Table of Contents
Overview
Once you grow up into an adult, you know you will now have to see a general practitioner and not a pediatrician anymore for any inner health concern. Right! So why not see someone for your outer health too? By this, we mean your skin, of course!
If you want to get rid of acne or anti-ageing signs (wrinkles, fine lines) or you are curious about the latest cosmetic treatments, won’t you reach out to the skin doctor for all such concerns?!
Dermatologist is the first name that comes to mind when someone asks you about a skin doctor.
A dermatologist helps teens control acne, help adults improve their skin’s appearance, and even help prevent something as dangerous as skin cancer. Seeing a dermatologist can be beneficial for everyone. And “dermatologists” is the name that comes to mind when anyone asks you about a skin specialist.
If you’ve never seen a dermatologist before and now feel the need and willingness to take this step, here are some tips to get you started:
Eight tips to choose the right dermatologist
1. Referrals:
Make a referral list of dermatologists that you can get from your family physician. You can even reach out to your family, friends, neighbours and other healthcare professionals. They can give recommendations based on their experiences, further simplifying your search.
2. Research the Dermatologist’s Credentials:
The credentials ( degree, board certification, certificate of practice, fellowships etc.) will tell you that the doctor has all the training, work experience and skills in dermatology.
To confirm that there is no history of malpractice or no claims or disciplinary actions in the dermatologist past practice. It’s a must that the doctor follows an ethical practice. You can get the doctor’s records on several online search engines.
3. Dermatologist’s Experience
When it comes to your health, the doctor’s experience matters. You are likely to get better outcomes when you see a dermatologist with more experience. Enquire the number of patients the dermatologist has treated and the success rate of the procedure you will take. Also, ask about the complications the doctors encounter and how they tackle them.
4. Read patient reviews/ testimonials:
Checking the patient reviews can be of great help. Good or bad, it can tell a lot about the doctor. These reviews also reflect people’s experience with wait times, office environment, scheduling appointments, and the friendliness of office staff. You can see them on several search engines or on the websites of hospitals with which the doctor is attached.
5. Expertise of Doctor
Understanding the expertise of dermatologists can help find the one who is right for you. Not all dermatologists are created equal. Some are experts at cosmetic procedures (Botox, lasers, chemical peels) and restrict themselves to solve only the aesthetic issues of their patients. There are known as “Cosmetic Dermatologist”.
There are some doctors who are known as plastic surgeons. They perform surgeries that help improve the appearance and shape skin and body.
Most dermatologists are focused on treating common skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, eczema, hair loss and vitiligo (a disease in which skin loses its pigment). Some research will help you find the one who will resolve your particular problems and concerns.
6. Unrushed appointments:
A dermatologist takes time to look at your records, focus on addressing your concerns, order the proper tests to get an accurate diagnosis and explain treatment plans. If a dermatologist dismisses your queries and concerns, is difficult to follow up with, or hurries you through an appointment, it’s time to look for the one who values you as a person, then just a patient.
7. Evaluate your Doctor:
When you go for a consult or at your first visit, ensure that the clinic’s environment is soothing, and the staff is generous and welcoming. Once you are in the doctor’s cabin, observe the communication style, see how calmly they listen to all your concerns, examine you thoroughly, check your reports and brief you on your condition and treatment plan.
You might develop a long-term relationship with the doctor, and it will be based on how comfortable they make you feel and gain your trust.
8. Check for the location:
This is one of the most important aspects when you are choosing any doctor. Wouldn’t it be convenient if the doctor’s clinic is close to your home or workplace? This will not only help you get appointments but ensure that you don’t miss one due to traffic in long-distance travel.
Watch this video, to know more on finding a dermatologist near you.
Conclusion
It is essential to be aware of your skin, aware of any changes happening in your skin, and if that happens, then bring them to the dermatologist’s attention. A good dermatologist will improve your health and not just your skin. The tips that you just went through shall simplify your hunt to find one such doctor who can resolve all your concerns related to skin, provide utmost care and give you the desired results.
Reach out to us at any time, if you face any trouble finding the right dermatologist for your skin health.
