A board-certified dermatologist is a highly skilled doctor (M.D.) whose expertise includes diagnosing and treating ailments on the skin, nails, and hair. They have years of experience in the field of dermatology, and they are essential to the services that dermatology clinics provide.

They can also practice their profession in hospitals and other related healthcare facilities. For a dermatologist to become board certified, they have to meet a substantial amount of eligibility requirements in addition to passing the necessary exams. By the time you’ve sat in a board-certified dermatologist’s office, they have already spent:

• • 4 years of undergraduate education getting a Bachelor’s degree
  • 4 years in medical school earning their M.D. or D.O. degree
  • 4 years in residency training, where they specialize in the field of dermatology
  • Passed medical school licensing exams and board certification exams

Some dermatologists complete additional years of training after residency to subspecialize in surgical dermatology (medical dermatology), cosmetic dermatology, or pediatric dermatology. However, all of them are well-versed in a baseline of treatments to handle many common disorders regarding hair, skin, and nails. A board-certified dermatologist is a dedicated individual with significant knowledge and passion for medical dermatology.

The field of dermatology comes with a long range of available treatments, and some dermatologists also specialize in a specific category of dermatology. Many choose to continue their education after residency to broaden their skillset and provide more value to their patients. This continuing education is called a fellowship, of which there are four primary sub-categories or “branches” that focus on particular disorders and treatment solutions. These include surgical dermatology (namely, Mohs surgery), cosmetic dermatology, dermatopathology, and pediatric dermatology. It takes a minimum of 12 years to become a general dermatologist, and more if one of these fellowships is done.

It’s inevitable that any dermatologist would advocate for at least a yearly visit, but the importance of these visits usually goes unnoticed by many people. The skin is one of the most sensitive organs of the human body, and it plays an integral role in our overall health. Moreover, a long list of disorders and physical changes happen with the skin over time, and regular checkups with a dermatologist will let you know if anything sticks out from the norm.

The skin’s condition can also be very telling for anything that might be happening inside the body. It isn’t uncommon for an internal illness to show signs of illness through the appearance of the skin. Although many individuals may not be able to come to this conclusion themselves, a dermatologist can pick up on these changes instantly.

Additionally, visiting a dermatologist can give you the power to be proactive about an ailment or disorder that might be slowly developing internally or externally. If a dermatologist finds something odd about the skin, they know exactly which steps need to be taken next to ensure the patient’s well-being in the long run.

This is guaranteed to vary based on the expertise, location, and method of treatment, but there’s a general range that you can expect with most dermatology visits. Within the U.S., it’s common for a dermatologist visit to cost anywhere between $100 to $300. Most types of visits will be covered by insurance. Your dermatologist will be transparent about the costs you can expect and will let you know what services are covered by insurance and which are not.

If you happen to need specialized, ongoing treatments, you can expect these costs to rise, and some will be more expensive than others. Nevertheless, you’ll always have the ability to discuss your options with your dermatologist so you can take the most cost-effective approach.

Initial visits usually entail a consultation and a general checkup of your current condition. If anything needs to be explored further, your dermatologist will suggest various treatments that cater to your specific needs.

It’s recommended that those over the age of 18 should start looking into seeing a dermatologist annually for skin cancer screenings, especially if you have a strong family history of skin cancer. This is a good starting point for those who may not be suffering from any specific disorders. Regardless of age, if you’re noticing adverse effects on your skin, hair, or nails, it never hurts to consult a dermatologist about it.

Many different disorders in the field of dermatology can quietly develop over time without you noticing. When you go to a dermatology checkup, their expertise will be able to pick up on any visible abnormalities. In extreme cases, some disorders can be life-threatening, and the health of your skin, hair, and nails shouldn’t be taken lightly.

You also want to work with a skilled dermatologist you can rely on, and if you’re looking for a dermatologist in Boston, we offer multi-faceted solutions that ensure your health stays on track. Whether you’re currently dealing with a particular disorder or haven’t seen a dermatologist in quite some time, don’t wait to reach out to us and schedule an appointment.

Most medical dermatology visits and procedures are covered by insurance. This may vary depending on the exact terms of your insurance plan, but you can expect insurance assistance when it comes to medical dermatology visits.

However, it’s common for insurance companies to avoid providing any assistance when it comes to cosmetic dermatology. This is because the treatments are cosmetic in nature and don’t focus on anything medically related. You can expect to pay for most cosmetic dermatology procedures out of pocket.