The need for dermatology clinics in Florida

Florida’s climate, aging population, and high tourism rates create a high demand for dermatology services, yet access to those services remains challenging. This is especially true in rural areas, where residents face severe provider shortages that force them to travel long distances for specialized care. In urban centers, residents struggle with long wait times that exceed recommended benchmarks. High-risk populations, including elderly residents, uninsured individuals, and tourists, also experience barriers to dermatological care, leading to delayed diagnoses and worsening health outcomes. With fewer than 600 certified dermatologists, Florida has an average of 37,000 residents per specialist, which further strains the system. To address these workforce shortages, surveyed dermatologists emphasized the need for more residency programs, financial incentives, and teledermatology services. Additionally, affordability concerns prevent many uninsured and Medicaid patients from receiving necessary treatment. These financial and geographic barriers persist despite possible solutions, limiting care for those most in need. This study highlights the potential to expand the state’s dermatology services, reinforcing the importance of workforce development, telemedicine, and healthcare reforms to improve dermatology access for all Floridians. Future research should explore patient experiences and policy effectiveness to address ongoing disparities.