OBJECTIVE: Despite concerns associated with the necessity of an additional fluorinated, high potency topical corticosteroid, the clotrimazole/betamethasone diproprionate combination remains a frequently prescribed topical agent in the U.S. This research was performed to better understand the circumstances in which physicians across specialties in the U.S. recommend the use of the combination medication in outpatient settings. Additionally, the study aimed to determine the diagnoses and characteristics of patients for whom the combination medication was prescribed. METHODS: Data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (1990-2000) were used to determine the demographic characteristics of patients with dermatologic diagnoses who were given a prescription for clotrimazole/betamethasone diproprionate. The most common diagnoses of patients treated with the drug were also determined. RESULTS: Family medicine physicians were more than twice as likely (OR: 2.61, 95% CI: 1.59, 4.30) and internists were more than 3 times as likely (OR: 3.52, 95% CI: 2.07, 5.97) to prescribe clotrimazole/betamethasone diproprionate compared to all other physicians when faced with a dermatologic diagnosis. Prescription rates of the combination medication were higher among patients of non-white race (OR: 1.55, CI: 1.07, 2.25). Contact dermatitis and other eczema ranked highest among diagnoses associated with the combination medication mention by family medicine physicians, internists, and pediatricians. CONCLUSIONS: The frequent use of clotrimazole/betamethasone diproprionate by primary care physicians is of concern. Use of alternative agents with anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties without the associated risks of high potency topical corticosteroids would be a preferable alternative.