The Dermatologic Care Needs of a Rural Community in South Florida

Abstract

For patients in rural areas, primary care is often their only access to healthcare services, and skin concerns are among the most common diseases seen in these settings. This study aims to investigate the most common skin conditions, management trends and patterns of referral to dermatology in a rural and underserved community in South Florida. A retrospective chart review was conducted using medical records from the C.L. Brumback Primary Care Clinic in Belle Glade, FL. The most common skin conditions were fungal infections, unspecified dermatitis, pruritus, skin cancer concern, alopecia, and autoimmune skin disorders. The most frequent management strategy was medication prescription followed by specialist referral. Of the 21 percent of patients referred to a specialist, 55 percent of these were to dermatology. The most common diagnoses referred to dermatology were atopic dermatitis and alopecia. Only 20 percent of these patients reported attending their follow-up appointment, and the average distance to referral was 21 miles. Belle Glade is unique in its need for and access to dermatologic care. The lack of access to specialists in rural communities is a public health issue that more studies and outreach initiatives should address.