Dermatologists are also accused of worsening the shortage by prioritizing more lucrative aesthetic care. Independent studies of the profession indicate that this represents less than 5% of activity over the year. About 200,000 cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year. The shortage is expected to worsen: half of dermatologists are over 60 and may retire soon.
Given the shortage, it is recommended to consult a general practitioner first. But even that can be difficult: 6 million people do not have a primary-care physician.
France is experiencing an unprecedented shortage of dermatologists. Getting a consultation has become an obstacle course, with lengthy waiting times and patients trying everything to obtain an appointment.
Screening costs 84 euros, not reimbursed by Social Security, for lack of a dermatologist available on site. Thanks to 92 high-definition sensors, artificial intelligence generates a 3D avatar of the patient and issues initial observations.
The country has three dermatologists per 100,000 inhabitants. Entire departments have none. Only about a hundred specialists are trained each year.