How to Get an Appointment with a Dermatologist: Find a Doctor

Regular visits to a dermatologist are essential for maintaining good skin health. Your physician can identify potential skin problems and treat them before they become serious.

To make the process easier, we have put together a few suggestions to help find your new dermatologist. We’ll also discuss some of the most common reasons people visit the dermatologist, how to book an appointment and what to expect once you arrive at one of our offices.

When choosing a dermatologist, it’s important to find the right fit. Here are a few things to consider:

Location

You’re more likely to make it to your appointment if the office is easily accessible. Your ideal provider should be conveniently located near your home, work, or other places you visit frequently. Fortunately, Pinnacle has multiple locations that make getting there easy.

Expertise

Pinnacle’s board-certified dermatologists are trained to diagnose and treat over 3,000 skin conditions, including skin cancers. They also treat hair, nail, and cosmetic concerns. Certain services, like Mohs surgery, are available at some locations. Make sure to look before you book.

Insurance

Insurance coverage can vary depending on your provider; some dermatology services may be covered under your plan while others are not. Before booking your appointment, contact your insurance provider to confirm the Pinnacle provider is in-network and what treatments are covered. This way, you’ll get the most out of your plan, and there won’t be any surprises. Also, see if your plan offers any incentive for getting an annual skin check. 

Scheduling

Planning makes booking your next appointment easier. Online scheduling systems, like the one offered by Pinnacle, allow you to pick a day and time that fits your schedule from available openings. However, if you need an appointment immediately and one isn’t readily available, pick up the phone and call. Check with the scheduler for upcoming cancellations or ask to be on the waitlist. Also, see if a nurse practitioner or physician assistant is available sooner.

If the issue is urgent, ask to speak with a nurse on staff. They can provide direction and help you determine your options.

Pinnacle is committed to comprehensive skin care. After all, your skin is your body’s largest organ. An annual skin exam can uncover issues you weren’t even aware you had and may save your life.

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. The three types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. If caught early, most are treated on an outpatient basis. However, the more that time passes, the more likely invasive treatments may become necessary.

Eczema

Eczema is a condition that causes the skin to become itchy, red, and inflamed. It can occur anywhere on the body but is most commonly seen on the hands, feet, arms, and legs. There is no cure for eczema, but it can be treated with topical creams and ointments.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that causes thick, scaly skin patches. These patches can be itchy and sore and vary in size and location. Psoriasis can be treated with topical medications, biologic drugs, and light therapy, but there is currently no cure.

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia Areata is a form of hair loss that causes bald patches on the scalp. It’s thought to be an autoimmune disease, meaning the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own cells. Treatment options include topical medications, corticosteroids, and injections of biologic drugs.

Rosacea

Rosacea is a common issue that affects the facial skin. It can cause redness and pustules on the nose, chin, cheeks, and forehead. In some cases, rosacea can also affect the chest, ears, neck, or scalp. Treatments include topical medications applied to the skin, oral antibiotics, and laser therapy.

Acne

Acne is a skin condition affecting millions of people yearly. It is characterized by red, inflamed bumps on the skin that can be painful and unsightly. The bumps are caused by a build-up of oil and dead skin cells and can be treated with various medications, including antibiotics, topical treatments, and oral medications.

While most conditions are easily treatable, we cannot stress enough how important annual skin exams are for your overall health. We’re glad you’re reading this article and hope you book your total body skin exam with Pinnacle soon.

When you arrive at Pinnacle for your appointment, we want you to know what to expect. During your initial patient visit, the doctor will take a complete medical history and perform a physical exam of your skin. The physician will assess skin issues such as moles, lesions, rashes, or other abnormalities. A biopsy or other lab test may be required to determine the exact nature of any concerns, if necessary.

Don’t be afraid to ask your provider any questions you may have. Ensure you understand all recommended treatments and aftercare instructions, if necessary. Ask about the best preventive measures and proper skin care for your skin type.

Now that you’ve located the dermatologist you wish to see, it’s time to make your appointment. Pinnacle’s online scheduling is quick and takes less time than a phone call.

Access the scheduling system HERE and follow these simple steps:

1. Locate the box that says “Schedule Online.”
2. Choose your state from the dropdown menu.
3. Choose the city of the office where you wish to book.
4. Under “Patient Type,” choose “new patient” or “existing patient” from the dropdown menu.
5. Choose your “Visit Reason” from the available options.
6. Choose the physician you wish to book and pick a time from the available options.
7. On the next screen, enter your email address.
8. Complete the basic Patient Information form.

Your Appointment is Now Booked

You’ll receive an email confirming your appointment time. Be sure to set yourself a reminder and confirm the address of the Pinnacle Dermatology office you’ll be visiting.

Whether you need treatment for a specific skin issue or just coming in for your annual total body skin exam, Pinnacle’s experienced providers are here to help.

Booking your appointment with Pinnacle is easy.  Schedule your appointment today or reach out to us at (844) 421-1493, and someone will be happy to assist.