Your skin is your largest organ, so give it the care it needs to stay healthy and continue to provide that all-important barrier for the rest of your organs. Regular dermatology visits are a key part of maintaining healthy skin, and that begins with choosing the right dermatology practice.
As a leading dermatology practice in Washington, DC, Metroderm DC: Medical, Laser, and Aesthetic Dermatology Center offers comprehensive care for all sorts of skin-related concerns. In this post, we offer tips to help you select the best dermatology specialist for your needs and goals.
Asking friends and family members for their experiences with their own dermatologists is one way to begin. But remember: You have your own preferences and your own reasons for seeing a dermatologist, so use this as a starting point only.
A potentially better source of referrals is your primary care doctor. They may have experience working with dermatologists in the Washington, DC, area who suit your medical needs.
It might seem a little crass to mention it so soon, but medical insurance is a big reality for most of our patients.
To find a dermatologist in Washington, DC, who accepts your insurance plan, visit your insurance company’s provider page. Most sites feature a tool that lets you view participating doctors in your area.
At Metroderm DC, we participate in many insurance plans. Check them out here.
Your dermatologist plays a major role in keeping you healthy, so be sure they have experience. One way to do that is to check their credentials.
Your insurance plan’s page may have some information, and you can also look on the doctor’s website for information. In addition to the education they’ve received, look for board certification and other special training or education they’ve received to make sure they’re a good match.
At Metroderm DC, we have extensive experience and credentials, including board certification. Read about our dermatologists, Edward Stolar, MD; Todd Perkins, MD; and Adrianna Gonzales, MD, FAAD.
Speaking of special training, if you have specific skin care goals in mind, look for a doctor who specializes in that area.
Some dermatologists focus mostly on medical dermatology treatments, while others lean toward aesthetic treatments. If you’re interested in both areas of dermatology, choosing a multi-doctor practice, like Metroderm DC, might be your best bet.
The same is true if you have a specific skin condition, like a history of skin cancer. Look for a doctor with lots of experience treating cancers to ensure you receive the best care.
If you lead a busy life, you need a dermatology practice near you with convenient hours. At Metroderm DC, we have appointments five days a week, but we also offer emergency care in conjunction with other dermatology practices.
Skin issues can happen anywhere on your body, and you need to feel comfortable allowing your dermatologist to evaluate skin conditions wherever they occur.
Dermatologists perform skin exams all day long, and they’ve seen it all. Still, if you’re uncomfortable with the idea of, say, having a full-body skin cancer exam with a doctor of a different gender, you can choose a provider of the same sex at Metroderm DC.
Once you’ve narrowed your choices, it’s time to meet with the provider in person. During your visit, pay attention to how your doctor communicates. After all, you want to feel comfortable sharing your health concerns, so good communication is key.
Our doctors are dedicated to providing each patient with focused, personalized attention and the most advanced dermatology care and treatment. To meet with us and learn more about the treatment options and individualized care we provide, call 202-659-2223 or request an appointment online today.
