Dermatologists have the training and experience needed to diagnose and treat more than 3000 skin, hair, and nail conditions. While finding a good dermatologist may seem challenging at first, knowing what to look for can make the process easier.
How to Find a Good Dermatologist in 7 Easy Steps
1. Determine your needs
What you may need from a dermatologist may be completely different from the dermatology care another person might want. Your needs will likely change over time, too, from season to season and from year to year. A good dermatologist will have the experience and skills to treat your unique and ever-changing skin and hair conditions.
2. Look for a board-certified dermatologist
A board-certified dermatologist has finished medical school and has completed an additional three to four years of advanced training in treating skin, hair, and nails diseases. Board-certified dermatologists have also passed rigorous exams in dermatology and are committed to keeping up with the latest advancements in their field.
3. Ask friends, family, co-workers or your doctor for recommendations
Take time to get referrals from people you trust. Ask them about their experience with a dermatologist and if they were pleased with the care they received. Be sure to ask about scheduling, wait times, and the friendliness of the staff. Also, checking online reviews from trusted medical sources like Healthgrades is always helpful.
4. Check their website
A dermatologist’s website can provide a great deal of essential information, such as the services they provide, the conditions they treat, their location, and hours.
5. Research their specialties
Being a specialist means your dermatologist has undergone special training in a specific area of dermatology. Your dermatologist should have a wide range of specialties that cover nearly any skin or hair condition you may need to address. If you have a normal to high risk for skin cancer, for example, look for a dermatologist that specializes in skin cancer prevention, detection, and Mohs Surgery.
To gain access to a wide range of specialties, you may benefit from a dermatology practice that has several dermatologists, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants on board.
6. Review their services
The best dermatologist for you is one that offers the services and procedures you need for healthy skin. Experience with your particular condition and performing a specific procedure can contribute to better outcomes.
There are two main types of dermatology procedures: medical procedures and cosmetic procedures.
Medical procedures
Medical dermatology procedures may include:
- Mohs surgery for skin cancer
- Photodynamic therapy
- Surgical incision
- Scraping and burning (ED& C)
- Stitches
- Cryotherapy
- Botox® for hyperhidrosis, a medical condition that causes excessive sweating
- Earlobe repair
- Electrodesiccation and curettage (ED&C)
- Patch testing
- Pulse dye laser
Cosmetic dermatology procedures
Cosmetic dermatology procedures may include:
- Chemical peels
- Microneedling
- Laser treatments
- Botox® and fillers for anti-aging
- PRP treatments for hair loss
7. Know what your insurance covers
Insurance coverage plays an important role in the services you choose, in that you will always want to minimize out-of-pocket expenses whenever possible. It is always a good idea to opt for a dermatologist who participates in your insurance plan. A good dermatologist accepts most PPO and HMO plans.
Our clients consistently recommend Valley Skin Institute to their friends, family, and co-workers for dermatology care in Fresno, CA. Request an appointment with Valley Skin Institute to learn more about our wide range of services. We also offer a vast selection of some of the best skincare products available today.
