Dermatology may not be a specialty traditionally associated with high costs, but that is changing, in part because of the rise of new biologic drugs. Specialty medications are rapidly driving up dermatology spending, with some estimates showing utilization growing more than 30% year over year, a pace that rivals other high-cost therapeutic areas.

Could strong health outcomes be achieved with a less expensive approach? Zest Health is a value-based dermatology startup that treats skin conditions as chronic diseases and aims to align care with long-term patient needs. The company emphasizes education, lifestyle changes and over-the-counter interventions, while using high-cost biologics more selectively when clinically appropriate.

To explore how dermatology arrived at this moment, and what a different model could look like, Senior Writer Anastassia Gliadkovskaya sits down with Olivia Deitcher, founder and CEO of Zest Health.

To learn more about the topics in this episode: 

• Fueled by new launches, US drug prices poised to continue trending upward: Cowen report
• Championing equity in skin of color dermatology