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Wed May 16, 2007 10:01 am  |
I've been trying to set up an appointment with a dermatologist to look into some treatment for acne scars on my chest and back.
So far, the process has been hell. I've called 10+ numbers (using white pages, Internet search, etc -- my only frame of reference) and all of them don't have appointments available until August and after.
I know the demand is high, but for god's sake! Have you all found the same problems? Any way to make this process easier and somehow get an appointment before I turn gray? |
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Wed May 16, 2007 10:29 am |
Keep calling. Ask if someone cancels. Every day. They always do. If you keep at it, they'll want to get you in, even if it's just to stop the annoyance.
Or ask your internist for a referral. It can help to use another doc's name. |
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Wed May 16, 2007 10:29 am |
| Also, I'd ask friends for recommendations. I wouldn't pick a doctor out of the white pages. |
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Wed May 16, 2007 10:31 am |
Do you know anyone who has a dermatologist in your area that they like and would recommend?
Perhaps you can make an appt with the derm that is your first choice, to secure an appt, and then keep looking around and calling others for a possible earlier appt. Also, might one of your other doctors refer you to a derm?
I think it's a good sign when docs are booked out quite a ways. My derm is excellent and always booked many many months out. Sometimes, we might have to be a patient patient. (only when appropriate)
Good luck. |
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Wed May 16, 2007 10:42 am |
| Please don't look for a doctor in the phonebook. Get a recommendation from someone you trust and if you need to wait a bit, it will be worth it. |
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Wed May 16, 2007 2:25 pm |
Well, OK, I made my process sound a little more random than it was.
I actually googled "Best Dermatologists in [My Region]" and came up with a number of listings from reputable publications...then started making phone calls.
Obviously those ones are going to be more competitive b/c they're well publicized... I knew it would be hard, but I didn't realize there was a 3-4 month waiting period.
I also asked a couple of people I knew, but their doctors had ridiculous waiting lists.
Beyond that, I just don't have too many resources.
And I'll admit I'm a little bashful about my skin condition, so I'm certainly not going to be climbing on top of my desk at work and asking anyone in sight if they can recommend a dermatologist to treat my back acne scars. |
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Wed May 23, 2007 9:41 pm |
Oh my goodness! I'm having exactly the same problem! I rang the dermatologist referred by my doctor but the earliest I can get in is October!! thats five months!!!! I can't wait that long, I want pretty skin now  |
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Wed May 23, 2007 9:51 pm |
It does take a long time to get a first appointment with a dermatologist, just like any other doctor. Their immediate appointments go to current patients. New patients have to wait.
If I were you, I would really research as best I could, and just make an appointment in August for the best doctor you can find. If you find someone else who can take you earlier, you can certainly try that doctor - but keep your August appointment. IMO, a sub par dermatologist is useless. You really want to find a great one.
As another place to look for referrals, you should ask your facialist. If you don't have a facialist, go get a facial at a well-reviewed spa, and ask your facialist there. Facialists care about their skin. They tend to have good dermatologists.
And to echo what a previous poster said - try calling in the early morning. Dermatologists have cancellations all the time. |
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25 | US South | Fair | Very dry b/w brows, normal elsewhere skin | Forever in search of undereye bleach and pore eradictor! |
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Thu May 24, 2007 3:29 pm |
| I feel your pain. It took me about four months to see a derm in my area. Of course I needed a referral from my doctor. |
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Thu May 24, 2007 8:11 pm |
| My goodness. Where are you ladies from that have to wait so long to get appointments? UK? USA? |
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Aimee3 |
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Thu May 24, 2007 8:39 pm |
I thought my usual wait of 6 weeks for a derm appt was bad. I will shut up now  The only good thing with my insurance group was that I don't need a referral from my gp. I can just call the derm directly for an appt.
Good luck in getting an appt! |
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~~ super-sensitive, dry, dermatitis prone, rosacea/northern calif ~~ |
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Fri May 25, 2007 9:59 am |
YEAP. Happened with me too to get my first appointmnet. I called in Feb and the derm I chose (I had a limited list because I wanted to go through my insurance) could see me in Aug. (That was 2006). Once I finally got in, I went in prepared. The list of what I have tried and had no success, what I have read about etc. I was going to make this appointment one that offered me success, afterall who knew if I could get in again. But once I went, I called the other day regarding my "rash" and I was seen that day. I found out later that it was because they had a cancelation that morning. So my suggestion would be either ask them if you can get on a cancelation list (you could probably get in rather soon if you are really flexible) or call in every morning and ask if they have any cancelations. Every dr gets cancelations or no shows daily.
Sorry to hear this, but you are not alone |
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39 Year "young" female, Using PTR glycolic cleanser and Finacea with success! Passion for living and love Sunny Days/Beaches and The Ocean |
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Sun May 27, 2007 8:37 pm |
| I'm from Australia and now that I have to wait 5 months I'm debating whether I should just see a skin clinic instead?? Am I'm I better off waiting for the dermatologist?? Should I do both??? any thoughts??? |
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Mon May 28, 2007 7:14 am |
| Kyrya wrote: |
| I'm from Australia and now that I have to wait 5 months I'm debating whether I should just see a skin clinic instead?? Am I'm I better off waiting for the dermatologist?? Should I do both??? any thoughts??? |
Are you having a specific problem?
And what's a "skin clinic?" |
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Mon May 28, 2007 7:29 am |
do not get a doctor from the phone book!
get the doctor from your friends recommendation, and keep calling for appointment!
i know it is difficult to make a appointment! |
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Mon May 28, 2007 3:31 pm |
My skin has has acne, scaring and pigmentation issues and the dermatologist I'm booked in to see in October was given to me by my GP (so i hope they're good)
I found a skin clinic which is like a mix between a salon and a dermatologist. There are a couple of resident dermatologists but most consultations are done by nurses and 'skin specialists'. They do peels, microderm. laser etc. and can prescribe medication if they think you need it. I think they do cosmetic surgery too. Anyway, I think I'll keep my original appointment and in the meantime visit the skin clinic. Wish me luck! |
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Mon May 28, 2007 3:41 pm |
| I've definitely had better luck getting an appointment with a referral than just cold-calling a doctor. I'm not sure whether this has just been coincidence or whether it reflects some kind reciprocity agreement among the doctors I frequent. |
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Mon May 28, 2007 4:59 pm |
| Kyrya wrote: |
My skin has has acne, scaring and pigmentation issues and the dermatologist I'm booked in to see in October was given to me by my GP (so i hope they're good)
I found a skin clinic which is like a mix between a salon and a dermatologist. There are a couple of resident dermatologists but most consultations are done by nurses and 'skin specialists'. They do peels, microderm. laser etc. and can prescribe medication if they think you need it. I think they do cosmetic surgery too. Anyway, I think I'll keep my original appointment and in the meantime visit the skin clinic. Wish me luck! |
I would be wary of a "skin specialist" unless he/she were specifically recommended to me. Some of those "salons" are reputable, sure, but some are money making factories. Please be careful.
I would call that derm on a regular basis and ask about cancellations.
Sometimes women are reluctant to speak up repeatedly and loudly, but sometimes it's the only way to get what we want. This may not be you, but in general: the medical establishment sometimes only responds/bends/listens to the squeakiest wheel. |
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Wed May 30, 2007 4:12 pm |
Thanks Jakee, I think I will keep calling the Dermatologist, squeak squeak  |
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Hari Kumar
New Member
 
Joined: 06 Dec 2016
Posts: 1
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Tue Dec 06, 2016 3:04 am |
| You can check out online doctor's appointment booking apps like the Continuous Care(continuouscare.io). There are a lot of doctors that is available in this portal. You can doctors by location and speciality. I am using this app and I am sure you can find a lot of dermatologist through this app. You can even have a video consultancy through this platform if you can't directly reach to the doctor. |
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