So I have this mole that I want looked at. I have a coworker that died of melanoma a few years ago, and since then I've been really vigilant about looking at my skin and Chris' skin for any weirdness. I have a mole that's been around for a while but it's just looking a little odd so I want to have it checked. You'd agree that's important to do, right?
So why is it that I'm finding it nearly impossible to get an appointment with a freaking dermatologist?? None of the docs I've called are taking new patients, and the one derm I've been to before won't see me until late March. And I even told them that there's a questionable mole I'm concerned about. Nope, they don't care. Their suggestion? Call every morning at 9:30 to check on any cancellations for the day and they'd fit me in. Nice.
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It's because they are all doing microdermabrasion and are getting paid cash. Peksy patients covered by insurance are not our priority.
Actually, I don't know if that's true or not, I'm just guessing. But it could be and it might be. If it is, I will be seriously ticked off.
I hope you can get an appointment sooner than later and more than that, I hope and pray that it's nothing. :)
Yep. It's insane. Of course I'm sure you remember my little scare of a few months ago. It took awhile to get into see a dermo then. I've actually heard that if you call and say you want to get Botox or something, they will take you earlier. Maybe you should try that.
Could you call your primary doctor and ask her to call the derm? Sometimes if the primary calls and says they need something done ASAP they will give you an appointment quicker.
Do you actually think your wait time would be shorter with a national/socialized healthcare system???
I hope you get in sooner, for your own piece of mind. When you get in to see them, tell them you want to schedule your yearly exam right then. My dermatologist's office called a few days ago, over two years after my last visit. They wanted to offer me the "new laser treatment" for psoriasis. How's that for a good professional follow-up??? Asshole MD's. It's not about the patient anymore Amy. It's a business to them and they need to make their money just like everyone else. How sad is that...
I agree with Sarah...call or visit your primary and they'll get you in asap.
nicoleb
This is good to know because I've been wanting to go to a dermatologist as well. I have been told though, to first go to see a general doctor or a family doctor because they are also trained to check for skin cancer and could get you in earlier.
I went to my PCP for a skin check and they helped me get into a derm faster with a phone call! Luckily, I was okay, but DEFINITELY go to your PCP if you notice something odd!!
It's totally insane. I will have to make the appointment now to get my "visit" in the fall. And then I will probably forget. Because that's how I roll.
Yeah, I had a 6 week wait last time I wanted to see one too. Sucks.
Amy,
Yes it is VERY important. Infact Alicia had one removed from her back about 4 weeks. After 2 long weeks we find out she has stage 2 malignant melanoma. Friday she has her first appt at the U of M. And I suppose every little process will take a couple of weeks to get to the next step..I just wanna know if it is in her lymph nodes...scary....I'll keep you and Chris informed on it...Bev
Yeah I had a couple warts on my hands, it took a month to get the first appointment. There's rarely a time when a dermatologist appointment is considered an emergency.
If you're that worried at least go see you PCP or go to an urgent care center.
I wonder if you called back and asked to make an appt for Botox if they'd get you in sooner?? Sorry - it is pathetic.
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