Prevalence of Misrepresentation of Nonphysician Clinicians at Dermatology Clinics

Abstract

Introduction: To evaluate the use of inaccurate terminology used by dermatology practices to describe the training and qualifications of their nonphysician clinicians (NPCs) when new patients are booking appointments.Methods: Clinics were randomly selected and called to determine the first available appointment for a new patient with a new and changing mole. If the receptionist confirmed the first-offered appointment was with an NPC, the encounter was included in this study. If receptionists used inaccurate terminology to describe the NPCs and their qualifications, this instance was recorded along with the specific language that they used.Results: A total of 344 unique dermatology clinics were contacted on February 27, 2020, in 25 states. Phone calls at 128 clinics (37.2%) met our inclusion criterion. Inaccurate language was used to describe NPCs at 23 (18%) unique clinic locations across 12 states, with "dermatologist," "doctor," "physician," and "boardcertified" being used to describe NPCs as the most common inaccurate terms.Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that front office staff at dermatology clinics use inaccurate and potentially misleading terminology to refer to NPCs working in their clinics. While we cannot establish whether this is intentional or due to a lack of training, additional focus should be placed on accurately representing provider qualifications to patients.

Trends in Debt Valuations of Private Equity–Backed Dermatology Groups Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…66,67 Further research and more transparency are needed to study debt valuations, including the servicing of debt, and the downstream effects they may have on leveraging and misrepresentation of physician assistants and nurse practitioners, patient care, and physician autonomy. 9,10,68 Physician owners may receive compensation in the form of equity in DPEGs when selling their practices and employed physicians may purchase equity in DPEGs after meeting tenure or productivity thresholds. Physician ownership of equity encourages alignment with DPEGs and offers the potential for future returns; however, in the event of sale or bankruptcy, debt is senior to equity.…”

“…When DPEGs consolidate entire markets, these risks are amplified in addition to antitrust concerns . Further research and more transparency are needed to study debt valuations, including the servicing of debt, and the downstream effects they may have on leveraging and misrepresentation of physician assistants and nurse practitioners, patient care, and physician autonomy …”