Skin issues are common for a variety of reasons and before you head to a dermatologist, you should know that there are two types of skin doctors – one a cosmetic dermatologist and the other a general dermatologist.
Let’s dive in and know the basics before choosing your ideal Dermatologist.
Role of the dermatologist
First, you need to know about your problem.
The general dermatologist treats acne, rashes, rosacea, and similar skin issues. They will examine the skin issues for suspicious moles and help with issues like thinning hair. They are also ideal for issues that are generally associated with aging including scars, wrinkles, etc. But, for problems that require an injection, a peel, or laser skin treatment, a cosmetic dermatologist will be your better choice.
So, what are the other steps you should follow before choosing your dermatologist?
Referrals
Your primary healthcare provider can give you some good references and you can expand the list by checking with your friends and family. Choosing the best dermatologist for you can be time-consuming, as you can try the best out of the referrals. Give them a try by scheduling 1-2 seating and see how it goes. The first appointment is always a consultation appointment so that the patient and the doctor get to know each other well before choosing an appropriate procedure.
Bios
Usually, doctors have a practice website where you can learn about their professional, academic education and training. By checking out this bio section you can make sure if that doctor you are planning to see has appropriate qualifications and experience in dermatology and not any other branch of medicine. This website will also tell you the type of dermatologist that you are considering, going by the definition we have already given you.
Do more listening and less talking
When you are meeting your dermatologist for the first time, obviously you should give him or her, a general description of your problem. But, remember not to talk to him/her about all the research work you did online for potential remedies. Sit there and let them analyze your situation. This way, you can get a sense of their opinion, aesthetic philosophy, and aggressive approach to treatment.
Get your questions right
You would want your skin issues to be attended to by someone competent and qualified. Frame your questions to understand how many cases the doctor is handling every day. If you are advised laser skin treatment, check if the practice has its pieces of equipment or rents them. More importantly, also confirm if the qualified doctor will perform the procedure or will only supervise.
Experience counts
When you are seeking treatment for your skin issues, the experience of the dermatologist that you are seeing is of utmost importance. Certain skin issues may be apparently benign and even playing hide and seek with you. An inexperienced dermatologist may not be able to delve into the underlying problems and arrive at the correct line of treatment. It is important therefore that you do not hesitate to ask questions to establish the experience of the doctor treating you.
Gender considerations
Certain skin issues may involve intimate parts of your body. Therefore, it may be embarrassing to discuss these issues with a dermatologist of the opposite gender. If for any reason, you cannot find a suitable dermatologist near you, you should carefully consider other options available to you.
Communication
You should carefully evaluate your communication style with your dermatologist so that you can explain your problems clearly and get all the information you are seeking. If the dermatologist hurries you through the appointment rather than giving you a patient hearing, you may be better off seeing another dermatologist.
Quality of the hospital
The thought of a hospital may not come onto your radar when you are considering dermatology procedures. But, in some instances, you may need to visit a hospital for quality dermatology care. In this case, you should also research the quality of the hospital you are about to log into or where your dermatologist is advising you to check in. The quality of the hospital is important since top-rated hospitals are known to have better facilities and therefore fewer complications. Another factor you should consider is the location of the hospital. If the hospital is too far from you, it could be a potential drag.
Insurance
As with all other medical procedures, your insurance is an important consideration before you go ahead with certain dermatology procedures. Check your insurance document carefully to understand what part of your expense is covered and what is not. If you have doubts, check with your insurance carrier before you commit yourself to the treatment.
Conclusion
Picking the right dermatologist may not be a huge challenge in many circumstances. But, if you have a complex problem and need more experienced and expert doctors to provide treatment, then you should find quality time researching all your options before choosing your dermatologist.
