When should I see a dermatology professional?

In general, it’s a good idea to see a dermatology professional for a thorough skin cancer screening once a year (depending on risk factors, some individuals may need to be checked more frequently). You should also see a dermatology professional if you have a skin condition you’ve been self-treating unsuccessfully; you have a scratch or cut that hasn't healed as fast as it should; you have a spot on your skin that looks new or has changed; or you’re just plain worried about something that’s happening with your skin.

Do I need a referral from my primary care doctor?

Some insurance plans require a primary care referral  Please feel free to contact DermOne if you do not understand the policy of your insurance company.

What are the most common skin conditions treated in your offices?

The most common skin conditions we see in our offices are acne, eczema (a chronic skin condition especially common in children in which patches of skin become rough, reddened and itchy), and skin cancer. 

Do you really accept all insurance?

DermOne accepts all major insurance plans and also offers affordable self-pay options. While many insurance plans do not require a referral, certain plans do.  Call us at 866-433-3637 and our friendly team will answer your questions regarding insurance coverage.

What types of payment plans do you offer?

We offer a wide range of options to accommodate your budget. Contact us at 855-853-0636 for more information.

What’s your policy on cancellations?

Please notify DermOne at least twenty-four hours in advance if you intend to cancel your appointment.

Will someone call me to tell my biopsy result?

We will only call you if your biopsy result is positive and further treatment is required. If we are unable to reach you by telephone, we will send you a letter with your results.

What medical professionals work at DermOne?

Board Certified Dermatologists, Board Certified Dermatopathologists, Board Certified Surgeons, Physicians with a focus on the practice of Dermatology, Certified Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants all practice at DermOne.

What is a Board Certified Dermatologist?

A Board Certified Dermatologist has received specialized post graduate training in skin disorders and has further passed examinations to certify their expertise.  Dermatologists treat patients of all ages.  Dermatologists are trained to practice medical dermatology, surgical procedures on the skin and cosmetic dermatology.  A dermatologist's practice typically is in the area of skin cancers (basal cell carcinomas, squamous cell cancers and melanomas) and precancerous lesions, rashes, pigment disorders, acne, eczema, skin infections, psoriasis, hair and nail disorders, surveillance of moles and cosmetic problems of the skin.

What is a Board Certified Dermatopathologist?

A Board Certified Dermatopathologist is a subspecialist physician (dermatologist or pathologist) who focuses on the study of skin disorders at the microscopic level.  Dermatopathologists work closely with the professionals at DermOne to assist in diagnosing conditions by looking microscopically at the skin biopsy or excision specimen to make a pathological diagnosis.

What is a Board Certified Surgeon?

A Board Certified Surgeon is a physician who has taken several years of advanced training beyond his MD degree with training in surgical techniques in general surgery (usually in a several year residency training program).  A Board Certified Surgeon demonstrates his knowledge and skill in a board certification examination among his peers and then becomes Board Certified.  At DermOne, our Board Certified surgeons have chosen to specialize further in the surgical techniques of skin surgery.  Some of this surgery is using standard techniques of excisions of troublesome skin lesions and some is done using the Mohs microscopic surgery techniques.

What is a Physician with a focus on dermatology?

A Physician with a focus on Dermatology is a physician who has initially practiced in an area other than dermatology (e.g. Family Practice, Internal Medicine or general practice of medicine) but has over the years concentrated on treating only conditions of the skin, hair, nails and perhaps cosmetics.

What is a Nurse Practitioner?

A Nurse Practitioner (NP) is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who has completed graduate-level education (either a Master of nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice degree). Nurse practitioners treat conditions through comprehensive history taking, physical exams, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests. NPs can then diagnose diseases and provide appropriate treatment for the patients, including prescribing medications.  A NP's practice at DermOne includes diagnosing and treating acute and chronic dermatologic illness and/or conditions from infancy to adulthood, counselling and educating patients, performing biopsies and excisions, interpreting diagnostic and pathology studies, prescribing medications, and performing total body examinations for detection and treatment of cutaneous malignancies and premalignancies.  As defined by their licensure, educational preparation, and certification, board certified NP's also perform cosmetic procedures.

What is a Physician Assistant?

A Physician Assistant (PA) is a healthcare professional who is authorized by the state to practice medicine as part of a team with the sponsorship of a physician. At DermOne, Physician Assistants practice in many ways just like our Physicians and Board Certified dermatologists. They perform total body exams for skin cancer surveillance and perform biopsies on suspicious lesions to check for skin cancer. They also can do many minor surgical procedures to remove skin cancers and non-cancerous growths when necessary. They evaluate, treat and manage all dermatologic conditions including acne, eczema, psoriasis, rashes and warts, just to name a few.

What’s the difference between a physician assistant and a nurse practitioner?

Physician Assistants (PAs) are health care professionals licensed to practice medicine with physician supervision. PA's may conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, counsel on preventive health care, assist in surgery, and in virtually all states can write prescriptions. Physician assistants exercise autonomy in medical decision making and provide a broad range of diagnostic and therapeutic services. A nurse practitioner (NP) is a registered nurse with advanced academic and clinical experience, which enables him or her to diagnose and manage illnesses, either independently or as part of a health care team. A nurse practitioner provides care previously offered only by physicians and in most states has the ability to prescribe medications. Working in collaboration with a physician, a nurse practitioner provides high-quality, cost-effective and individualized care.

How often should I get a skin cancer screening?

This varies from person to person, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. However, if you've never been screened for skin cancer, it's a good idea to schedule one. Be sure to ask the dermatologist how often you should have a skin cancer screening. Some individuals may need to be screened more frequently than others, due to risk factors.

What are the different types of skin cancer?

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer, affecting nearly 3 million Americans each year. It is seldom fatal, although it can lead to disfigurement if allowed to grow. The second most common type is squamous cell carcinoma, with 700,000 new cases diagnosed each year in the U.S. Like BCC, squamous cell carcinoma can cause disfigurement if left untreated; it results in 2,500 deaths each year. The most deadly skin cancer is melanoma. While melanoma accounts for less than five percent of skin cancer cases, it causes the vast majority of skin cancer deaths. Melanoma is also the only one among the seven most common cancers whose rate is increasing.

What is actinic keratosis?

Actinic keratosis is a skin condition that may develop into skin cancer, so it is often referred to as "precancerous". It appears as a thick, scaly patch of skin, and tends to form on areas of the body exposed to the sun, such as the face, scalp, arms, chest and back of the hands or neck.

How is skin cancer treated?

Treatment depends on the type and stage of cancer. The dermatologist can explain the best options for each individual patient. Most basal and squamous cell carcinomas can be treated with minor surgery or other localized treatments such as cryosurgery (a technique involving liquid nitrogen applied to the tumor to freeze and kill the cells). Mohs micrographic surgery (microscopically controlled surgery) is a specialized technique used to remove skin cancers while preserving surrounding healthy tissue.

What are the risk factors for skin cancer?

A major risk factor is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. People who spend a lot of time in the sun--the major source of UV rays--or use tanning beds increase their risk of developing skin cancer. Family history plays a role, as does race: Caucasians, especially those with fair skin and light-colored hair, have a melanoma risk 10 times higher that of African Americans, and a higher risk overall for any type of skin cancer. Age and gender are factors: before age 40, women are at higher risk; after age 40, the risk is higher in men. An abundance of moles also increases risk; people who have many moles should have regular, thorough skin exams by a dermatologist, according to the American Cancer Association. Smokers have a higher incidence of developing squamous cell skin cancer, especially on the lips.

Can skin cancer be prevented?

Avoid using tanning beds or sun lamps; use sunscreen and lip balm daily. Be sure to use sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum or UVA/UVB protection, and has an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 30. Sunglasses and protective clothing are also recommended when spending time outdoors.

What are the early signs of skin cancer?

An irregular-shaped mole, a sore that doesn't heal; any new growth, lump or change in an area of the skin may be a sign of skin cancer. Most people have marks, blemishes and moles on their skin; the key is to be watchful for any changes in the skin--and if you do notice something suspicious, have it checked out by a doctor as soon as possible. A rough, thick scaly patch on the skin, or cracking/peeling on the lower lip that does not go away may be a sign of actinic keratosis (see above), a precancerous condition that may or may not develop into skin cancer. It's important to check with your doctor right away if you notice any changes in your skin.

What is Mohs surgery?

Microscopically controlled surgery to remove skin cancers in anatomically sensitive areas such as the face and ears, or in areas where the skin is tighter, such as the scalp, lower legs, hands, and feet. In a Mohs surgery, skin cancers are precisely removed, one thin layer at a time. The surgeon examines each layer under a microscope, and continues removing additional layers until the cells show no signs of cancer. The benefit of this technique is that it removes only the cancerous tissue, not surrounding healthy tissue.

How long does it take?

Because the cancer is removed and examined in stages, it can be a lengthy process. The more layers that have to be removed and examined, the longer the procedure will take. This can be hard to predict in advance, but in general, we advise our patients to be prepared to spend the whole day in the office, if necessary.

Where is Mohs surgery performed?

Most of our offices have Mohs capabilities. You can find out which particular offices perform this procedure by calling 1-855-853-0636.

What is the success rate for this procedure?

Mohs surgery has an extremely high success rate––as high as 99% for the treatment of basal cell carcinomas--considered the best cure rate for this type of cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. Mohs is also used to treat squamous cell carcinomas; the cure rate is slightly lower, but still an impressive 95-97%.

What cosmetic procedures are done in your office?

We perform a variety of cosmetic procedures in select offices. To find out which treatments are performed at an office near you, contact us at 1-855-853-0636  Among the treatment we offer are laser treatments for removal of hair, age spots, broken blood vessels, leg veins, facial veins, and tattoos. In select offices, Botox® is available for removal of forehead and periocular wrinkles ("crows feet") as well as to treat excessive sweating in the armpits, palms, and soles of the feet. Chemical peels and injectable fillers (collagen, Restylane® and Juvederm®) are performed in select offices as well.

Are cosmetic procedures covered by insurance?

In general, cosmetic procedures are not covered by insurance. However, we do offer affordable, self-pay options. Contact us at 1-855-853-0636 for details.