How to Know if You Should Turn to a Dermatologist?

Answer 1

Dermatologists are doctors who specialize in treating conditions of the skin, hair, and nails. Whether you have developed a fungal infection in a nail and it isn’t clearing up, or you’ve found that simply using acne face wash or over-the-counter products isn’t helping to clear up a bad breakout, dermatologists may be the right doctors to consult about the condition.

But how can you know that you should turn to a dermatologist rather than just calling your family doctor? When are specialized services really necessary? Do you need to have a referral in order to get your insurance company to pay for you to see a dermatologist?

With regards to your insurance company, the best way to know whether or not you need a referral is to call your insurance company and ask. If you need a referral, you’ll want to call your family doctor. He or she may want you to come in for an appointment, or may make the referral by phone - that often depends on your doctor.

More often than not, especially if you are dealing with a rash or acne, your doctor will ask you to come in for an appointment to se whether or not working with a specialist is really necessary. Many of these symptoms can be treated by your doctor. It’s when they don’t simply go away - even with treatment - that a specialist is necessary.

Likewise, severe acne, rosacea, skin cancers, and eczema - common skin disorders - are often treated exclusively by dermatologists. If you have one of these conditions, a doctor will tell you to see a dermatologist. The same is true if you have a more rare skin disorder.

In other words, sometimes it’s hard to know whether you need to consult a dermatologist on your own. The best way to know whether or not you should turn to a dermatologist is to contact your family physician to receive a diagnosis and, if necessary, a referral.