DermPath outlook

[Transformers]

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Hows the dermpath outlook in terms of demand and compensation in the years to come? I think I have heard that reimbursements have dropped per slide analyzed, but is it still the lucrative subspecialty in derm (where several people have claimed to reach the $1 million mark) or have more people just decided to continue with general derm or even cosmetic derm, etc...

 

[asmallchild]

Hows the dermpath outlook in terms of demand and compensation in the years to come? I think I have heard that reimbursements have dropped per slide analyzed, but is it still the lucrative subspecialty in derm (where several people have claimed to reach the $1 million mark) or have more people just decided to continue with general derm or even cosmetic derm, etc...

I'm a pessimist by nature so I'd tell you anything that commands a high reimbursement will likely be targeted in the next wave of cuts. (see: Cardiology, Radiology)

I certainly hated hearing it as a student but there is some truth to not merely chasing a job for the money it provides. There's no denying it should certainly be part of the equation but you set yourself up for heartbreak if it's the sole or even most significant factor.

I think the more important question when considering dermpath would be whether you would be OK with the loss in patient contact. Admittedly my sample size is small but it seems like the dermatopathologists I've met dedicate the bulk of their time to dermpath (as is probably necessary to maintain/build proficiency in this area) and are down to literally 0.5-1 days of clinic/week. As much as dermpath fascinates me, I get the feeling I'd miss clinic.

But perhaps it's different outside of the academic arena?

 

[caffeinegirl]

The outlook in dermpath remains solid. Medicare cuts threaten to cut perhaps about 25% of reimbursements. However, the volume still remains high, and overall compensation can still be lucrative. This does depend on practice settings, and the emergence of commercial and large private practice groups has created a monopoly in many areas.

As a dermatology-trained dermatopathologist, opportunities exist to be the dermpath for a group of dermatologists, where you would have around 1 day of clinic a week. These opportunities also exist in academics, where the number of clinic days can be negotiable (from no clinic to some clinic). Of course, the salary in academics is different than private practice.

Dermpath is an integral part of any dermatology training program. Find out early during your training if this is something you'd like to pursue, as fellowship spots are few, and obtaining one is quite competitive.

 

[Gunneria]

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