Epidemiology and Healthcare Expenditure for Skin Disease in Emergency Departments in Alberta, Canada.

BACKGROUND

There are limited data on the epidemiology and costs associated with managing dermatologic conditions in emergency departments (EDs).

OBJECTIVE

To assess the incidence and mean cost per case of skin diseases in EDs in Alberta.

METHODS

Alberta Health Services' Interactive Health Data Application was used to determine the epidemiology and costs associated with nonneoplastic dermatologic diseases in EDs in the province of Alberta, Canada, from 2018 to 2022. Skin conditions were identified using the International Classification of Disease 10th edition diagnostic groupings.

RESULTS

Skin disease represented 3.59% of all ED presentations in Alberta in 2022. The total costs associated with managing dermatologic conditions have remained stable over time at approximately 15 million Canadian Dollars (CAD) annually, but the mean cost per case has risen from 188.88 (SD 15.42) in 2018 to 246.25 CAD (SD 27.47) in 2022 (7.59%/year). Infections of skin and subcutaneous tissue were the most expensive diagnostic grouping. The most common dermatologic diagnostic groupings presenting to the ED were infections of skin and subcutaneous tissue [mean age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) of 143.67 per 100,000 standard population (SD 241.99)], urticaria and erythema [mean ASIR 33.57 per 100,000 standard population (SD 59.13)], and dermatitis and eczema [mean ASIR 18.59 per 100,000 standard population (SD 23.65)]. Cellulitis was both the most common and the costliest individual diagnosis. The majority of patients were triaged as less urgent or nonurgent.

CONCLUSIONS

Skin disease represents a substantial public health burden in EDs. Further research into drivers of cost change and areas for cost savings is essential.