OK, Dis Doctors... what would you do.

[sam_gordon]

I've had (skin) moles for as long as I can remember. Over the last year though, I think I've developed some new ones and in the last week or so, some have started to itch (right on my shirt collar line, so it may just be irritation).

Before anyone says "go see a doctor", that's what my question is relating to. I was recommended a practice, but they are out of network for my insurance. Other practices in my town (that come up as in network) have bad reviews (3/5 star average). The reviews vary from long waits to rude workers, but all are months old.

I've contacted four offices that are in network, one isn't accepting new patients, one I'm booked for the middle of October (earliest appointment), one says they're booking end of October and later, and one isn't booking until April 2024!

So, here's the WWYD?...
Book the out of network (don't know about availability, but assuming OOP costs would be higher)
Book one of the ones with poor reviews
Try to hold out for three months

I'll keep trying to find someone in network w/availability sooner.

 

[Genie+]

I’d go with the soonest appointment. The review wouldn’t deter me because what’s likely to happen is they take the suspicious mole(s) off and send to a lab. I’ve had my first derm visits the last few years to do this. Fortunately all were found ‘clear’. I was a bit worried. Very fair skin, too much sun, and 2 of them looked very suspect. Good luck!

 

[PollyannaMom]

If the 3-star place could get me in a lot sooner, I wouldn't worry about the reviews - long waits can be prepared for, and a rude front desk person is annoying but not the same the doctor being unqualified.

But I would also call the out-of-network place for more specific info - when could they get me in, how much would it cost, etc.?

 

[Kimkimba]

Whatever is fastest in this case. And then go from there - you can always change if you don’t like the practice.

 

[Christine]

If the 3-star place could get me in a lot sooner, I wouldn't worry about the reviews - long waits can be prepared for, and a rude front desk person is annoying but not the same the doctor being unqualified.

But I would also call the out-of-network place for more specific info - when could they get me in, how much would it cost, etc.?

This would be the answer for me. I have a lot of dermatology issues and go 2 times a year. For me the itchy stuff is most often Seborheic Keratosis (sp??). Not trying to diagnose here but not all itchy is bad, believe me. That said, if you're super worried, get in with the quickest, just knowing that the procedures a dermatologist could do in-office can rack up in cost pretty quickly depending on what they remove.

As for the online reviews--if they aren't about the doctor in particular I don't worry too much. I mean yeah it is no fun to wait a long time and have unfriendly front desk staff, but if the doctor is good that's what is most important.

 

[Meriweather]

This would be the answer for me. I have a lot of dermatology issues and go 2 times a year. For me the itchy stuff is most often Seborheic Keratosis (sp??). Not trying to diagnose here but not all itchy is bad, believe me. That said, if you're super worried, get in with the quickest, just knowing that the procedures a dermatologist could do in-office can rack up in cost pretty quickly depending on what they remove.

As for the online reviews--if they aren't about the doctor in particular I don't worry too much. I mean yeah it is no fun to wait a long time and have unfriendly front desk staff, but if the doctor is good that's what is most important.

I was also wondering if it might be Keratosis. I have a lot of those. They itch sometimes.

If you are worried about it, go to quickest and if the diagnosis is Keratosis, then wait and book with someone with better reviews and in network

 

[Christine]

I was also wondering if it might be Keratosis. I have a lot of those. They itch sometimes.

If you are worried about it, go to quickest and if the diagnosis is Keratosis, then wait and book with someone with better reviews and in network

Yes, I get a lot of "Seb K's" and I have them burned off. A dermatologist can tell immediately that's what they are. Mine are very itchy especially if they occur on my forehead or around my collarbone or neck area.

 

[disney-inspired]

I voted poor reviews.
I take negative reviews with a grain of salt because people do love to complain.
Also, my health takes priority over a possible bad experience especially when it comes to something that could be a silent killer.

Personally, I've already had cancer once, won't take a chance at a repeat.

 

[mjkacmom]

I’ve found many specialist, especially dermatologists, take at least 3 months to get an appointment as a new patient. I’d go in network in case more procedures are needed. We have some doctors out of network, we pay in full until we reach $7000, and then insurance starts to kick in.

 

[fly girl]

Go to whomever you can get into first.

I have found that reviews for healthcare are typically negative. People love to tell you when things go bad, not when things work smoothly.

 

[slo]

Do not go to the out of network one unless you are going to be a cash patient with a cash rate and get it in writing.

I went somewhere out of network for my infusions, I was told how my account would be handled being out of network and they did not honor what they said - I’m now in debt to them for over $1000 - needless to say, I’m not happy.

Definitely go to what’s in network and good luck.

 

[kanerf]

I don't put much faith in a lot of review sites. Many of the posts are fake, some may even be from a competing practice.

 

[tvguy]

Seems there is a shortage of Dermatologists everywhere. I'd book in network. I take most online reviews with a grain of salt. If you don't like the Doctor, you can always change. I have so many moles that I am on the six month recheck protocol instead of annual.

 

[AppleDumpling]

Hard to say. I think only you can judge if your discomfort level is such that can be tolerated for a few more months. As another poster said, it usually takes longer to get an appointment the first time you see a doctor (and they generally schedule a longer time slot for a new patient) than it will once you’re established with the practice. Since your condition is chronic and/or reoccurring, I would try to stay in network to maximize your benefits. Could you perhaps find another doctor further away that might have better availability sooner? Otherwise, I’d probably wait until October.

Other things to consider:
Can you get your primary care doctor to expedite a dermatology appointment on your behalf? Could you seek treatment at an urgent care center and follow up later with a dermatologist?

 

[sam_gordon]

Can you get your primary care doctor to expedite a dermatology appointment on your behalf?

DW suggested the same thing. I'm going to make some more calls on Monday.

Could you seek treatment at an urgent care center and follow up later with a dermatologist?

It's an "annoyance" more than anything. And, as I said, the itching could be because that's where my collar is rubbing. I don't want to tie up (or pay) an urgent care for something minor.

I've been meaning to schedule an appointment because I think I have some new moles/growths and should probably get them looked at (I was never good about putting on sunscreen when being outside), but never found the time.

 

[TLSnell1981]

I wouldn't fool around when it potentially involves cancer. I would go with the best physician. I definitely wouldn't wait until next year.

 

[kymom99]

I was going to suggest having your GP look at it first.

 

[Silver saucer]

Can you get your primary care to look at it? Many should be able to do a punch biopsy if necessary.

 

[monsterkitty]

Start with your primary. If they suggest a dermatologist they may be able to pull strings to get you in sooner.

 

[DLgal]

Go to your Primary Care doctor. They know what is harmless and what needs further evaluation. If you receive a referral from your primary care doctor, it will go through the system and will be much faster. There is a standard of care in most insurance companies for the timeline that needs to be met in regards to referral appointments with specialists.

If you primary says it's harmless and it's annoying you enough to have it removed, they might be able to do it for you right there. Or, you can self pay at any dermatologist the small fee they charge to remove a nuisance skin growth. My dermatologist charges $80. Insurance won't cover the removal of something harmless anyway, so no need to fret about in network vs not. That falls under "cosmetic."