In the era of value-based care and increasing patient demands, primary care physicians face the challenge of delivering high-quality care while navigating resource constraints and patient preferences. Timely access to specialty care, such as dermatology, can be particularly challenging, leading to patient dissatisfaction and potential leakage from the healthcare system. This case study demonstrates how a PCP utilized VisualDx to address a patient’s dermatological concern efficiently and effectively.
The Case:
A patient at a Penn Medicine-affiliated healthcare facility in the Philadelphia suburbs presented with a new rash and requested a referral to a non-Penn dermatologist due to insurance requirements and concerns about long wait times. Rather than immediately referring the patient out, the Penn PCP took a proactive approach. Utilizing VisualDx, the PCP conducted an in-office evaluation and identified the rash as an itchy, chronic condition affecting the patient’s hands, feet, and shins.
Based on VisualDx recommendations, the PCP prescribed Triamcinolone 0.1% cream for 10-14 days. Two weeks later, the PCP followed up with the patient via phone call. The patient reported significant improvement, indicating that the rash had resolved, and expressed gratitude for the effective treatment. The patient no longer sought a dermatology referral.
The average wait time to see a dermatologist is 34.5 days
The Value of VisualDx:
This case exemplifies the benefits of incorporating clinical decision support tools, such as VisualDx, into primary care practice. By leveraging VisualDx, the PCP was able to:
- Provide timely and effective treatment, satisfying the patient’s needs and improving patient satisfaction.
- Prevent leakage from the healthcare system by addressing the patient’s dermatological concern within the Penn Medicine-affiliated network.
- Avoid unnecessary referrals to dermatologists outside of the system, minimizing healthcare costs and optimizing resource utilization.
- Enhance the efficiency of the healthcare system by streamlining the referral process and reducing wait times for specialty care.
I have used VisualDx for several cases on inpatients and have been able to avoid the use of a dermatology referral because of the detailed images and information found in VisualDx.
—Internal Medicine Physician
The proactive use of VisualDx by the PCP demonstrates the potential of technology to enhance patient care, prevent leakage, and optimize healthcare efficiency within the primary care setting. By empowering PCPs with tools for accurate diagnosis and treatment guidance, healthcare organizations can improve patient outcomes, enhance provider satisfaction, and achieve greater value in healthcare delivery.