Comparing Patient Care Models at a Local Free Clinic vs an Insurance- Based University Medical Center

More than 30 million Americans lack access to affordable health care, and many seek medical services such as dermatologic care at free clinics. In this study, we analyzed the dermatology patient populations at the Birmingham Free Clinic (BFC) and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), both in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. A retrospective chart review of 76 BFC dermatology patients and a time-matched sample of 322 UPMC dermatology patients was performed for the period from January 2020 to May 2022. Dermatologic care at both clinics can be improved by strengthening communication with patients with limited English proficiency (LEP), providing skin care education, and offering social and scheduling services such as transportation, insurance assistance, and triage.