How to Pick the Right Dermatologist

When it comes to finding a dermatologist to treat skin problems such as acne, there are many considerations that must be made. Finding the right dermatologist will make you more confident in the treatment that you receive, and possibly help you rid yourself of your skin problems sooner.

To begin the process you will need to search for dermatologists in your area, do research on the dermatologists that seem appealing to you, and schedule an initial consultation to be able to choose the right one for your needs.

You may also ask for a referral from your regular family doctor to see a dermatologist that they recommend, or that they have sent patients to in the past. Oftentimes, a referral is required by some health care plans in order to initially consult with a dermatologist or other specialist in the first place.

Your Health Insurance and Choosing a Dermatologist

To begin, if you have insurance you will want to check your health care provider’s insurance plan to see if it contains a preferred list of dermatologists. If you don’t have health insurance, you can easily locate any dermatologists in your area. If you’re unsure of where to begin the search you can go online and use the search options on the American Academy of Dermatology or The Skin Care Foundation websites.

As many dermatologists have specific expertise, you will want to make sure the ones you find specialize in your specific problem area. You can read more about dermatologists who specialize in the treatment of acne by reading our article, Acne Dermatologists: An Overview.   It is often a good idea to get some recommendations from others who have seen a dermatologist in the past; these can be from friends, family, or (as mentioned above) your family doctor.

Researching Your Would-Be Dermatologist

Once you have succeeded in finding dermatologists that serve your area you will want to begin researching them. This is always a good idea because you want to make sure they are reputable and have credentials.  You can visit the American Board of Dermatology website to verify the credentials of the dermatologists you have found.   The American Board of Dermatology issues certificates to physicians that have successfully completed graduate degrees and clinical training along with passing the certifying examination.

During your research it is always a good idea to call the offices of the dermatologists on your list. Something to keep in mind during these phone calls is if the office staff is helpful in dealing with prospective patients.  You may want to inquire about details such as office hours, the doctor’s education and his or her work history, and the organizational references they can provide you with. When it comes to checking these references, make sure the organization is indeed an accepted certified body and not just a group of practitioners.

Your Initial Consultation

Once you have narrowed down your list, you’ll want to make an appointment for an initial consultation. Even if you have to pay for a consultation, it is always valuable to consult with a dermatologist prior to making your final selection decision. This is important because it will give you a better insight about how comfortable you are with the dermatologist’s approach and manner. You will want to make sure that he/she is someone who you can trust and talk to about your skin condition.

The right dermatologist will always listen to your concerns and will explain things to you in a clear and concise manner.

The best dermatologists will also be able to present you with different treatment options.

Good Luck!