The role of dermatology is more than just that of an outpatient specialty. In years past, it was common for hospital dermatology departments to have dedicated inpatient programs; however, changes in reimbursement systems have affected the care landscape in hospitals.

According to an editorial published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, between 1982 and 1997, the number of dermatology patients who were admitted to hospitals in the care of other physician providers increased from 15.5% to 32.4%, with “few dedicated admitting dermatology services remaining in practice today.”