Value Proposition of Epicutaneous Patch Testing: A Win-Win for the Patient and the Medical System

To investigate the state of patch testing regarding necessity, cost, and value.

Comprehensive patch testing may cost between $500–2500 for patients in the United States but more transparency is needed regarding associated fees which may be substantially higher. Reimbursement for patch test allergens is decreasing which is a possible threat to patient care.

Contact dermatitis is a common, morbid, and costly disease to patients. Patch testing, regarded as the gold standard of diagnosing allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), is necessary to differentiate ACD from other inflammatory dermatoses or in cases where contact dermatitis may complicate other skin diseases. Occupational contact dermatitis may carry additional costs related to lost productivity and job switching. Patch testing is overall associated with decreased costs for patients with dermatitis. Costs of emergency room visits or potentially unnecessary systemic medications for dermatitis patients often outweigh the costs of patch testing.