How to Find the Right Dermatologist for Acne Treatment

A dermatologist must have a degree in medicine, either as a Medical Doctor (MD) or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO). Dermatologists first go to medical school and then to a residency program for their specialized training. They’re experts in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the skin (including hair and nails) in both pediatric and adult patients.

Depending on the doctor’s specialty and interest, a dermatologist may also receive very specialized training in one or more of the following procedures:

• The use of lasers and other special light delivery systems to help treat acne
• Surgical corrective resurfacing procedures to reduce acne scars
• Various cosmetic techniques such as Botox and “filler” injections to improve the appearance of the face

Using Networking Techniques

In addition to checking in with your PCP, you could also locate a specialist on your own by asking your friends, family, or other members of your community who have been satisfactorily treated by a particular dermatologist. Don’t be shy. If you know someone who had acne and now shows improvement, ask her how she did it. She’ll likely be thrilled you noticed and happy to share the info. If your house needed a renovation, you’d likely ask for references about any contractor that you might consider. The same holds true for anyone who is going to be responsible for your skin, the “house” you live in.

Checking in With Professional Associations

The American Academy of Dermatology is the largest dermatologic association in the United States. Their Web site (www.aad.org) can help you locate a dermatologist in your area. This site can also provide biographical information about many academy member dermatologists, including their education, specialized training, office hours, and whether they accept your health insurance plan. You can also find detailed maps showing how to get to their offices. You can also call or write to the American Academy of Dermatology, 930 E. Woodfield Road, Schaumburg, Illinois, 60173-4927; 847-330-0230.

You can find out whether the doctor you’re interested in is board certified in dermatology. “Certified” means that she has completed a training program in the specialty of dermatology and has passed an exam, or “board,” that assesses her knowledge, skills, and experience to provide quality patient care in that specialty. That means that all the training and tests have been met by the doctor and approved by the American Academy of Dermatology.

I would certainly recommend that you look for a dermatologist who is board certified.

Many dermatologists have teaching positions at academic centers such as major hospitals and medical or osteopathy schools. You can check out their credentials and academic positions online or by asking your local public or university reference librarian to help you.

Looking at Your Insurance Directory

You know that list of names that came in the mail or that were given to you when you signed up with your HMO or other health insurance company? It contains a list of specialists who are in their network of providers, which means the doctor has been approved by your HMO or insurance company. An advantage to using an innetwork specialist is that most insurers check out the providers on that list and hold them to high standards.

Moreover, if you go to a specialist who is on this approved list of providers, most of the medical bill will be covered by your insurer. Who doesn’t want that?

If someone you wish to see isn’t on that recommended list, it doesn’t always mean that the specialist isn’t up to snuff. In fact, it may be worth your while to go out of network to find the right person for you; however, it will likely cost you more money to do so.

Check with your insurance company to see whether they have an online directory. Typically, the directory doesn’t include recommendations, per se. But you can search their directory based on specific criteria, like distance from a location (like your home or child’s school) or office hours. Often you can click to find a map directly to the dermatologist’s office and get the phone number to make an appointment right away.

Perusing the Phone Book and Advertisements

Believe it or not, the phone book can help you with your choice.

Specifically, it can help you choose:

• A dermatologist that’s close to your home or your child’s school. That makes sense.
• A male or female. You can then decide who you or your child would be most comfortable with.
• One that may speak your language or has translation available to you if you don’t speak English. You could call to find out.

But remember, the bigger ad isn’t always better.

Unfortunately, the late 1970s and early 1980s saw the removal of legal restrictions against advertising by those in the legal and medical professions. I advise you to distrust a doctor who advertises via large billboards, television, newspapers, gigantic yellow page ads, or subways. Some of these doctors may start treating their patients as customers, rather than as patients. I also strongly advise you to avoid skin-care spas that advertise laundry lists of treatments that they offer. I’ve seen an add that lists “laser treatment for acne scars, male breast reduction, breast enlargement for women, leg vein removal, buttock enlargement, buttock reduction, cosmetic skin surgery, broken blood vessels, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, laser lunchtime super peels, collagen/Botox treatments, hair restoration, laser hair removal, body contouring, liposuction.” And last but not least, in smaller print, “acne, eczema, skin cancer screening, warts, mole removal, and rashes.” And maybe they can check your car’s tire pressure and oil while you’re there.