To find a dermatologist who is accepting new patients, start with your insurance plan's online directory or the American Academy of Dermatology's Find a Dermatologist search. Then confirm with the practice by phone or on its online booking page. Ask two separate questions: is the practice taking new patients with your exact plan, and when is the first new-patient appointment? A practice can say yes to the first and still be booked well into the future.
"Accepting new patients" vs. "has an appointment soon": ask about both
"Accepting new patients" means a practice will add you to its patient list. It doesn't tell you when you'll be seen. A few other details can matter:
- A practice may take new patients with some insurance plans but not others.
- Some clinicians in a practice may be taking new patients while others are not.
- Medical visits (a rash, acne, a mole check) and cosmetic visits are often scheduled differently.
So ask about both: new-patient status and the next open appointment. If the first opening is far off, ask whether there's a cancellation list, or whether another clinician in the practice, such as a physician assistant, has an earlier time.
Where to look
- Your insurer's directory. Search your plan's online directory for dermatology near your ZIP code, and use an "accepting new patients" filter if there is one. Directories aren't always up to date, so call the practice to confirm.
- The AAD's Find a Dermatologist search. The American Academy of Dermatology's directory on aad.org is built to help people find board-certified dermatologists by location. It lists Academy members, so not every dermatologist appears, and it doesn't show appointment times. Follow up with the practice.
- Practice websites and booking pages. Many practices let you book online. If a booking page shows open new-patient times, that's a good sign the practice is taking new patients. You'll still want to confirm your insurance.
- Your primary care doctor. Your PCP may know dermatologists nearby and can send a referral if your plan requires one.
- People you trust. Friends and family can tell you what a visit is like, but check insurance and availability yourself.
Questions to ask when you call
- "Are you accepting new patients with my plan?" Give the plan name on your card, not just the insurance company. Insurers offer many plans, and a practice may be in network for some and not others.
- "Do I need a referral?" Some plans, often HMO plans, require a referral from your primary care doctor before a specialist visit.
- "Who would I see, a dermatologist or a PA-C?" Many dermatology practices include physician assistants. A PA-C is a certified physician assistant who is trained and licensed to examine, diagnose and treat patients as part of a team with physicians. If you'd like a specific clinician, ask when they have openings.
- "When is the first new-patient appointment, and is there a waitlist?"
- "Do you see children?" if you're booking for your child.
- "Does anyone on the care team speak my language?"
- "What should I bring?" Usually your insurance card, a photo ID, a list of your medications, and any forms the office asks you to fill out ahead of time.
Write down who you spoke with and what they said. It makes comparing practices much easier.
If the first opening is weeks away
A long wait for a first visit doesn't always mean you need to keep searching. A few things can help:
- Be flexible. Tell the office which days and times you could make on short notice.
- Check the booking page again. Canceled appointments can reopen online, so it may pay to look more than once.
- Ask about other clinicians. A physician assistant in the same practice may have an earlier opening for a routine concern.
- Ask your PCP. If you're worried about a spot, your primary care doctor can take a first look and help you decide how soon you need a dermatologist.
Booking as a new patient in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn
Bay Ridge Dermatology has been part of the neighborhood since 2008, at 515 84th Street, 1st Floor, in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn (11209). It's close to Dyker Heights, Fort Hamilton, Sunset Park and Bensonhurst, and the nearest subway stations are the R train's 86th Street and 77th Street stops. The practice sees patients of all ages, from children to older adults.
- How to book: New patients can book online or call (347) 497-4984. Our new patients page covers insurance, forms and what to expect at a first visit.
- Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; closed Saturday and Sunday.
- Same-day appointments: The practice offers same-day appointments. Openings change from day to day, so call to ask whether one fits the visit you need.
- Clinicians at the practice: Dr. Evangeline Perez, a board-certified dermatologist with more than 20 years of experience; Nicole Marie Colucci, PA-C, a board-certified physician assistant; and Kerry Ly, PA-C, who speaks Mandarin and Cantonese in addition to English. When you call, ask which clinicians have new-patient openings for your plan. If you'd like care in Mandarin or Cantonese, ask for Kerry Ly when you book. You can learn more about our providers.
- Insurance: Bay Ridge Dermatology accepts most insurances, including Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, United, Medicare, Oxford, Empire and Humana. Coverage depends on your specific plan and the service, so check with your insurer or call the office. Cosmetic treatments and hair restoration are not covered by insurance.
If you have a question before you book, the contact page lists the ways to reach the office.
If your concern can't wait
If you're calling about something that is changing quickly, such as a mole that has started to bleed or a rash that is spreading, say so when you call. It helps the office understand how soon you need to be seen.
Some rashes shouldn't wait for an office opening. If a rash comes with a fever, is painful, blisters or spreads fast, get medical care the same day, at an urgent care center if the office can't see you. If you have trouble breathing or swallowing, or your lips, eyes or face start to swell, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Finding a new dermatologist can take a few calls. If you're in or near Bay Ridge, you're welcome to book online or call (347) 497-4984 to set up a first visit.
This article is general information, not medical advice. For advice about your own skin, see a dermatologist.