South Florida survey on the relationship between academic medical centers and community physicians

Background. Little is known about the relationship between academic medical centers (AMCs) and community physicians (CPs). We examined this relationsh ip for an individual specialty-dermatology. Methods. South Florida dermatologists were queried regarding their practice and referral patterns, as well as the effect of managed care on these patt erns. Results. On average, the respondents see 7,342 patients annually. Ninety-ei ght percent refer one or more patients for aid in therapy (39%) and diagnos is (27%). Most were satisfied with the amount (63%) and quality (77%) of th e service provided. Overall, only 0.2% of patients are referred. Sixty perc ent reported that managed care caused alterations in referral patterns. Conclusions. We found that, although community dermatologists diagnose and treat the vast majority of patients with skin disease seen by dermatologist s, they also use and are satisfied with the AMC's services. Changes in refe rral patterns have occurred but have not negatively affected the relationsh ip between the AMC and the CP.