Increasing Access to Specialized Dermatology Care: A Retrospective Study Investigating Clinical Operation and Impact of a University-Affiliated Free Clinic

INTRODUCTION: Our objective was to study the impact and clinical operation of an integrated model for free specialized dermatology care via collaboration between an academic institution and a nonprofit outpatient clinic through an analysis of patient demographics and care provided. METHODS: Hope@UMHS is a partnership between the University of Michigan Health System (UMHS) and Hope Clinic (HC) which provides free specialty consultations to uninsured residents of Southeast Michigan. A retrospective chart review was completed for patients referred to the UMHS Dermatology clinic as part of the HOPE@UMHS collaboration from April 2012 through February 2020. RESULTS: Of the 294 referred patients, 264 were managed in 30 clinic sessions over 8 years, staffed by 92 unique volunteers. Patients most commonly presented with atopic dermatitis (10.5%), seborrheic dermatitis (7.9%), and actinic keratosis (7.4%). The majority of patients (68.2%) were prescribed at least one new medication. Nine skin cancers, including one melanoma, were diagnosed and treated. There were 102 procedures performed. Eighty-seven percent of patients received conclusive evaluation and treatment at the time of their consultation. CONCLUSION: Our experience illustrates that providing free, comprehensive dermatology care in a university hospital by partnering with a nonprofit clinic is both feasible and beneficial to the greater community.