If you suspect you may have skin cancer and are seeking the best possible treatment, be sure to follow these tips to discover which specialist to see. After all, skin cancer treatment from a qualified and expert doctor ensures optimal results and long-term health.
Tip #1 Get Recommendations
Your primary care physician can be a good source for referrals to specialists best suited to your personality, overall health, insurance coverage, and needs. Also, ask trusted friends or relatives who have had skin cancer which doctor or practice they used and what their experience and treatment results were like.
Tip #2 Find a Board-Certified Dermatologist With Experience Diagnosing And Treating Skin Cancer
When searching for a dermatologist, make sure to select one that is board-certified by the American Board of Dermatology. Board certification is a seal of excellence and expertise in dermatology.
Additionally, check the doctor’s experience treating skin cancer. Some dermatologists focus on aesthetic treatments, while others focus on skin problems such as cancer. If you have skin cancer, you want to go with a doctor who has a wealth of experience treating the disease, so you increase the chances of optimal results.
Tip #3 Consult Google, Healthgrades, And Other Online Review Sites
There are a lot of websites that provide information about a doctor’s background, education, credentials, and experience level. Some websites even have reviews from patients, which can give you important insights into what you are likely to experience during your visits. For instance, you can learn about the doctor’s expertise, the other office staff, the doctor’s malpractice record, and much more.
Tip #4 Schedule In-Person Consultations
Book an appointment with your top physician choices to get a feel of each office and doctor firsthand. During the appointment, you can check the office’s location, parking situation, cleanliness, the staff’s friendliness and professionalism, and the doctor’s bedside manner, communication skills, and approach to treating patients. These meet-and-greets are a great way to finalize which doctor is best suited to your needs and preferences.
Tip #5 Make Sure The Practice Accepts Your Health Insurance
Ask the office staff if the physician participates in your health insurance plan. You can also contact the insurance carrier to verify this information and to understand what your financial responsibility will be for your treatment. Cancer treatment can get expensive, especially for complicated situations, so you want to go with a doctor who is covered by your insurance plan. This way, you don’t have to worry about hefty out-of-pocket costs.
Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center in Coral Gables, FL
For the finest medical skin care, skin cancer treatments, and disease prevention services, contact Dr. TJ Giuffrida for an in-depth consultation. He is a Mohs skin cancer surgeon with more than a decade of hands-on experience removing a wide range of malignancies with excellent outcomes.
Call Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center today at (305) 461-2000, or request your visit by filling in our online appointment form. We look forward to speaking with you soon.