Q. How can I protect my skin this summer?
- Wear proper clothing: clothes should cover your body in order to properly block UV rays. Make sure you protect your hair and ears too!
- Protect yourself even on overcast days: up to 80% of the sun’s UV radiation penetrates clouds and fog so we can still be affected on a cloudy day.
- Wear long-sleeves while driving: car windows do not block UV rays, so it is important to cover our skin even while we are in a car.
- Wear UV-blocking sunglasses: our eyes can also damaged by UV rays. Sunglasses protect not only our eyes but the skin around the eyes as well.
- Wear SPF-30 sunscreen: we recommend wearing SPF-30 daily to best protect your skin. This sunscreen blocks 97% of incoming UVB rays and will keep your skin looking young.
Q. What kind of training do dermatologists receive?
A. Dermatologists receive advanced education and training in the treatment of skin, nail, hair and mucous membranes. After earning a bachelor's degree, dermatologists attend medical school to become either a medical doctor or doctor of osteopathic medicine. After graduating from medical school, they complete an internship and extensive residency training.
Q. What is Mohs Surgery?
A. Due to its high success rate, Mohs Micrographic Skin Cancer Surgery is the preferred treatment for cancers in the head and neck region. For more information regarding this procedure (such as its origin, the procedural steps, when it should be used, and the origins of skin cancer), please visit this site .
Q. What should I expect during my first visit?
A. Depending on your condition, your initial visit with us could take anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes. After examining the records and information that have been supplied to us, we will conduct a thorough skin examination, followed by a diagnosis and detailed treatment plan. We encourage you to ask questions, and we will be glad to address any concerns you may have.
Q. Will my services be covered as preventative?
A. Even though a full-skin exam is an important part of preventative health, governmental regulations have still not allowed dermatology visits to be billed as preventative visits. We encourage you to contact our office with any questions about your insurance or billing.
Q. Is Advanced Dermatology in my insurance network?
A. Our staff has been trained to understand many insurance company policies, but they do not have all the answers about your specific benefits. It is the patient's responsibly to know if we are within the insurance provider network. Please contact your insurance company to verify your coverage. If we are not in your network you are considered a self-pay patient and will be required to pay at the time of your service.
Q. Why isn't the visit for my 1-month scar check included in the cost of my procedure?
A. In dermatology the government coding regulations do not include follow-up visits in the cost of the procedure. While strongly recommended, you may cancel the appointment if you prefer not to have the doctor look at your wound.
Q. What can I do to improve the look of my skin?
A. The most effective treatment for skin, much like anything else, is prevention. It is important to have a balanced, nutritious diet, to get plenty of exercise, and to avoid overexposure to the sun. Sun exposure is responsible for the majority of medical and cosmetic skin conditions, so always be sure to protect yourself by using large-brimmed hats and high-SPF sunscreens when in sunlight. Try to avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. During these hours, skin-damaging UV (ultraviolet) radiation is at its highest peak.
Q. What conditions can dermatologists treat?
A. Dermatologists can treat a broad range of conditions affecting the skin, hair and nails, including, but not limited to, acne, psoriasis, rosacea, skin cancer, wrinkles, sun spots, pigmentation problems, warts, rashes, bacterial or fungal skin and nail infections, stretch marks, spider and varicose veins, and sun damage. If you have a skin-related problem, a dermatologist is the best choice for lasting, efficient treatment.
Q. How much does dermatologic treatment cost?
A. As with any medical treatment, costs vary, depending upon the scale and severity of the condition as well as the treatment method. However, many medical dermatology treatments are covered by insurance. For treatments not covered, we offer convenient payment options, and financing is available in some cases. We will work hard to make sure that your skin treatments are affordable!
Q. Do I need a referral to see a dermatologist?
A. No! For most cases. If you would like to have a consultation, simply contact us to schedule an appointment. Please note you may need a referral for your insurance to cover some procedures. If you have questions on what is covered, please contact your insurance company directly.
Yes! For certain HMO and Medicare Advantage plans. It is your responsibility to make sure you have a referral and it is sent to our office. Fax 630-762-8724, email: [email protected]
Q. What sunscreen should I use?
A. Any sunscreen is better than going without, but some types of sunscreen may protect you better. Finding the right sunscreen is partly finding one with the right consistency for your skin type. Those with oily or acne-prone skin may want to go with a less greasy sunscreen, for example. Most importantly, it is crucial to choose a sunscreen with a high SPF factor to help shield you from ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Q. Which moisturizers/lotions should I use?
A. Choosing the right moisturizer involves knowing your skin type and specific needs. If you have dry skin, for example, you may want a heavier, oil or petroleum-based moisturizer, and if you have oily, acne-prone skin, look for moisturizers that are water-based, oil-free and labeled "non-comedogenic" or "non-acnegenic." People with sensitive skin should get hypoallergenic, perfume-free formulations. And moisturizers with SPF protection are also an excellent choice if you plan to be out in the sun.
