There are many reasons you might want to see a dermatologist over the course of your life, whether you’re looking for effective acne treatment products or are interested in cosmetic procedures like varicose vein laser treatments. However, it can be difficult to tell which of your local dermatologists is the best choice to provide these services. Fortunately, there are a number of signs you can use identify the best dermatologist for you. Read on to learn what you should be looking for.
Excellent Credentials
Any doctor with a medical degree can start a dermatologist clinic, which means your local dermatologists might not always be the experts they seem to be. To avoid this, look for physicians who have been board-certified by the American Board of Dermatology: these doctors have undergone years of additional study and been thoroughly tested on their knowledge. You can also check the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery’s website for additional certifications.
Unhurried, Informative Appointments
Schedule an appointment with some of your top choices and see how they act as the two of you are discussing your skin problems. Are they constantly looking at the clock or checking their watch? Do they give you enough time to respond to their statements and ask questions? Do they respond to your concerns, and are their statements easy to follow? If you feel that you aren’t being appreciated as a patient, cross them off your list.
No Sales Pitches
It’s expected that your dermatologist will recommend products. But if the doctor and their staff aggressively push certain products, treatments and products, be careful. It is possible that the treatment could solve all of your woes, or your condition could be serious enough to need treatment as soon as possible. However, if the supposed remedy doesn’t address your personal concerns, the practice could be more interested in your money than the health and appearance of your skin. If this is the case, head to the next local dermatologist on your list.
But while products shouldn’t be the end-all-be-all, a generous sampling policy can be a great sign. A good dermatologist will want to be sure they have found the right solution for you, and trying it out is a great way to test this. For this reason, be sure to ask for samples of any recommended products at your appointments–dermatologists are often happy to get rid of them before they have a chance to expire.
After-Hours Care
When you are at your initial appointment, ask the doctor how you would be able to reach the practice if you needed help in the evenings or on the weekends. This is vital in the event you experience an allergic reaction or other problem. A good dermatologist will have some sort of on-call service for after-hours emergencies, whether its an answering service or an emergency contact number.