LAUSR

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Per-visit fees and the characteristics of private practice in dermatology have been studied very little, at least in Spain. This study aims to describe how dermatologists in private practice in Spain provide services, collect payment, promote their services, and establish fees. We also analyze differences by region, age, and sex. MATERIALS AND METHODS We performed a descriptive, cross-sectional study based on an online questionnaire with a total of 31 questions aimed exclusively at dermatologists in private practice in Spain. The questionnaire was open for responses from May 17 to June 5, 2018. The data were analyzed by comparing region, sex, and age. RESULTS A total of 234 questionnaires were returned, with equal numbers of male and female respondents and proportional numbers in terms of the regional sections of the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV). Some differences were found for region, age, and sex. The fees of female dermatologists were consistently lower, even after adjusting for confounding factors by means of regression models. CONCLUSIONS We have described the characteristics of private dermatology practice in Spain. Charging of lower fees by female dermatologists requires more detailed study, probably using qualitative research techniques.