Employing algorithms for acne treatment could eliminate unnecessary appointments, reduce wait time for treatment, lower costs, and reduce patient no-shows, according to an analysis of 253 referrals from primary care clinicians to dermatologists.

Investigators used 2 algorithms to assess referral patterns and costs. Among the results:

• ~Half of all patients were not taking prescription acne medication at the time of referral. 150 of the referred patients were treated by a dermatologist. In those 150 cases:

◊ Algorithm A reduced initial referrals by nearly half, eliminated referrals in 4 in 10 cases, and lowered average delay-to-treatment by ~29 days.

◊ Algorithm A saved ~$20/patient and reduced wait-time by 5 days/patient; the no-show rate was lowered by 13%.

◊ Algorithm B reduced initial referrals in more than 86%, eliminated referrals in 7 in 10 cases, and lowered average delay-to-treatment by ~28 days.

◊ Algorithm B saved nearly $36/patient and reduced wait-time by 9 days/patient; the no-show rate was lowered by nearly one-fourth.

Citation: Liu K, Hartman R, Joyce C, Mostaghimi A. Modeling the effect of shared care to optimize acne referrals from primary care clinicians to dermatologists. [Published online ahead of print March 6, 2016]. JAMA Dermatol. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2016.0183.