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The Economics Burden of Atopic Dermatitis

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Management of Atopic Dermatitis

Part of the book series: Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology ((AEMB,volume 1027))

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects over 30 million people in the United States of America. Given the large and growing prevalence of AD, the associated economic burden is significant. It has been estimated that AD costs over $5 billion dollars annually. These costs include both direct and indirect costs. Direct costs include prescription medicines, visits to health care providers, hospitalizations, and transportation. Indirect costs include missed days or lost productivity at work or school, career modification, and reduced quality of life. Understanding and measuring these costs can be accomplished through rigorous economic evaluation, which is the organized process of considering inputs and outcomes of various activities. Economic evaluation has been used to contextualize the burden of AD in society. It has also been used to inform patients, providers, and other stakeholders on how to deliver the most evidence-based, efficient care possible. Understanding the economic impact of atopic dermatitis is an important aspect of delivering high quality care.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA

    Adewole S. Adamson M.D., M.P.P.

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  1. Adewole S. Adamson M.D., M.P.P.
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Correspondence to Adewole S. Adamson M.D., M.P.P. .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, North Carolina, USA

    Erica A. Fortson

  2. Department of Dermatology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, North Carolina, USA

    Steven R. Feldman

  3. Department of Dermatology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, North Carolina, USA

    Lindsay C. Strowd

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Adamson, A.S. (2017). The Economics Burden of Atopic Dermatitis. In: Fortson, E., Feldman, S., Strowd, L. (eds) Management of Atopic Dermatitis. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, vol 1027. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-64804-0_8

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