At The Memphis Medical Society, we can connect you with the type of specialist or doctor you require. Find a dermatologist in Memphis, Tennessee, with the help of our directory and book an appointment with experienced providers. If you’re not sure if a dermatologist is the right doctor for your needs, consider the types of conditions they treat.
What Conditions Does a Dermatologist Treat?
A dermatologist is a doctor who provides surgical and medical treatment to patients (both adults and children) with a wide range of skin diseases and conditions, including those affecting mucous membranes, your nails and hair. Conditions that fall under the extensive experience of a dermatologist include:
- Acne and acne scarring
- Eczema
- Liver spots/age spots
- Skin cancer (including basal cell carcinoma, melanoma)
- Lymphoma
- Hair loss
- Dermatitis
- Treatment of psoriasis
- Skin infections
- Spider veins
- Varicose veins
- Rosacea
And many more. Dermatologists perform surgery to remove skin cancer spots, they prescribe topical medicine to treat allergies and they can perform routine checkups of moles to search for any abnormalities.
But, dermatologists don’t just handle medical conditions; they can also be consulted for cosmetic services. These types of services usually center on improving the appearance of healthy skin through treatments like microdermabrasion, laser acne treatments and chemical peels.
Do You Need a Referral to a Dermatologist?
It’s not always necessary to get a referral from your doctor in order to see a dermatologist. However, to see these providers without a referral can be costly. In many cases, if you do not have a referral from your family doctor, your health insurance will not cover the costs of these visits. Before visiting a dermatologist without a referral, check with your insurance provider to see if the service you are seeking is covered. This proactive approach will help you avoid unexpected costs down the line.
Is It Worthwhile to See a Dermatologist?
When you have or suspect you have a condition that dermatologists specialize in treating, their experience in the field is worth booking the appointment for. Dermatologists spend all day identifying, treating and developing management plans for skin conditions that your family doctor is likely unfamiliar with. When you take the time to visit a dermatologist, you can be reassured that you’re getting a professional opinion and putting your health first. In the case of life-threatening conditions like melanoma, visiting a dermatologist in a timely manner can be life-saving.
How Do I Prepare for My First Dermatologist Visit
Often, there is a waiting period between when you schedule your dermatologist visit and the actual appointment time. Because it may be difficult to secure an appointment, you need to make the most of the time you have with the doctor. Start by writing down all the questions you have that you want to ask during your appointment. In the moment you might be nervous and forget something you intended to ask.
It’s also a good idea to compile some photos of the condition during the lead up to your appointment so you can show them to the dermatologist. The visuals can help them see the progression of your condition or reference flare-ups at their worst if the skin condition has improved on your appointment date but is likely to recur.
Wear loose fitting clothing or something that is easy to take off because your dermatologist may require you to put on a standard patient gown during the appointment. If you are seeing a dermatologist because of a nail condition, remove all nail polish in advance so they can inspect your nails properly. For appointments regarding hair or scalp conditions, wear your hair down and natural for easy access to the problem area.
To book a dermatologist appointment in East Memphis, use our directory to find a provider in your area.
