Finding the Right Dermatologist
Credentials matter when searching for the right dermatologist or any other medical professional. In the US, it’s important to look for dermatology specialists certified by the American Board of Dermatology.
That said, there are other things to consider as well. For instance, do they offer a free consultation? Are they giving their full attention and not rushing through the process? Are they committed to finding the best treatment method for each patient’s specific needs?
These are just some of the things to consider, but let’s have a look at a few more helpful tips.
1. Get Referrals
When choosing a dermatology specialist, it’s best to begin by discussing your skin issues with your primary care provider and asking for a list of referrals. Then, ask family and friends for any recommendations they may be able to provide.
With a few names to research further, check out each one’s experience and credentials on Healthgrades.com. Then, call each dermatology office to see whether or not they are taking new patients. If they are, schedule a consultation appointment to interview and discuss your options with each doctor on the list.
2. Research Credentials
A critical factor when deciding on a dermatology specialist is whether or not they are board-certified. Board certification is a clear sign that he or she has all of the skills, training, and experience needed to practice dermatology.
Also, look into whether there have been any disciplinary actions or malpractice claims filed. Both state websites and Healthgrades.com are excellent resources for finding all of the necessary information. From malpractice and disciplinary history to certifications and which medical school they attended, it’s all available for public record.
3. Consider Experience
Experience definitely matters when looking for the right person to help your appearance and treat any skin, hair, or nail conditions. Like medical professionals in other fields, the more experience a dermatology specialist has dealing with a certain procedure or condition, the better.
To determine his or her experience, ask how many patients they have successfully treated with your specific condition. If you know which procedure you need, ask how many procedures he or she has performed. In addition to this, any fellowship training in skin cancer or another subspecialty is also valuable.
4. Inquire About Telehealth
Today, healthcare providers are able to use smartphones, video conferencing, and other telecommunications technology to diagnose some patients and provide treatment. This is known as telehealth.
When choosing a doctor, ask if they offer telehealth services. While telehealth can’t replace in-person office visits, it can be very convenient for some and result in fewer trips to the doctor’s office. Also called “virtual visits,” patients can consult with their doctor and even have their follow-up appointments virtually. It is a convenient option, but not suitable for all patients. It is also not covered under all healthcare plans.
5. Read Patient Reviews
Like anything else, reviews can be quite telling and provide valuable insight into how well a doctor performs, treats his or her patients, and operates their dermatology practice. Patient reviews can be especially helpful in learning about scheduling appointments, expected wait times, and the friendliness of the doctor and office staff.