Finding a Dermatologist Near You: Get Faster Skin Treatment

Living in Chattanooga is wonderful. The Scenic City offers many perks and the blessing of watching the foliage change with the seasons. As Fall makes an entrance and we notice the cooler breeze, there is something else we often notice: changes in our skin. All those Summer adventures and days spent out in the sun take their toll on our skin and we realize it might be time to find a dermatologist nearby. Checking on those age spots, dark spots, seasonal acne breakouts or sudden rosacea flares promptly is key in finding effective skincare treatment, but… How long do you need to wait to see the closest dermatologist?

It is no secret that we have grown accustomed to long waiting times to see a medical professional yet when it comes to our skin, these waiting times become a major source of pain and frustration. Most patients see their skin condition worsen as they wait for the next available dermatology appointment for treatment. According to a recent report by the Greater Access for Patients Partnership (GAPP), long wait times for dermatology appointments keep increasing, putting patients at risk for worsening conditions and having a negative emotional and overall lifestyle impact.

More often than not, anxiety and concern during the long wait times will drive people to try over the counter products to alleviate their ailment. In many cases, without any sort of direction, medical advice or consideration for their specific skin type and condition. As much as it is true that some over-the-counter medications can help with a few skin flares and breakouts, it is also true that they frequently come with a high price-tag and poor results.

Current average time to see a dermatologist is about 32 days in metropolitan areas and about 35 days in smaller cities, according to a survey by Merritt-Hawkins, (a physician search and recruiting firm). They also state that wait times for a dermatology appointment have increased 46% over the past 10 years and continue to get longer. Basically, if you have concerns about age spots, a rosacea flare or recurring adult acne, you might just have to sit and wait for over a month to get checked out.

Recent studies estimate that there are about 3 dermatologists for every 100,000 in the United States, suggesting that there are simply not enough doctors to meet the demands for specialized skincare. Considering that 1 in every 4 people have a skin disease that requires treatment every year, the lack of access to a dermatologist nearby is a top challenge in the healthcare space.

Unfortunately, the scenario is still not optimal even once you get an appointment with a dermatologist near you. It only takes a few online searches to see that frustration is as much an understatement, as it is a common sentiment in the Chattanooga area. We have no doubt that there are high-quality local dermatologists eager to treat patients. It simply becomes a supply and demand issue. Some of the top complaints about dermatology visits are:

• Patient did not see the doctor
• The appointment time was not honored
• Waiting time in the lobby was too long
• The exam was not thorough
• Poor bedside manner and follow-up
• Insurance Problems/ Expensive / Billing Issues
• Unprofessional Staff / Rude
• Interference with patient’s work schedule (taking a day off / sick day to accommodate appointment and waiting times

Especially for the most common skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, hyperpigmentation and hair loss, it would be ideal to have shorter waiting times or an alternative way to get professional treatment by a Board-Certified Dermatologist.

In the era of technology, innovation, and post-pandemic social distance lessons, we have become more willing to resort to telemedicine for prompt care. Many skin conditions can be diagnosed and treated by a dermatologist just by asking a few concise questions and seeing a couple of images of the affected area. The average dermatologist can see about 30 patients a day in-office, but could actually treat many more with the proper data. Teledermatology by Board-Certified Dermatologists is an innovative solution to help close the gap between patients and dermatology care access. It offers a viable solution to get personalized dermatology treatment, anytime, anywhere.

Seeing a doctor that understands that there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to skincare can be a game-changer. Personalized medication for your specific needs is what will ensure effective treatment of your ailment. Now, getting diagnosed and treated by a Board-Certified Dermatologist from the comfort of your home, without interfering with your work hours and at an affordable price via Teledermatology… That is a healthcare-changer!

Article by

Cortina