Dermatoscopy use by US dermatologists: a cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Background: Although dermatoscopy is widely used in Europe and Australia, little is known about dermatoscopy use by US dermatologists.

Objective: We sought to estimate the prevalence of dermatoscopy use by US dermatologists and examine associations with practice characteristics.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of all US fellows of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Results: Of 8501 eligible recipients, 3238 (38.1%) surveys were completed and returned. Of respondents, 48% used dermatoscopy (n = 1555). Dermatoscopy use was associated with the following characteristics: age younger than 50 years (P < .0001), female sex (P = .0001), practice location in the Northeast (P < .0001), involvement in resident teaching (P < .0001), and dermatoscopy training (P < .0001). The main reasons for not using dermatoscopy included: lack of training (39.7%), lack of interest (32.5%), time required for dermatoscopic examination (27.6%), and belief dermatoscopy would not affect clinical decisions (15.2%).

Limitations: Low response rate and potential response bias were limitations.

Conclusions: Approximately half of respondents used dermatoscopy in their practice. Not surprisingly, dermatoscopy users were more likely to be younger, involved in resident teaching, or have training in dermatoscopy.