The most useful questions at a dermatologist appointment cover four things: what the diagnosis is, how it will be treated, what it will cost, and what happens next. Write your questions down before the visit, put the most important ones first, and take notes or bring someone with you. If anything is unclear, ask the clinician to explain it again in plain language.
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends writing questions down ahead of time, because it is easy to forget them once you are in the exam room. Use the lists below as a starting point and keep the ones that fit your visit.
Questions about the diagnosis
Understanding what you have makes every other part of the plan easier to follow.
- What is this called? Ask the clinician to spell it, so you can write it down and read about it later from a reliable source.
- What causes it, and what makes it worse? Triggers can include products, weather, stress, friction or medicines.
- Is it contagious? Some skin conditions, such as warts, impetigo and scabies, can spread to others. Many common ones, such as eczema, psoriasis, acne, rosacea and vitiligo, cannot.
- Is this likely to clear, come back, or need long-term care? This helps you set realistic expectations.
- Do I need any tests, such as a biopsy? If so, ask what the test will show and how it is done.
- Could anything I take or use be playing a part? The AAD suggests bringing a list of all your medicines, vitamins and supplements, including over-the-counter products, because some can affect the skin.
Questions about treatment
Skin treatments are easier to stick with when you know exactly how to use them and what to expect.
- What are my options? Ask what each choice involves, including whether waiting and watching is reasonable.
- How do I use this treatment? Ask where to apply it, how often, and for how long. Write the answers down exactly as given.
- How long until I see a change? Many skin treatments take weeks to show results. Knowing the timeline helps you avoid stopping too early.
- What side effects are common? Ask which ones are expected and which ones mean you should call the office.
- Can I use this with my other products and medicines? Mention anything you already use on your skin.
- Is this safe if I am pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding? Ask even if it is not likely to come up.
- What should I avoid while using it? Some treatments make skin more sensitive to sun or to certain products.
- What result is realistic for me? Individual results vary, so it helps to hear what "better" looks like for your situation.
Questions about cost
Cost questions are normal, and asking them early can prevent surprises.
- Is this considered medical or cosmetic? Insurance plans generally treat these differently. At Bay Ridge Dermatology, cosmetic treatments and hair restoration are not covered by insurance.
- Is this covered by my plan? Bay Ridge Dermatology accepts most insurances, including Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, United, Medicare, Oxford, Empire and Humana. Whether a specific visit, test or treatment is covered depends on your plan. Check with your insurer, or call the office before your visit. You can also read more on the insurance page.
- Will any part of today's care be billed separately? For example, if a sample is sent to a lab, ask how that is handled under your plan.
- Is there a lower-cost option? For prescriptions, ask whether a generic version exists.
- Will this prescription need approval from my insurer first? Some plans require this, known as prior authorization, before they will pay for certain medicines.
Questions about follow-up
Knowing what comes next helps you stay on track after you leave.
- When should I come back? Ask whether to book the follow-up now.
- How and when will I get test results? If you had a biopsy or other test, ask how the office will share results with you.
- What signs mean I should call before my next visit? For example, a reaction to a new medicine, a spot that changes, or a rash that spreads.
- What should I do if the treatment isn't working? Ask how long to wait before calling.
- What should I bring next time? Photos of a flare, a product list, or notes on symptoms can all help.
How to remember the answers
It is common to forget much of what you hear at a medical visit, especially when you are worried or the terms are new. A few simple habits help:
- Take notes. Bring a notebook or use your phone. The AAD suggests writing down the medical names of any conditions mentioned. It is fine to ask the clinician to slow down.
- Bring someone you trust. A family member or friend can listen, take notes and remember details you might miss. For a child's visit, a parent or guardian usually comes along.
- Repeat it back. Say the plan in your own words, such as "So I use this on the whole area, not just the spots, and call if it starts to burn." This is sometimes called "teach-back," and it helps catch mix-ups before you leave.
- Ask for it in writing. Ask for written instructions or the exact names of products and medicines.
- Ask before you record. If you would like to record part of the conversation, ask permission first.
- Take photos of labels. A picture of a prescription label or product name makes refills and questions easier later.
- Write a short summary that day. A few lines while it is fresh can save confusion later.
Ask for language help if you need it
Hearing health information in the language you are most comfortable with makes it easier to ask questions and remember the answers.
At Bay Ridge Dermatology, Kerry Ly, PA-C, speaks Mandarin and Cantonese in addition to English. If you would like your visit in Mandarin or Cantonese, ask for her when you book. If you need help in another language, call the office before your visit to ask what is available.
A quick list to bring
Keep this short and simple:
- Your written questions, most important first.
- A list of medicines, vitamins and supplements, including over-the-counter products.
- Photos of the problem if it comes and goes.
- Your insurance card.
- A notebook, or a note app ready on your phone.
For more on what happens during an appointment, see what to expect at your visit.
When you are ready to schedule, you can book online or call (347) 497-4984. Bring your questions with you; that is what the visit is for.
This article is general information, not medical advice. For advice about your own skin, see a dermatologist.