HOW TO SELECT A DERMATOLOGIST
Tips when seeking care
Before making an appointment with a dermatologist, it is important to consider their level of training. Board-certified dermatologists have at least eight years of medical training, if not more. They have proven their expertise by passing difficult board exams and meeting other requirements
Board-certified: It is important to check whether your dermatologist is board-certified. If they are, the initials FAAD will appear after their name. FAAD stands for “Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology.” A dermatologist’s website is often a good place to check. It will either list FAAD after their name or discuss their board certification
Insurance: If you are uncertain about insurance coverage, call your insurance provider. They are the best source for learning whether a dermatologist is in your network and if the visit is covered. They can also tell you whether treatment for a particular condition is covered. Note that strictly cosmetic procedures — such as treatment for wrinkles — usually are not covered
Booking the appointment: As is true for many specialists, there can be a wait to see a dermatologist. To help you get timely care
Make your appointment early. The earlier you can book your appointment, the better. If you are scheduling a routine appointment, call several weeks or even months ahead of when you wish to be seen
How to Choose a Dermatologist? – Tips to Consider While Looking For a Dermatologist
Whether you are curious about knowing the latest anti-aging technology or getting rid of acne, choosing the right dermatologist could be daunting. It is essential to choose the right dermatologist as not all the dermatologists are equally skilled and experienced. Finding the right dermatologist requires time as well as efforts.
From normal hormonal acne treatment to regular skin cancer screenings, your dermatologist can help you with a wide range of skin issues. The right dermatologist will help you in balancing your skin health in an appropriate manner, which is why it is crucial to choose the right dermatologist
Choosing the right dermatologist is a crucial decision, especially if you have a serious skin condition. So, find the dermatologist who will work appropriately to treat your skin condition. Now you must be thinking about how to choose the right dermatologist? If you have never visited a dermatologist, but if you are willing to and are ready to take this step, here are some simple tips to consider to choose the right dermatologist for you.
Take Reference from Your Primary Care Doctor
Make a referral list of dermatologists by taking advice from your primary care doctor. You can also take advice from your friends, family members, and other healthcare providers for better recommendations. A few names on the list increase the choices and help you in choosing the right one. Seek the dermatologist expert in dermatologic care and can carry out the cosmetic procedures appropriately.
Appropriately Research the Credentials of the Dermatologist
Certification from the board is one of the most important factors to consider while choosing the right dermatologist. Board certification defines that the doctor has essential skills and experience to render healthcare facilities in dermatology. In addition to this, make sure that the dermatologist does not have any history of disciplinary actions or malpractices.
How Do You Find the Perfect Dermatologist For You?
As you may know, I was lucky enough to grow up with a dermatologist mom, giving me backstage access to a dermatologist’s office and to many of her good derm friends. Add to this a propensity for rashes (where are my atopic girls at?), and well, I’ve known my fair share of dermatologists. Maybe I’m biased, but I believe that anyone with skin should go to a dermatologist at least yearly for a full-body cancer screening. It’s also advisable to see a dermatologist if you’re dealing with any persistent skin issues that you can’t seem to DIY your way out of. By going, you gain a partner and guide in your treatment. This does not mean you cannot explore skin care on your own, but rather that you’ll do so with a clearer understanding of your skin, provided by an expert in that field
Experience
Make sure you’re going to someone who knows what they’re doing. This does not mean you should discount a younger doctor, but I recommend doing your research. Look at their resumé, see if they’re clinical professors affiliated with medical schools, check if they have any research published, etc. If you’re looking for injections or lasers, I do recommend going to someone who’s been at it for a while.
Recommendations
Ask a friend with good skin for their derm! If they don’t want to divulge their secret, find a new friend to ask. Usually, an in-person recommendation counts more than a Yelp review, as anyone can post anything, and it’s not always an accurate reflection of what a doctor is actually like. You can also ask your primary care physician (if you like and trust them) for a referral.
Social Media
I’m very torn about this, as I know many excellent doctors who either don’t bother with social media or have a subpar social media presence despite excelling in both medical and aesthetic work. There are a few reasons for this. Younger doctors (#millennials) tend to be more social media-savvy, so they are more inclined to advertise their practice on these platforms. Some of the more experienced hands in the field, however, are either too busy with patients or are otherwise disinterested in social media, which may exclude them from your search. If you’re finding your derm through social, do your due diligence, and make sure you’re not choosing this person just because their IG is really popping.
Certifications
Board certification is another somewhat controversial topic because the organizations that provide these certifications can have their own interests. Nevertheless, every good dermatologist I know is board-certified. Board certification ensures that your derm stays up to date with developments in the field and practices continuing education. This is crucial in medicine and science in general, where the knowledge base constantly evolves. You don’t want someone treating you the way they would have treated patients 50 years ago, or even 10 years ago
Dermatology Center for Skin Health
How Do I Find the Best Dermatologist for my Skin Care?
Did you know that the skin is the body’s largest organ and plays a very large role in keeping our body protected from foreign organisms entering the body that may cause disease? This is why we believe that it’s important to find the best dermatologist for your medical care and elective cosmetic procedures. Continue reading to learn why.
BENEFITS OF FINDING THE BEST DERMATOLOGIST
A dermatologist is a specialist doctor who cares for the skin, nails, hair and mucous membranes. Dermatologists have many years of training. To be a dermatologist,
Dermatologists are trained to diagnose and treat an estimated 3,000 diseases and conditions of the skin, nails and hair. They have a deep understanding of the cellular level of the skin and the layers of the skin which is important, not only for medical conditions but also for skin health care and the popular cosmetic procedures like Botox injections and dermal fillers
CONDITIONS A DERMATOLOGIST SHOULD TREAT
The most common conditions you might need a dermatologist for are acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, hair loss and vertigo, a disease that makes the skin loses its pigment in patches. Skin cancer is also a very large part of what a dermatologist does. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. There are several different types of skin cancer with melanoma, being the most likely to spread which can cause death if not caught early enough. Having an annual skin check with a dermatologist each year can catch pre-cancerous areas and point out skin cancers to help reduce your risk and provide early treatment
WHAT KIND OF EXPERIENCE SHOULD A GOOD DERMATOLOGIST HAVE?
A good dermatologist should have experience in good visual skills and communication skills from their medical training in dermatology. You want a doctor who listens, allows you to ask questions, answers your questions and doesn’t try to sell you something. Although you may come in for a specific reason, a good dermatologist will want to do a full body complete skin exam. They will be able to see lesions or moles perhaps you can’t see or reach to protect you from skin cancer
How to Find a Dermatologist
Putting your skincare in the hands of a doctor can be a little nerve wracking. But finding a good dermatologist doesn’t have to be an uncomfortable or difficult experience. By doing some research and asking the right questions, you can find your ideal dermatologist in no time.
Get a referral from your GP. Your primary care doctor will likely known a reputable dermatologist he can refer you to. Be specific about whether you are looking for a general dermatologist or a cosmetic dermatologist
Look online at the American Academy of Dermatology. Believe it or not, there is no law that prevents doctors from practicing in medical fields they may not specialize in or be trained in. All the dermatologists listed on the American Academy of Dermatology website are Board-certified, which means they have completed medical school, a 3 year residency in dermatology and passed a rigorous exam administered by the American Board of Dermatology. They are also retested every year by the Board
talk to friends who like their dermatologist. Ask your friend specifically what she liked about the dermatologist
Be wary of dermatologists who advertise. Dermatologists who retain their patients and do consistent, good work don’t usually need to advertise. The only reasons a doctor would advertise is if she does not have enough patients and are not receiving referrals from her current patients or other doctors. So if you see a lot of advertising around a certain dermatologist, be cautious before scheduling a consultation with her