Frequently Asked Questions
Why are you a direct-pay dermatology practice?
We chose a direct-pay model for one simple reason: it allows us to provide the kind of dermatology care we would want for our own families.
Insurance reimbursement often rewards seeing more patients in less time – not spending more time listening, explaining, and creating thoughtful treatment plans. By operating outside of traditional insurance contracts, we’re able to focus on what matters most: you.
What does that mean for patients?
Longer appointments.
You’ll have time to tell your story without feeling rushed. We take the time to understand your concerns, answer your questions, and make sure you leave with a clear plan.
Expert, comprehensive care.
Dermatology is visual, detailed, and nuanced. Whether you’re concerned about acne, eczema, psoriasis, hair loss, skin cancer, or a changing mole, we perform thorough evaluations and explain our findings in plain language.
Quality over quantity.
Many healthcare organizations – including large hospital systems and private equity-owned practices – operate under pressure to see high volumes of patients each day. Our practice is intentionally different. We limit our schedule so we can provide thoughtful, personalized care rather than “assembly-line” medicine.
Better access.
Because we aren’t trying to maximize patient volume, we’re often able to offer appointments much sooner than traditional practices. Because we intentionally limit our schedule and do not operate around high patient volume, we are often able to offer appointments within days, and sometimes even same-day availability.
Transparent pricing.
You’ll know the cost of your visit up front, with no surprise facility fees or confusing insurance billing. Our focus is on delivering exceptional care – not navigating insurance paperwork.
Independent physician-led care.
We are an independent practice, not owned by a hospital system or private equity firm. That means our decisions are guided by what’s best for our patients – not by productivity quotas, corporate metrics, or shareholder expectations.
Do you accept insurance?
We are a direct-pay dermatology practice and do not participate with insurance plans.
Payment for your visit is collected directly from the patient at the time of service. This model allows us to provide longer appointments, more thorough evaluations, and personalized care without the limitations of insurance-based reimbursement.
Your health insurance coverage remains active and can still be used for many healthcare services outside of our practice, including eligible medications, laboratory testing, pathology services, imaging, hospital services, and visits with participating healthcare providers.
Can I submit my visit to insurance for reimbursement?
If you have private insurance, we can provide an itemized receipt with the appropriate diagnostic and procedure codes upon request. You may submit this documentation to your insurance company for possible out-of-network reimbursement.
Insurance plans vary widely, and reimbursement is not guaranteed. It is your responsibility to check with your insurance provider regarding your out-of-network benefits, reimbursement policies, deductibles, and any required documentation.
Can I use my HSA or FSA for my visit?
Yes. Dermatology visits and many related medical services may qualify as eligible expenses for Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).
We recommend confirming eligibility with your HSA/FSA administrator.
How are prescriptions, labs, biopsies, and other medical services handled?
Choosing a direct-pay dermatology practice does not change your existing insurance benefits.
When medically appropriate, prescriptions, laboratory testing, pathology services (such as biopsy interpretation), imaging, and other healthcare services may still be processed through your insurance according to your plan benefits.
For example:
- If a biopsy is performed, the specimen is sent to a pathology laboratory for processing and interpretation. The pathology service is separate from your office visit and may be billed through your insurance.
- If laboratory testing is needed, you may use your insurance benefits when applicable.
- Prescription coverage remains determined by your pharmacy benefit plan.
We will discuss recommended services with you and help you understand what to expect before proceeding.
Are procedures included in the visit fee?
Procedures such as biopsies, cryotherapy (freezing treatments), injections, excisions, repairs, and cosmetic treatments have separate pricing.
We are happy to provide pricing information before any procedure is performed.
What about cosmetic dermatology?
Cosmetic services are generally self-pay regardless of the practice you choose. What makes our approach different is the same philosophy that guides our medical care: we take the time to understand your goals, educate you about your options, and recommend treatments based on what is best for you- not what’s quickest or most profitable.
Our goal is natural, evidence-based results and long-term relationships built on trust, not sales pressure.
Is direct pay more expensive?
Not necessarily. Many patients are surprised to learn that the total cost can be comparable to – or even less than – their out-of-pocket expense using insurance, especially when deductibles, copays, facility fees, and unexpected bills are considered.
More importantly, you’re paying for time, expertise, accessibility, and personalized care. We believe that careful listening, thorough examinations, clear education, and evidence-based treatment lead to better outcomes than rushed appointments.
Our mission isn’t to see the most patients. It’s to provide the highest quality dermatologic care, one patient at a time.