Characterizing Inpatient Hospitalizations for Hidradenitis Suppurativa and Assessing the Impact of Outpatient Dermatology Care on Hospitalizations

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

7-1-2026

Publication Title

J Am Acad Dermatol

Keywords

Dermatology

Abstract

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that leads to recurrent abscesses, sinus tracts, and scarring. Despite the significant impact on quality of life, HS is often misdiagnosed, leading to delays in treatment and increased use of emergency and inpatient resources. Our study examines trends in HS hospitalizations and the role of outpatient dermatology care in reducing admissions. Using ICD-9/10 codes (705.83 and L73.2), we extracted medical records of adult HS patients who visited the emergency room and/or were admitted to an inpatient service within the Henry Ford Health System (HFHS) between 2010 to 2020. A total of 225 patients with HS who sought care in the emergency department were included. Of these, 162 (72%) were admitted to an inpatient service. The cohort was further categorized based on the type of care received: 39 patients were admitted and later followed up with dermatology, while 68 patients did not establish dermatology care during the study period. For patients under HFHS care who were admitted then saw dermatology, the number of 1-year readmissions pre-follow-up to post-follow-up were compared. There was an average of 0.84 1-year readmissions before patients saw HFHS Dermatology for follow up compared to an average of 0.30 readmissions after follow up. The results indicated a statistically significant reduction in 1-year readmissions after follow-up (p=0.002). Access to outpatient dermatology appears to be a significant factor in reducing the likelihood of patients being readmitted. Findings from this study illuminate the importance of increasing access to outpatient dermatologic care.

Volume

95

Issue

1

First Page

AB99

Find It @ Sladen

Share

COinS