IfIOnly Posted January 31, 2016 Share Posted January 31, 2016 I've wanted to find someone for some time, but a spot recently appeared on my face (probably just a mole as far as I can tell, but if so it would be my first and I'd just feel more comfortable getting it checked out) and has put me in the need to go category. I'm not sure what I should be looking for in a dermatologist. Also, everything will be out of pocket, so finding someone who is more reasonable priced would be appreciated. How do I tactfully do price comparisons? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
itsheresomewhere Posted January 31, 2016 Share Posted January 31, 2016 I've wanted to find someone for some time, but a spot recently appeared on my face (probably just a mole as far as I can tell, but if so it would be my first and I'd just feel more comfortable getting it checked out) and has put me in the need to go category. I'm not sure what I should be looking for in a dermatologist. Also, everything will be out of pocket, so finding someone who is more reasonable priced would be appreciated. How do I tactfully do price comparisons? For price- I just ask what their cash rate is. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenn- Posted January 31, 2016 Share Posted January 31, 2016 If your region is anything like mine, start at the top and hope someone is accepting new patients before you hit the bottom. A several month wait is typical for first appointments. 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lovinmyboys Posted January 31, 2016 Share Posted January 31, 2016 If you are concerned, I think you need to have a primary care dr look at it and get you into a dermatologist. For whatever reason, dermatologists seem to be nearly impossible to get into. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seasider Posted January 31, 2016 Share Posted January 31, 2016 If you are concerned, I think you need to have a primary care dr look at it and get you into a dermatologist. For whatever reason, dermatologists seem to be nearly impossible to get into. This is very true. When I call our derm for something unexpected, I usually have to take the first available appointment 2-3 months later. My dh keeps a standing every-6-months appt to be sure he can be seen as necessary (he's had some precancerous conditions he keeps an eye on). I definitely second the suggestion of seeing a primary doc first to get a referral and quicker appointment. FWIW, a good primary doctor can take care of many dermatological issues. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linders Posted January 31, 2016 Share Posted January 31, 2016 As other posters have said, it is perfectly acceptable to ask rates. As far as choosing a doc beyond that, I do look at the ads for their practice. Some dermatologists focus more on cosmetic dermatology (e.g., Botox), while others focus more on skin cancer, and you want the latter. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrixieB Posted January 31, 2016 Share Posted January 31, 2016 If you have a PCP, ask them for referrals. They will know which derms are more cosmetic-oriented, and which ones have other focuses. And the PCP may be able to evaluate and/or treat, saving you a trip to the derm. Are you planning to be a cash patient, or do you have high-deductible insurance? That can make a difference, because cash rate may be higher than contracted rate... or not. I have seen it go both ways. The office can tell you their cash-pay rates and policies. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lanny Posted January 31, 2016 Share Posted January 31, 2016 I've wanted to find someone for some time, but a spot recently appeared on my face (probably just a mole as far as I can tell, but if so it would be my first and I'd just feel more comfortable getting it checked out) and has put me in the need to go category. I'm not sure what I should be looking for in a dermatologist. Also, everything will be out of pocket, so finding someone who is more reasonable priced would be appreciated. How do I tactfully do price comparisons? One of my (retired) cousins is an eminent Dermatologist. In any medical specialty, you want to look for someone who is "Board Certified" in that specialty. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bibiche Posted January 31, 2016 Share Posted January 31, 2016 You can find a place that will take a look for free here: https://www.aad.org/public/spot-skin-cancer/programs/screenings Also, the month of May is melanoma skin cancer prevention month and I seem to recall places offering free skin cancer checks during that period last year. Around here, the only way to get into a dermatologist quickly is if you want injectables! I literally had to wait months before my first appointment with my dermatologist. Once you're an established patient it is easier to get in, so always a good idea to establish a relationship with a doctor even if you don't need to get in right away. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IfIOnly Posted January 31, 2016 Author Share Posted January 31, 2016 You all are great. Glad I asked. Thank you! I'll call my PCP and make an appt. on Monday. The spot is by two large age spots (I'm only 38, very fair skin, been burned too many times to count), so I really do need to get it looked at even though it is small, it's def. not an age spot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IfIOnly Posted January 31, 2016 Author Share Posted January 31, 2016 (edited) . Edited February 1, 2016 by ifIonlyhadabrain Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IfIOnly Posted February 5, 2016 Author Share Posted February 5, 2016 So I went to my PCP and she said though it's asymmetrical, it doesn't meet any of the the other requirements. She said not to worry about it, that it's just another/different type of sun damage thing than the age spots. So, I guess I won't worry. I'll keep an eye on it though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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