Trust a Dermatologist

A new study published by Dermatologic Surgery reveals that primary care physicians believe that dermatologists are best qualified to perform certain procedures including skin cancer surgery, botulinum toxin injections, filler injections and laser procedures.

"This is an important study because little was known about physician perceptions of dermatologists, and we know referring physicians want the best qualified specialist for their patients," said Susan H. Weinkle, M.D., president of the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery, which supported the study with a grant. "This study shows dermatologic surgeons understand the special needs of skin through every stage of life and are skilled providers of advanced surgical and nonsurgical methods for both medical and cosmetic procedures."

The web-based study surveyed 561 primary care physicians in the U.S. Of those, 538 completed the survey, and the results were very consistent.

Complete survey results can be found here.

If you are not referred to a dermatologist, but are looking for one on your own, here is my advice:

   1.  Determine if you need a general dermatologist or cosmetic dermatologist and find the doctor that best 

             fits your needs.   

               2.  Visit his or her website and read the bio to be sure that your potential doctor is board certified in 

             dermatology.

 3.          3.  Schedule a consult and be prepared with a list of questions

When it comes to your skin, trust a dermatologist - primary care physicians agree!