic therapies (methotrexate, psoralen, oral retinoids) prescribed. CONCLUSION: Although substantial medical resources are utilized in the treatment of psoriasis, the majority of affected persons make less than one visit per year to a physician for treatment.
Authors: Yves Poulin; Norman Wasel; Daphne Chan; Geula Bernstein; Robin Andrew; Elisa Fraquelli; Kim Papp Journal: Can Fam Physician Date: 2012-07 Impact factor: 3.275