How to Make an Appointment With a Dermatologist When They Are No Longer Found
Where is the dermatologist when you need one? A recent study by Women’s Health details the widespread shortage of dermatologists who can diagnose skin cancer. Waiting times can be dangerously long if you manage to make an appointment at all.
In this article, journalist Melinda Wenner Moyer provides some tips to help you improve your odds. First, don’t tell the person who picks up the phone that you want to make an appointment. Determine why this is important. Use these magic words: “I have a mole that is changing / bleeding and I’m afraid it’s melanoma.” If that doesn’t work, she suggests that you ask to speak to a doctor or nurse and email a photo of your birthmark.
There are several clinics, including mobile ones, that specialize in the diagnosis of skin cancer. You can also visit a teledermatologist at your local hospital, where staff will take a photo of your birthmark and send the photos to a specialist for evaluation.
And if those opportunities don’t work, the magazine lists 17 dermatologists who have promised to meet with readers within a month; be sure to indicate where you heard of them, and note that the offer is only valid until September 11, 2017 (There is nothing stopping you from calling them after this time; they just may have a longer waiting time). See the full report for more information.