Dermatology Commons^™

Visit Complexity Differs Between Scarring And Nonscarring Alopecia: A 5-Year Dataderm Analysis, Ian Noel Encarnacion, Noelle Desir, Nicholas Schell, Apoorva Mehta, Temitayo Ogunleye, Susan Taylor

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

[Introduction] Accurate coding is a critical component of dermatologic practice, influencing reimbursement and documentation of clinical complexity. Although alopecia has significant psychosocial and financial burdens, Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) coding patterns in alopecia management remain largely understudied. Our population-level study using the American Academy of Dermatology's DataDerm clinical registry¹ evaluates alopecia CPT coding trends, pre-2021 and post-2021 evaluation and management (E/M) CPT coding updates,² aiming to inform coding practices and visit complexity, which have significant reimbursement implications.

Photodynamic Therapy Vs. 5-Fluorouracil For Field-Directed Treatment Of Actinic Keratosis: A Comparative Literature Review, Bhumik Patel

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

BACKGROUND: Actinic keratosis (AK) is a common precancerous skin condition arising from chronic UV exposure and often involves field cancerization, where visible lesions coexist with subclinical damage. Effective field-directed treatments are critical for preventing progression to squamous cell carcinoma.

HYPOTHESIS: Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) may offer superior efficacy, cosmetic outcomes, and patient adherence compared to topical 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), despite its higher cost and clinical setting requirement.

METHODS: This literature review analyzed peer-reviewed studies from 2015–2025 comparing PDT and 5-FU for field-directed AK treatment. Outcomes assessed included lesion clearance, recurrence, tolerability, adherence, cost, and patient satisfaction.

RESULTS: PDT demonstrated high clearance rates …

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Teledermatology For Undeserved Populations During And Post-Covid-19, Jakob Gibbs, Sean Hanshaw

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Introduction: Teledermatology, a subset of telemedicine, has gained prominence as a means to increase access to dermatologic care while reducing costs and improving patient satisfaction. The swift expansion of teledermatology during the COVID-19 pandemic was driven by the necessity to limit physical contact and adapt to public health restrictions. This technological shift aimed to address longstanding disparities in dermatology access, especially in rural and underserved populations, and to respond to the rising demand for dermatologic services amid provider shortages.

Purpose of the Study: The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects that teledermatology following the COVID-19 pandemic had …

Development And Validation Of An Accurate And Precise Skin Color Scale, Henry Lim, Christina Guo, Reem Ayoub, Rafael Do Valle, Kristina Kafle, Ysabelle Martinez, Dana Olsen, Marshall Hall, Christian Scheufele, Michael Carletti, Stephen Weis

North Texas Research Forum 2025

Introduction: Utilization of the Fitzpatrick scale to describe skin color does not adequately account for variations in pigmentation that are reflective of skin color characteristics of persons from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. This study aims to create a better way to describe skin color. Methods: We developed an 11-point color scale. This Skin Color Scale (SCS) was reproduced onto a physical card that could be placed onto a research participant’s inner arms for independent scale interpretation. Participants and two investigators selected the best matching scale interpretation value for each arm. Self-acquired and investigator assessed Fitzpatrick scores were taken. These …

Medical Spa Directorship And Cosmetic Procedures In Jacksonville, Florida, Michelle Militello, Rachel Dykes, Karthik Krishnamurthy

South Atlantic Division GME Research Day 2025

No abstract provided.

Comparison Of Quality Of Life, Anxiety, And Depression Levels Based On Acne Vulgaris Severity, Annisaul Husna, Satya Wydya Yenny, Desmawati Desmawati, Gardenia Akhyar, Masrul Masrul, Yulistini Yulistini

Journal of General - Procedural Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia

Background: Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammation of the pilosebaceous unit. Although acne vulgaris is not fatal, it can cause psychological effects. This study aimed to compare the quality of life, anxiety, and depression levels based on the severity of acne vulgaris among medical students at Andalas University.

Methods: This was an observational-analytic study with a cross-sectional design. It was conducted from May to June 2023. The population included the third-grade students of the Medical Study Program of the Faculty of Medicine, Andalas University, who had acne vulgaris. The respondents were 70 people, recruited with consecutive sampling techniques. This research …

Cutaneous Adverse Effects From Diabetes Devices In Pediatric Patients With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: Systematic Review, Alicia Podwojniak, Joseph Flemming, Isabella J Tan, Hira Ghani, Zachary Neubauer, Anne Jones

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

BACKGROUND: Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and continuous subcutaneous insulin infusions (CSIIs) are the current standard treatment devices for type 1 diabetes (T1D) management. With a high prevalence of T1D beginning in pediatrics and carrying into adulthood, insufficient glycemic control leads to poor patient outcomes. Dermatologic complications such as contact dermatitis, lipodystrophies, and inflammatory lesions are among those associated with CGM and CSII, which reduce glycemic control and patient compliance.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aims to explore the current literature surrounding dermatologic complications of CGM and CSII as well as the impact on patient outcomes.

METHODS: A systematic review of the …

Waiting For A Cure: Factors Influencing Melanoma Treatment Delays, Lisa Huang, David Rubin, Lothar Vidal, Jordan Riser, Christopher Jones, Samantha Hiester

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Melanoma, with a five-year survival rate of 94% in early-stage diagnosis, drops significantly when diagnosed at later stages, making identifying barriers to timely treatment crucial. This literature review examines factors influencing melanoma treatment wait times and their impact on patient outcomes. Elderly, male, and Medicare patients, along with those with higher Breslow thickness and severe melanoma stages, experienced longer wait times. Patients receiving intervention within 30 days had better survival rates. Lack of knowledge and misconceptions about melanoma contribute to delayed care, particularly in communities with lower incidence rates. Black patients faced longer waits from diagnosis to surgery, indicating disparities. …

The Utility Of Interventional Anesthesia, Kylie Daguio, Kiley Jackson, Samantha Boever, Andrew Chang, James Keane, Leonard B. Goldstein

SOMA Faculty Publications

no abstract

Confidence Of Clark County Medical Students In Identifying Dermatologic Conditions On Different Fitzpatrick Skin Types, Ramaditya Srinivasmurthy

Annual Research Symposium

Racial health disparities are apparent in the field of dermatology across the United States. Certain dermatologic conditions are more likely to go undiagnosed in people with skin of color (SOC), leading to increased morbidity/mortality. Underrepresentation of darker skin tones in medical education may be a contributing factor. This study explores the ability and confidence of TUNCOM students to recognize dermatological conditions on various skin tones.

A 23 question survey was given to 173 second year students to examine their ability and confidence in identifying dermatologic conditions on non-SOC (Fitzpatrick I-III) and SOC (Fitzpatrick IV-VI). Images of common skin disorders on …

Advancing Virtual At-Home Care For Community Health Center Patients Using Patient Self-Care Tools, Technology, And Education [Letter], Cheryl Modica, Joy H. Lewis, Curtis Bay

SOMA Faculty Publications

Abstract

Introduction

Health centers are community-based, patient directed primary care providers that offer accessible, high-quality primary care within medically underserved communities. Screening for cancer and managing complex chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and depression are vital services for the vulnerable populations seen by community health centers. Delivering care for complex chronic conditions and preventive services using virtual models that integrate self-care tools and technology is an important approach to increasing access for hard-to-reach patients served by health centers.

Objective

This study aimed to explore the use of a virtual care model, applied using a systems approach and patient-driven …

Improving Lesion Diameter Reporting On Skin Biopsy Requisition Forms: A Quality Improvement Project, Christopher Wong, Christian Scheufele, Marshall Hall, Henry Lim, Daniel A. Nguyen, Stephen Weis, Michael Carletti, Dustin Wilkes

North Texas GME Research Forum 2024

Background: Skin biopsy requisition forms (SBRFs) are the primary communication tool between dermatologists and dermatopathologists. Diameters of biopsied skin lesions are frequently omitted on SBRFs. This quality improvement project aimed to increase the rate of reporting diameters of neoplasms on SBRFs from an academic dermatology outpatient clinic to greater than 65% within three years. Methods: The Plan-Do-Study-Act model was utilized. An initial audit was performed for SBRFs of biopsies obtained between July 1, 2021, and February 4, 2022 (“Cycle 1”). On February 4, 2022, the authors discussed societal guidelines for lesion diameter reporting on SBRFs (“Intervention A”). Cycle 2 prospectively …

Application Of Teaching Regarding Injury Appearance In Darker Pigmented Skin Patients: A Quality Improvement Project, Tiffany Akiba

DNP Projects

Significance and Background: The skin is the largest organ of our body, and skin injury prevention begins with accurately inspecting skin. Current practices stress on looking for any signs of redness which often signify that the skin is possibly injured or compromised. However, darker skin tones do not appear red when injured. Assessing for redness is a practice that is suited better for lighter skin tones.

Purpose: Provide education to providers on current skin assessment practices of darker skin tones.

Methods: The IHI Model of Improvement was used for this project, and the Plan-Do-Study-Act cycle was used to test for …

Barriers To Dermatological Care In Patients Who Received Extensive Mohs Surgery - An In-Depth Qualitative Analysis, Stuti Prajapati, Mallory Zaino, Christina Kontzias, Laura Doerfler, Steven R. Feldman

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Background: Dermatological care needs to be accessible for the elderly, but they face prominent challenges contributing to delays in diagnosis and treatment. Prolonged management of may lead to widespread cutaneous malignancies, necessitating extensive Mohs surgery.

Objective: To identify areas for early intervention in the geriatric population who have undergone extensive Mohs surgery.

Methods: We performed a qualitative study on 10 patients 65 years and older (68-91) from Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist dermatology clinics between December 2022 and February 2023, who had extensive Mohs surgery (3 or more layers removed).

Results: Three major areas for potential intervention for cutaneous carcinoma …

An Innovative Model For Graduate Medical Education Faculty Development Through Physician In Training Delivery, Daniel A. Nguyen, Christopher Wong, Christian Scheufele, Michael Carletti, Stephen Weis

North Texas GME Research Forum 2023

BACKGROUND/INTRODUCTION: Faculty development is an important component for ACGME accreditation of residency programs. 1-3 There are multiple strategies for faculty development with methods including workshops, lunch-ins, and online modules. 10-12 Having successful approaches to develop faculty has lead to self-reported improvement in teaching and clinical skills, intrapersonal and interpersonal growth with faculty given more positive ratings by learners. 8,9 Beyond the individual faculty, there can be system wide cultural shifts supportive of scholarly teaching. 10 Delivering content that is convenient and valuable to the faculty can be challenging. 3,4 If resident physicians can deliver effective convenient faculty development programs then …

Lesion Size Inclusion On Dermatopathology Requisition Forms: A Quality Improvement Project, Christopher M. Wong, Henry Lim, Christian Scheufele, Daniel A. Nguyen, Ashleigh E. Hermann, Michael Carletti, Stephen Weis

North Texas GME Research Forum 2023

Introduction: Dermatopathology requisition forms (RFs) are a critical communication tool between dermatologists and dermatopathologists. Including detailed information on RFs improves the diagnostic accuracy of the consulting dermatopathologist. However, the diameter of the biopsied lesion is often omitted on RFs. This study aimed to increase the rate of reporting lesion diameters on RFs from an academic outpatient dermatology clinic to greater than 65% through education, reinforcement, and evaluation. Methods: This quality improvement project retrospectively and prospectively analyzed the inclusion rate of lesion diameters on dermatopathology RFs from a single institution. In Phase 1, data was collected from all skin biopsies performed …

Exploring Hapi Incidence In Patients Admitted Through The Ed: A Quality Improvement Initiative, Alexa L. Tietgens

DNP Projects

Each year in the U.S., pressure injuries, or PIs, are responsible for more than 60,000 patient deaths and billions of dollars’ worth of treatment costs. Research shows that roughly 95% of all PIs are preventable by following evidence-based practice guidelines which include early identification of patients at risk, frequent skin assessments, and implementation of prevention strategies. However, the ED environment creates unique risks for PI development due to the routine use of hard surfaces (i.e., stretchers, backboards, exam tables) and frequent hospital overcrowding. Although nurses play a pivotal role in PI prevention, frequent staffing shortages, high patient acuity levels, and …

Sunscreen Is Not Just For White People: Church-Based Sunscreen Education For Black Women, Lauren Mitchell

DNP Projects

Significance and Background: African American women are an undeserved population in healthcare, particularly regarding skin cancer prevention. The lack of education and misinformation surrounding skin cancer has resulted in general mistrust of the healthcare system amongst African Americans. Proper education on sunscreen use and skin cancer screening is essential to prevent late diagnosis of skin cancer and to promote prevention efforts.

Purpose: This quality improvement project utilized evidence-based practice to provide education on the proper use of sunscreen and skin cancer screening to African American women in a faith-based setting in Southern Connecticut.

Methods: A pre-survey was conducted to assess …

Assessment Of Disease Severity And Quality Of Life In Patients With Atopic Dermatitis From South Korea, Sang Wook Son, Ji Hyun Lee, Jiyoung Ahn, Sung Eun Chang, Eung Ho Choi, Tae Young Han, Yong Hyun Jang, Hye One Kim, Moon-Bum Kim, You Chan Kim, Hyun Chang Ko, Joo Yeon Ko, Sang Eun Lee, Yang Won Lee, Bark-Lynn Lew, Chan Ho Na, Chang Ook Park, Chun Wook Park, Kui Young Park, Kun Park, Young Lip Park, Joo Young Roh, Young-Joon Seo, Min Kyung Shin, Sujin Lee, Sang Hyun Cho

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

BACKGROUND: Data illustrating the impact of atopic dermatitis (AD) on lives of adults with AD in South Korea are limited.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the AD disease severity and its impact on quality of life (QoL) in patients with AD from South Korea.

METHODS: Patients with AD utilizing the specialist dermatology services of major hospitals in South Korea were assessed for disease severity using Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) score, for QoL using Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) (for QoL), and for comorbidities and treatment experience via retrospective review of 12-month medical records. Clinical and sociodemographic characteristics were also measured. …

Improving Satisfaction Of Patients Living With Hidradenitis Suppurativa Through Administration Of An Intake Form, Emilia M. Clementi, Steven Daveluy

Medical Student Research Symposium

Background

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is an incurable, chronic inflammatory skin that is caused by follicular occlusion and affects around 1% of people in the United States ¹. Because of its chronic, grave nature, patients may be dissatisfied with their care. Improving the fecundity of HS patients’ interaction with their physicians may be an important step towards improving patient outcomes. Currently, there is no standardized patient intake form for HS patients at Wayne Health. The intake form describes key patient details, such as their current treatments, pain level, and associated symptoms. This project measures the efficacy of this tool after …

Migratory Dermatographic Urticaria Following Covid-19 Vaccine Booster In Young Adult Male, Richard A. Maiella, Kelly Staples, Ashok Veldanda

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

With the recent approval of booster vaccinations in the United States for adults who already received their primary vaccinations, millions of adults have been administered the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna booster vaccines.

Adverse events related to these vaccines continue to be reported and are majority self-limited. In this case report, we present a young male who acquired chronic, migratory dermatographic urticaria two weeks after administration of the Moderna mRNA-1273 COVID-19 vaccine booster.

When Are Inpatient And Emergency Dermatology Consultations Appropriate?, Hershel Dobkin, Timothy Blackwell, Robin Ashinoff

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Hospitalists and emergency physicians continue to struggle with the assessment of dermatologic conditions, often consulting dermatology whenever a patient has a “rash” or skin concern. Dermatology is still not emphasized in medical education and often is taught to most medical students in an abbreviated fashion, which results in physicians feeling ill-equipped to deal with any dermatologic condition—either mundane or potentially life-threatening.

Better guidelines are needed for physicians in the ED and on inpatient units to guide them on appropriate use of dermatologic consultation outside the ambulatory office and the clinic. We constructed a consultation flowchart to help guide the triage …

The Role Of Photography In Increasing Efficiency Of Dermatologic Inpatient Consulting Service, Ritu Swali, Tyler D. Evans, Dillon Clarey, Corey Georgesen, Ashley Wysong

Graduate Medical Education Research Journal

Abstract

Introduction:

Inpatient dermatology consultations can bring a mixed bag of pathologies. Due to the highly specialized nature of dermatology and the lack of dermatologic training in medical school, the dermatologic team is consulted for matters that range from non-urgent to pressing. Pictures are a critical component of dermatology and greatly aid in the diagnosis of cutaneous diseases. In the inpatient setting, pictures can help streamline diagnosis and prevent unnecessary tests or procedures. The purpose of this study was to evaluate for the presence of pictures in patients’ chart after a dermatology consult had been placed through EPIC at the …

Dermatology Resident Training On Depression Screening: A Cross-Sectional Survey, Kaitlyn L Streight, Harry Dao, Soo Jung Kim

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background

Many dermatologic diseases are implicated in the development of depression. Currently, there is no literature addressing the extent of dermatology residency training on depression screening.

Objective

Our study aimed to determine the extent of dermatology residency training on depression screening to potentially improve education in this area.

Methods

We designed a 12-question survey to assess the level of resident training and comfort in depression screening for patients with acne vulgaris, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, and skin cancer. Fifty-six residents completed the survey, and data for each question was analysed in aggregate.

Results

Participants found depression screening most important …