WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR FIRST DERMATOLOGY APPOINTMENT
Embarking on any new experience can be extremely nerve racking. This is especially true if that experience involves an unfamiliar, and cold doctor’s office. Visiting a dermatologist for the first time is pretty similar to any other doctor’s visit, just expect this doctor to put a heavy focus on skin (literally from your scalp to the tips of your toes). Some dermatologists focus on general dermatology while others focus on cosmetic dermatology. Whether you’re visiting a dermatologist for a general skin check or for a particular cosmetic skin concern, keep on reading to learn more about your first visit before you even arrive at their office. Working as a medical assistant and receptionist at a dermatology clinic not only gave me a huge insight to the world of skin, but it also showed me how dermatologists generally work with their patients. Hopefully this post will help answer any lingering questions and ease any anxiety you may have about visiting a dermatologist for the very first time.
SHOULD I GO TO A DERMATOLOGIST?
DO YOU REALLY NEED TO SEE A DOCTOR?
Do your research. Not every health concern needs a physician’s diagnosis. Plenty of dermatologists agree that many, common skin issues can be treated at home with over-the-counter remedies. This is super important for those with limited or no health insurance, since a single visit to the doctor can get very expensive. Before hunting for the perfect dermatologist, first decide if your skin concern is something that truly needs a physician’s opinion. YOU will know if the issue is severe enough or personally affecting you enough to be treated by a physician. Listen to your body!
Use the internet as a research tool for the issue you’re having. Take advantage of search engines such as Google and Bing. The internet is overflowing with knowledge hidden in search results.
Be wary of reading information that makes your condition seem far worse than what it actually is. Learn as much as you can about your issue, but also take everything you read lightly. Only a doctor can give you an actual diagnosis.
Research more for clarity about the skin condition and less for diagnosing the condition. Leave all the diagnosing to your dermatologist (well, only if you need it)
SCHEDULING AN APPOINTMENT
SCHEDULING WITH A DERMATOLOGIST
After deciding that your issue is one best handled by a physician, it’s now time to hunt for a dermatologist in your area. Once again, search engines like Google and Bing will come in extremely handy for this step. If you currently have health insurance, try searching for a dermatologist already within your insurance network. This will ensure that you’re paying the least amount of money for the doctor’s visit. Sometimes, at request, insurance companies can provide a list of doctors in your specific insurance network, so you don’t have to search rigorously online. If you don’t have health insurance, you may want to hunt around and compare costs for services. Some places offer the exact same service at a higher cost, so make sure you’re comparing costs of different offices and different providers.
TIP: When comparing costs of services at different places, ask how much an “office visit” would cost for a “self-pay” patient. An office visit, is one, single doctor’s visit, typically consisting of a diagnosis and treatment plan. Be mindful that if your treatment plan requires additional testing or prescriptions, this is will be an additional charge on top of the office visit charge. Keep track of these additional services if cost is an issue for you. Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor how much something will cost before agreeing!
Make sure to schedule your appointment properly to allow enough time for the dermatologist to address all of your concerns. If you have multiple skin concerns for the doctor to address, mention this when initially scheduling your appointment so your appointment duration can be lengthened, if at all possible. Certain services take longer to perform so if you want everything handled in one visit, be sure to mention it when scheduling.
ACCEPTED PAYMENT OPTIONS
Health insurance is the most cost-effective option for visiting any doctor, not just dermatologists. Depending on the insurance plan and whether or not you have a deductible or copay, the exact cost for your first visit can vary. Ask plenty of questions about insurance and payment options when scheduling so you’re not completely surprised when you get to the office. Some dermatologists also offer payment plans, so be sure to inquire about that as well. The less surprises you have when you get to the office, the better you’ll feel about the experience.
VISITING A DERMATOLOGIST
BEFORE THE VISIT
After successfully securing an appointment with a dermatologist, it’s time to prepare for the visit. If you’ve seen another doctor previously for the same or similar issue (even if it was a while ago), bring any past documentation, prescriptions, or test results from that previous visit. Your new dermatologist may want to review your past medical history before addressing any new diagnoses. Identify your chief complaint(s), or reason for the visit, and make a few notes about it, including:
the onset (what caused or started the issue)
the duration (how long you’ve been experiencing symptoms)
any triggers (whether you’ve noticed any actions or products that make the condition worse or better)
Knowing this information will help narrow down any possible conditions for your dermatologist. If you don’t know much about your skin issue, that is totally fine too—your dermatologist will thoroughly work with you to find a diagnosis.
DURING THE VISIT
Your dermatologist’s medical assistant will most likely be the first person in the room with you. They usually ask about your current and past medical history, including any prescriptions you’re taking and any surgeries you’ve had in the past. Try to be as thorough as possible when answering the medical history questions, as they often help the doctor diagnose possible conditions quicker. Depending on the reason for your visit, the medical assistant may give you a gown to change into as you wait for the dermatologist. The medical assistant may also give you instructions on which clothing items to remove and how to wear the gown, since these procedures slightly vary at different facilities. If you’re there for a basic skin exam or general skin check, expect to fully undress and change into a gown.
Your dermatologist will review the medical assistant’s notes on your medical history prior to entering the exam room. Your dermatologist may come in and ask the same, or similar, questions that the medical assistant previously covered, so try to be consistent in your answers to avoid any confusion. Your dermatologist will then diagnose your condition, while creating a treatment plan to treat the condition(s). Treatment plans can include prescription medication or simple behavior changes.
Be sure to express all of your concerns so your dermatologist can do their best to resolve them
If your dermatologist doesn’t make you feel comfortable enough to answer honestly or express any of your concerns, find a new one ASAP
Make sure to ask any questions you have while the dermatologist is in the room. Once you leave the office, it can be quite difficult to contact your doctor directly.