A dermatologist is a doctor who specializes in conditions involving the skin, hair, and nails. A dermatologist can identify and treat more than 3,000 conditions. These conditions include eczema, psoriasis, and skin cancer, among many others.

The skin is an incredible organ. It is your first line of defense against disease, protects your other organs, warms you up and cools you down, and sends messages about how healthy you are inside. Dermatologists are expert medical doctors and skin surgeons with the unique skills and experience to offer the best care for the organ that cares for you.

Dermatologists have extensive training, going to school for 12 years or more to learn to diagnose and treat more than 3,000 diseases of the skin, hair, and nails as well as cosmetic concerns. Patients see dermatologists for issues that are much more than skin deep. Problems with their skin can harm patients’ sense of self-worth, create discomfort that can make everyday activities difficult, and, in some instances, threaten lives.

A dermatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating the skin, hair, and nails. Dermatologists care for people of all ages, from newborns to seniors.

If you were to watch a dermatologist at work on any given day, you might see them:

• Help treat a baby’s prominent birthmark that threatens the child’s eyesight
• Assist in removing deadly melanoma at its earliest, most treatable stage
• Assist in offering relief for chronic eczema which makes sleep nearly impossible
• Help diagnose life-threatening liver conditions
• Help treat the hair loss of a young woman, helping her gain confidence

Mohs surgery is the most effective treatment for most types of skin cancer when performed by a Fellowship-trained Mohs Surgeon.

Mohs Micrographic Surgery is an effective and precise method for treating melanoma, basal cell, and squamous cell skin cancers. Because the Mohs Micrographic Surgery process features a systematic microscopic search that traces skin cancer down to its roots, it offers the highest chance for complete removal of the tumor while sparing the normal tissue surrounding it.

Clinical studies conducted at various national and international medical institutions demonstrate that Mohs surgery provides five-year cure rates that exceed 99% for new skin cancers and 95% for recurrent skin cancers.

Mohs surgery is performed by doctors who are specially trained to fulfill three roles:

1. The surgeon who removes the cancerous skin tissue
2. The pathologist who analyzes the lab specimens 
3. The surgeon who closes or reconstructs the wound – generally the same day the skin cancer was removed. 

Almost all HMO medical insurance plans require documented referrals before they will offer coverage for visiting a specialty practice like a dermatologist’s office. Some PPO medical insurance plans also require referrals, especially for more advanced treatments. The best way to determine whether or not you need a referral is to contact your insurer.