FAQ

What is a dermatologist?

A dermatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the skin, hair and nails. After receiving a basic college degree (B.S.,B.A.),a medical degree the physician receives additional specialized training.
What does "board certification" mean?

After a doctor completes his or her training in dermatology, a board exam is taken. This is a way for the AAD to standardize information to assure that the dermatologist has a basic understanding of all diseases of the skin, hair and nails and is competent to practice.
In addition, newer board exams test a dermatologist's ability in procedures which enhance the skin's appearance and reduce the signs of aging.
Fees and insurance

We ask for payment at the time of the office visit. The required co-pay is usually located on your insurance card or within your insurance contract and varies depending on the type of insurance you have. Remaining charges will be billed to your insurance carrier as a courtesy to you. If your insurance carrier does not cover the service or rejects the remaining balance, you will be responsible for this balance.
What is the difference between co-pay and deductible?

A co-pay is a fixed amount (set by your insurance carrier) due at each visit, generally for the office visit. We are seeing more and more insurance carriers requiring co-pay for office procedures/surgeries. These co-pays also are due at the time of service. A deductibleis a prearranged amount set per calendar or anniversary year that represents the patient's responsibility for that year. The deductible is usually accompanied by a co-insurance, which is the patient's responsibility to pay. For example, if the patient has a $250 deductible and a 20% co-insurance, the patient will still owe 20% of the allowed charges for the service, even after the deductible is met.
How does a physician decide how much to bill a patient for a visit or procedure?

Doctor's charges are based on the annual Medicare fee and payment schedule released and set by the federal government. Each visit and procedure has a numeric identifying code. Each code has a charge associated with it. We invite our patients to inquire at any time which codes will be used, and what the associated charge is for the code.
Can the doctor lower charges for a patient, or eliminate the co-pay?

According to the federal government, it is unlawful for a doctor to do this. If you have financial difficulties or extenuating circumstances, we invite you to discuss the problem so that payment options can be made.
How does the office collect fees?

Payment of co-pays, high deductibles and master medical benefits are due at each visit. We accept cash, personal checks and most major credit cards as payment. The remaining charges will be billed to your insurance carrier. If your insurance does not cover the service or rejects the remaining balance, you are responsible for this balance. Accounts that are 90 days past due are referred to our collection agency. Please contact the office manager if you have any questions.
Do you accept my insurance?

The office accepts and contracts with most insurances. When you make an appointment, we will ask for your insurance information so we may check coverage and benefits before you come in. At the time of your visit, we make a copy of your insurance card and identification. Ultimately, it is the patients responsibility to know his/her benefits and to make sure the doctor is contracted or "in network." * If a referral is necessary, the patient must obtain that referral before coming into the office. Established patients must inform the front desk staff about any insurance or address information changes.
May I find out how much the doctor charges?

Yes. Each procedure has a charge associated with it. If we know the procedure, we can give you the charge amount.
What if I have a lab restriction on my insurance policy?

In order to ensure that any lab or pathology test(s) is sent to the correct lab, you must inform the office staff.
What is your policy on minors?

Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian during the initial office visit and any subsequent visit where a surgical procedure will be performed. Signed authorization for subsequent office visits or for treatment of warts or acne is acceptable. However, payment of co-pays and/or deductibles is still required at the time of service. In the case of divorce, the responsibility for payments rests with the parent seeking treatment.

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