Table of Contents
- Key Points
- Before Your First Dermatology Visit
- What Happens During Your First Dermatology Visit
- After Your First Dermatology Visit
- Making the Most of Your Dermatological Care
- Special Considerations
- Preparing for Success
- References
Key Points
- Anxiety about seeing a doctor is more common than many people realize, impacting as much as 12 percent of the population and 19 percent of children.1
- Fear of medical treatment can be a major deterent to people seeking care, including dermatological care.
- Understanding what to expect at your first dermatology visit can greatly assuage any anxiety you might have and help you get the most out of the visit.
Did you know that skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, with more than 5.4 million diagnoses made every year?2 A more promising statistic is that, when caught early, skin cancer has a 99 percent 5-year survival rate.3
This statistic underscores why regular dermatological care is so crucial for maintaining not just healthy-looking skin, but potentially life-saving health outcomes. Said another way: just like with regular doctor’s visits, such as annual physicals, you should not wait until you suspect something is wrong to visit your dermatologist.
If it is your first time visiting a dermatologist (or at least your first time visiting in a while), it can be useful to know what to expect. This can help ease any anxiety and ensure you get the most out of your appointment. The guide below will walk you through everything you need to know about your first dermatology visit, from preparation to follow-up care.
Before Your First Dermatology Visit
Scheduling Your Appointment
When you call to schedule your first dermatology visit, our staff will ask you several important questions. These include:
- Reason for your visit: Whether it is for a routine skin cancer screening, concern about a specific mole or spot, management of eczema or psoriasis, or another skin issue
- Insurance information: We will verify your coverage and explain any costs associated with your visit
- Medical history: Basic information about your health conditions and medications
- Urgency level: This helps us prioritize appointments based on medical necessity
Understanding Costs and Insurance
One of the most common concerns patients have is the cost of a dermatology visit. Here is what you should know:
- With insurance: Most insurance plans cover medically necessary dermatological care, including skin cancer screenings and treatment of conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Cosmetic procedures are typically not covered (though there can be a gray area, depending on the issue).
- Dermatology visit without insurance: We offer transparent pricing for all patients, including those paying out-of-pocket. Prices vary based on what is required during the office visit, such as routine screenings, biopsies, laboratory tests, and specialized treatments.
What to Bring
Come prepared with these essential items:
- Insurance cards and identification
- Complete list of current medications, including over-the-counter products and supplements
- List of previous skin treatments or procedures you’ve had
- Photos of any skin changes you have noticed over time (if applicable)
- Questions or concerns written down so you do not forget to ask
Preparing Your Skin
- Avoid self-tanning products for at least one week before your appointment
- Remove nail polish from fingers and toes so we can examine your nail beds
- Come with clean skin – avoid heavy makeup, lotions, or other products on the day of your visit
- Wear comfortable, easily removable clothing since you may need to change into a gown
What Happens During Your First Dermatology Visit
Initial Consultation and Medical History
Your first dermatology visit begins with a comprehensive discussion about your health and skin concerns:
- Detailed medical history: We will review your personal and family history of skin cancer, eczema, psoriasis, and other skin conditions
- Current symptoms: Discussion of any itching, pain, changes in moles, rashes, or other skin issues
- Lifestyle factors: Sun exposure habits, occupation, hobbies, and skincare routine
- Previous treatments: What you have tried before and how well it worked
The Physical Examination
A thorough skin examination is a cornerstone of dermatological care:
- Full-body skin cancer screening: We examine your skin from head to toe, looking for suspicious moles, lesions, or other abnormalities
- Focused examination: Detailed look at any specific areas of concern you have mentioned
- Use of specialized tools: We may use a dermatoscope (a magnifying device with special lighting4) to get a closer look at moles or lesions
- Documentation: We will photograph or map any areas that need monitoring over time
Common Conditions We Diagnose and Treat
During your first dermatology visit, we might identify and discuss treatment for various conditions, including:
- Skin Cancer and Precancerous Lesions
- As mentioned, early detection through comprehensive skin cancer screening
- Biopsy procedures if suspicious areas are found
- Treatment planning for confirmed cases
- Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
- Identification of triggers and patterns
- Prescription treatments including topical medications
- Lifestyle modifications to manage symptoms
- Psoriasis
- Assessment of severity and type
- Discussion of treatment options from topical treatments to systemic therapies
- Long-term management strategies
- Acne and Rosacea
- Evaluation of severity and underlying causes
- Customized treatment plans
- Prevention strategies
Procedures You Might Experience
Depending on your specific needs, your first dermatology visit might include:
- Biopsy: If we find a suspicious lesion, we may perform a simple biopsy to test for cancer or other conditions
- Cryotherapy: Freezing treatment for precancerous spots or benign lesions
- Photography: Medical photography to document baseline conditions for future comparison
- Patch testing: If we suspect contact dermatitis or allergies
After Your First Dermatology Visit
Understanding Your Results
- Immediate feedback: For many conditions like eczema or psoriasis, we can provide diagnosis and treatment recommendations during your visit
- Biopsy results: If a biopsy was performed, results typically take seven to 10 business days
- Follow-up scheduling: We recommend when you should return, whether for routine skin cancer screening or ongoing treatment monitoring
Treatment Plans and Next Steps
Your personalized treatment plan might include:
- Prescription medications: Topical or oral medications for conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or acne
- Skincare recommendations: Specific products that will benefit your skin type and condition
- Lifestyle modifications: Sun protection strategies, trigger avoidance, or dietary recommendations
- Follow-up appointments: Regular monitoring for chronic conditions or cancer surveillance
Home Care Instructions
We will provide detailed instructions for:
- Proper wound care if you had a biopsy or other procedure
- Medication application techniques for maximum effectiveness
- When to call our office with questions or concerns
- Signs and symptoms that warrant immediate attention
Making the Most of Your Dermatological Care
Building a Long-Term Relationship
Your first dermatology visit is just the beginning of your journey toward optimal skin health:
- Regular skin cancer screenings: Most adults should have annual full-body skin examinations
- Chronic condition management: Ongoing care for eczema, psoriasis, and other persistent skin conditions
- Preventive care: Learning proper sun protection and skincare habits
- Early intervention: Addressing new concerns promptly before they become serious problems
Questions to Ask During Your Visit
Do not hesitate to ask important questions, like:
- How often should I schedule skin cancer screening appointments?
- What are the warning signs I should watch for between visits?
- Are there any side effects to my prescribed treatments?
- What over-the-counter skincare products do you recommend for my specific needs?
- Should my family members also be screened for skin cancer?
Special Considerations
Pediatric Dermatology
If you are bringing a child for their first dermatology visit, consider:
- Common childhood conditions: We frequently treat eczema, warts, birthmarks, and rashes in children
- Gentle approach: Our team is experienced in making children comfortable during examinations
- Parent involvement: We encourage parents to be present and involved in treatment decisions
High-Risk Patients
Some patients require more frequent monitoring:
- Personal history of skin cancer
- Family history of melanoma or other skin cancers
- Numerous moles or atypical moles
- History of severe sunburns or extensive sun exposure
- Immunosuppression due to medications or medical conditions
Preparing for Success
Your first dermatology visit sets the foundation for lifelong skin health. By coming prepared, asking questions, and following through with recommended treatments and follow-up care, you are taking an important step in optimizing skin health.
At Rogers Dermatology, we are committed to providing comprehensive, compassionate care that addresses all your skin health needs. Your skin is your body’s largest organ, and taking care of it is taking care of yourself. We look forward to being your partner in maintaining healthy, beautiful skin for years to come.
References
- “Iatrophobia (Fear of Doctors),” Cleveland Clinic, December 2021, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22191-iatrophobia-fear-of-doctors.
- “Key Statistics for Basal and Squamous Cell Skin Cancers,” American Cancer Society, October 2023, https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/basal-and-squamous-cell-skin-cancer/about/key-statistics.html.
- “Skin Cancer Facts & Statistics,” Skin Cancer Foundation, July 2025, https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-facts/.
- “What is a dermatoscope, and what does it see?” Medical News Today, March 2021, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/dermatoscope.