Beauty

[MakeUpMaidn]

How does one choose a great Dermatologist?   Criteria?

[LizzieInSRQ]

Look for:

• Who is on par with your insurance
• Board Certification in Dermatology
• If there is a specific service, certification in that service (like say you were looking for skin cancer)
• Privileges at the hospital on par with your inurance ( not so important with Derm as most procedures are done in office and they dont admit into hospital)
• HealthGrade or other online reviews if you dont get word of mouth reccommendations  from others
• Reputable CV with strong educational institutions. Stay away from those who do not list Board Certification in Dermatology
• Board certification
• Board Certification
• Board Certification ...🙂

[MakeUpMaidn]

@LizzieInSRQ  This is a wonderful Guide & List.  Thank you.

[jlkz]

@MakeUpMaidn @LizzieInSRQ 

In addition to the important list presented, there is one that is a follow up to your choice: the interaction between the chosen dermatologist and you.

I have found nonproductive situations with a few dermatologists:  attitude; general feeling that she was unhappy with her specialty; and, another whose approach turned out to be less aggressive in different situations.  With the latter, I found out when another derm in the same practice treated me.  Appointments went smoother and I felt more comfortable and listened to.

[jackthebear]

takes your insurance

is available

you feel comfortable with him/her

[cindyNC]

I had been going to NP at the derm office.  Then my favorite left to sell pharmaceuticals. 

The next two drove me crazy with something akin to baby talk when answering my questions. Maybe they thought it came across as caring? I thought it made them look and sound like the stereotype of dumb blondes.  So next I chose a physician from the group. Love her.........she's direct and no nonsense and pleasant. 

[Shanus]

@MakeUpMaidn   I agree with all other post, but I'll add that I look for one that doesn't just do mole checks, etc.

I have one that does all that, but also lists that she's a cosmetic dermatologist. She's qualified and specializes in lasers, peels, complexion product recommendations, etc.

Good luck in finding one you like.

[justashopper]

HI @MakeUpMaidn 

As with any service provider, it can take some effort.  Cost (insurance), location, ease and effort to make & get to the apppointment, the srelationship wit the staff, and the trust in the actual service provider.  

I would start with a list  of who is in your area, accepts your insurance, is accepting new patients.  You can usually find this on your insurance carrier's website or calling them.

Then start calling around.  Explain you are looking for a new dermatologist and would like to make an appointment.  Pay attention to their availability, their attitude towards you and how the phone call goes in general.  If this goes well, make an appt. If you get the feeling they are not good or they have a long wait, thank them for their time and keep calling until you find an office that works with you. Book the appointment and be prepared to fill out tons of forms-- maybe before or at the appointment. 

At the appointment... do you like the place, the staff, the parking?  Did the Doc seem knowledgeable and give you proper time, attention and care?  

If you like them and their plan for your care, you keep going.  If you don't, keep looking.  One of my doctors sold their pratice.  I went to the new doctor and they filled a prescription that I needed, but I didn't really care for them or their staff.  So when my prescription needs filled again, I am going to plan accordingly & look for a new one.  

Patients always have to advocate for themselves.  Healthcare is a business just like any other.  It's the same as looking for a hairdresser or a landscaper.  No magic wand, just due diligence.

Good luck!

[SilleeMee]

Sometimes it depends on what your needs are and what options they might offer to help them.

ETA-

I go to three different derms:

-autoimmune disease specialist

-wound care specialist

-laser specialist

[CatsyCline]

i'm searching for a new derm, they all are booked out for many months.  the derm i see once a year barely gives me the 15 minute allotted visit per CPT code.  she does a quick peek skin check and just seems to brush off any of my concerns. the last visit,  i asked her about my oily skin and she gave me Neutrogena Grapefruit cleanser coupons.

my guess is kwap Medicare reimbursement and i don't book injectibles with her - her bread &butter - only 1x and i got a droopy brow from the TOX cuz she was new at it.