Established Dermatology Patients

If you are established dermatology patient, how long do you need to wait for an appointment?

I had my yearly skin check in January. I scheduled it maybe 2 weeks in advance.

My sister pointed out a concerning mole to me this week and I just called to make an appointment. There is an almost 6 week wait for an appointment for an established patient. Is this typical? I feel like I usually wait 2-3 weeks.

I think I am just going to call back daily to see if there are any cancellations since now I am freaking out about this mole and the long wait time.

Established Dermatology Patients

My office is super backed up since Covid. They were only taking appts for “issues” and not doing the yearly checks.

Re: Established Dermatology Patients

It took me about 2 weeks to get in for my annual check. It was an anomaly though. Because I am working from home, I could manipulate my schedule to accommodate them. I also see the PA and not the doctor. Usually it's about a month.

Re: Established Dermatology Patients

It honestly depends. I would ask them to let you know if there are any cancellations. Alternatively, go to urgent care.

Re: Established Dermatology Patients

I don’t know if my kids are considered establish dermatology patients but the doctor I go to I call and always get appointments within a few days maybe a week out but most of the tome it’s probably cause of my schedule.

Established Dermatology Patients

I have off over the summer so I have unlimited availability. I’ve been going to this practice for over 7 years and I have a family history of melanoma. My sister had it in her 20s.

I am just going to call each day and see if there are any cancellations.

Re: Established Dermatology Patients

Message edited 7/16/2021 11:51:52 AM.

Established Dermatology Patients

That’s absolutely absurd. I would call the referral line of the largest local hospital and ask them to give you an appt with a dermatologist ASAP. I have gotten appointments at places like NYU and Cornell for my parents within a week or 2 and the care was always excellent. Hospitals/healthcare systems will also have their own pathology dept and imaging so a biopsy will be resulted much quicker.

Established Dermatology Patients

Typically the wait is ridiculous. It was less while people were nervous to visit Drs due to covid but now it's back to being ridiculous again (well, slightly not as ridiculous in the past because people got fed up wtih the doctors and practice and left but, the person who they switched to has 3-4 month waits).