Your Dermatology Questions, Answered
From appointment prep and prescription refills to biopsy results and post-procedure care, we've gathered answers to the questions our patients ask most. If you don't see what you're looking for, our team is always happy to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please bring a valid government-issued ID, your insurance card(s), a current list of medications, and a referral if your insurance plan requires one. If the patient is under 18, a legal guardian must be present. If you have a power of attorney on file, bring that documentation as well. It's also helpful to know the name of the lab your insurance uses. Expired or incorrect referrals may result in a wait or a reschedule, so it's worth confirming ahead of time.
Your first visit is focused on understanding your skin concern and building a care plan around you. Depending on the nature of your visit, you may or may not need to undress; your provider will let you know. If you have multiple concerns, your provider may focus on your primary concern at this visit and schedule a follow-up to address others.
For patients with no history of skin cancer, we recommend a yearly full-body skin check. If you have a history of skin cancer, your clinician will work with you to determine the right schedule based on your individual risk. When in doubt, an annual visit is a good baseline for everyone.
Please contact your pharmacy and ask them to submit the refill request directly to our office. If it has been more than a year since your last visit, you may need to schedule an appointment before we can process the refill.
Prior authorization timelines vary depending on your prescription and insurance plan. In most cases, it takes between 1 day and 2 weeks. Your pharmacy will contact you directly once the prescription is filled and ready.
This depends on the procedure and your specific health history. Please contact our office or your provider directly for personalized instructions before stopping or adjusting any medications.
Before the biopsy, the area will be numbed with a local anesthetic so you should feel minimal discomfort. Your provider will remove the lesion or a sample of tissue. Depending on the location and size, stitches may be used. You'll receive complete wound care instructions before leaving your appointment.
Biopsy results typically take up to 14 days. Culture and lab work timelines can vary depending on the type of test. For lab work processed outside of LabCorp or Quest, please contact our office directly for an update.
It's normal to experience some redness, mild blistering, and temporary discomfort in the treated area after a liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy) treatment. These side effects are typically short-lived. Your provider will give you specific aftercare instructions at your appointment.
Learn MorePhotodynamic therapy targets sun-damaged or precancerous cells using a light-activated medication. Plan for a minimum of 48 to 72 hours of downtime after your treatment, during which you should avoid sun exposure completely. Your care team will walk you through exactly what to expect and how to protect your skin during recovery.
Learn MoreOur Mohs Surgery page covers everything you need to know, including what to expect before, during, and after the procedure, why it's considered the gold standard for certain skin cancers, and how to prepare.
Learn MoreChoose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Broad-spectrum means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Apply about one ounce (roughly a full shot glass) to cover all exposed skin, and reapply every two hours, or more often if you're swimming or sweating. Always check the expiration date before use. Consistency matters more than anything else when it comes to sun protection.
For questions about a bill, please contact our billing office at 410.544.7692. Our team can walk you through your statement, discuss payment options, and help resolve any questions or concerns.