Dermatologist: How To Make The Right Selection

Making a point to take proper care of your skin year to year is crucial in maintaining a smooth looking appearance and healthy glow. When it comes to locating and choosing a new dermatologist, there are a variety of resources available, both online and locally, that will allow you to find a physician who can address your needs while also matching your insurance or budgetary constraints.

Step 1 - Assess your current skincare situation and what you are looking for in a skin care specialist. Some of these physicians specialize in health-related care, while others focus on cosmetic issues involving the skin. Write out a list and make a mental note of the procedure types and treatments that interest you in addition to any problems you have been experiencing recently. This will help you communicate your needs with the physician down the road, once one is chosen.

Step 2 - Get in touch with friends and family members to see if they've had any positive experiences with a nearby dermatologist. Word of mouth is a powerful means of finding a variety of quality services.

Step 3 - Contact your insurance carrier to obtain a list of dermatologists in your area that are covered under your current plan. This will help to eliminate any options who would not be covered, and thus cost you a pretty penny extra.

Step 4 - Call up your general physician to see whether they have any recommendations. Most medical practitioners will have a good knowledge of reputable physicians in other areas and can point you in the direction of someone worthwhile.

Step 5 - Hop online and do a search for dermatologists in your area. These days, there are a variety of online resources available to help consumers locate reputable physicians. Check out blogs, user submitted review and rating sites and state board sites to check up on physicians that have already been recommended to you, while keeping an eye open for practices who you may not have heard of prior. On most sites, you only need to enter a zip code to be provided with a variety of area options. Skim through and find a few that catch your eye.

Step 6 - Once you've gathered a good list of candidates call a few offices up to find out information regarding pricing and insurance validation. See whether you can schedule a consultation with the dermatologist prior to making an appointment. Many offices will offer free consultations to prospective patients as a way to sell them on their services. Use this as an opportunity to gain a first hand looks at the office and the physician themselves. Bring along a list of questions to ask the physician and take notes on your findings.