Dermatology FAQ

As medical specialists, dermatologists go through an extensive training program that involves four years of internship and residency after receiving their medical degree. Dermatologists receive advanced education and training in the treatment of skin, nails, and hair, which allows them to effectively treat many skin-related conditions. Dermatologists only receive their board certification after completing their training and passing a challenging multi-day exam.

A Physician Assistant or PA is a health care provider licensed by the state to practice medicine, including gathering a medical history, conducting a physical exam, ordering or performing tests, making a diagnosis and developing a treatment plan as well as carrying it out. They receive board certification as Physician Assistants after completing training and passing a challenging exam in general medicine. Learning about the specialty of dermatology happens in the clinic with real patients under the close supervision of an experienced board-certified dermatologist. This is just how dermatologists train in residency and our PAs were trained by our physicians in this office. Our PAs see the full range of dermatological conditions and involve the physicians when it is needed or requested.

Dermatology physicians and physician assistants can treat a wide range of conditions affecting the skin, hair and nails, including, but not limited to, acne, psoriasis, rosacea, skin cancer, wrinkles, sun spots, pigmentation problems, warts, rashes, bacterial or fungal skin and nail infections, spider and varicose veins, and sun damage.  If you have a skin related problem, regardless of the part of the body it covers, a dermatology provider is the best choice for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment as well as education.

As with any medical treatment, costs vary, depending upon the scale and severity of the condition, as well as the treatment method. However, many medical dermatology treatments are covered under insurance plans and we will help ensure you receive maximum benefits. For treatments not covered, we also offer a range of convenient payment options. We will work hard to make sure that your skin treatments are affordable!

After conducting a thorough review of your medical history which may be supplemented by any available records, and an appropriate physical exam, your provider will make a diagnosis and then review the detailed treatment plan and education with you.

We encourage you to ask questions and we will be glad to address any concerns you may have.

Our office does not require referrals for our new patients, unless your insurance plan requires referrals to be seen by a specialist. Please be aware of your insurance plan and its requirements for referrals. Please feel free to contact our office if you are unsure. For both new and established patients, if your insurance plan requires you to have a referral in place, please make sure the referral is current.  Some insurance plans require you to have a new referral every year.