Trends in Patch Testing by Health Care Providers Among US Medicare Beneficiaries

Background Although patch testing has historically been done by dermatologists, allergists are also patch testing. Little is known about the current utilization of patch testing by medical specialists. Objective The aim was to determine trends in utilization of patch testing in Medicare beneficiaries by various clinicians and demographics. Methods Data from the 2012-2017 Medicare Public Use File were analyzed, including 82,241 total unique clinicians of whom 312 filed a patch testing claim. Results Dermatologists had a steady share of patch tests (annual clinicians; annual patches) from 2012 (158; 258,735) to 2017 (199; 351,994), an increase of 25.9% and 36.0%, respectively. Allergists, however, had a marked increase in utilization of patch tests from 2012 (84; 62,498) to 2017 (187; 182,480), an increase of 122.6% and 192.0%, respectively. In multivariable logistic regression models, male dermatologists and allergists had increased odds of patch testing (P < 0.001 for both), as did clinicians in the Northeast and Southern United States (P ≤ 0.003 for both). Limitations Data are only available for Medicare Part B patients; changes in utilization may be different for individuals, private insurance, or Medicare Advantage Plans. Conclusions Relative to dermatologists, patch testing is increasing among allergists. Addressing barriers to patch testing may increase rates of patch testing by dermatologists.