Do you need a referral to see a dermatologist?

Table of Content:
Can I See a Dermatologist Without a Referral? | How can I do this? | What is the copay fee to see a dermatologist with a referral? | Is it worth getting a referral? | What conditions can be treated via Miiskin? | What dermatologists can I see without a referral?

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Nowadays, if you are paying out of pocket, you don’t necessarily need a referral to see a dermatologist. Although this may sound expensive, it is not, because many dermatology telemedicine consultations are priced similarly to what the copay is for having an in-person dermatology consultation.

Besides, getting a referral from a primary care physician may take time, and there’s often a long waiting list for appointments. However, with platforms like Miiskin, you can have a photo-consultation with a board-certified dermatologist without a referral, and at a very affordable price of $59 per consultation. This option makes it much easier and faster to get professional advice about your skin concerns.

So, can I see a dermatologist without a referral then? 

Yes, you can see a dermatologist without a referral in many cases, depending on how you plan to access care.

Paying out of pocket

If you’re paying for the appointment yourself, you generally do not need a referral. You can directly schedule an appointment with a dermatologist, which can save time and avoid delays from referral processes.

PPO insurance plans

If you have a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan, in some cases you may not need a referral to see a dermatologist. However, staying in-network can help reduce costs.

Self-pay teledermatology

If you prefer online consultations, many telemedicine services (such as Miiskin) allow you to see a dermatologist directly without needing a referral or insurance involvement. You can consult with a board-certified dermatologist via photo-consultations without a referral for only $59, making it more convenient and affordable. 

How can I see a dermatologist without a referral?

Having a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist via a Miiskin is very simple. All you need to do is answer a few simple questions on the platform, upload clear photos of your skin problem, and pay the $59 fee. You will receive a treatment plan with a prescription in less than 2 days.  

When do you need a referral to see a dermatologist?

You typically need a referral when your insurance is structured around requiring primary care physicians to coordinate your care, like in HMO plans. If you’re not sure about your specific situation, checking with your insurance provider or reviewing your plan documents will help clarify whether a referral is necessary.

As a guideline, you typically need a referral to see a dermatologist in the following situations.

HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) insurance plans

If you are enrolled in an HMO plan, you almost always need a referral from your primary care physician (PCP) before seeing a dermatologist. The PCP acts as a gatekeeper, and without their referral, the insurance may not cover the specialist visit.

Medicare Advantage plans

Some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans, especially those with an HMO structure, require a referral to see specialists, including dermatologists. Original Medicare, however, generally does not require a referral.

Medicaid plans

Most Medicaid plans (depending on the state and type of plan) may require a referral to see a dermatologist, especially if the plan is managed through an HMO.

Employer-sponsored or group insurance plans

If you have employer-sponsored health insurance that functions like an HMO, you may need a referral. Group insurance plans can vary, so it’s always a good idea to check your plan’s specific requirements.

What is the average copay fee to see a dermatologist with a referral? 

The average co-pay to see a dermatologist with a referral can range between $30 to $200 depending on your insurance plan and whether the dermatologist is in-network or out-of-network. 

Here’s a general price range based on common insurance types:

• HMO and PPO Plans (In-Network): Copays for specialist visits, like dermatologists, typically range from $30 to $75 per visit. The exact amount depends on your specific plan and provider.
• Out-of-Network (PPO Plans): If you see an out-of-network dermatologist, your co-pay might be higher, or you may need to meet a deductible first. In this case, costs can range from $100 to $200 or more, depending on your plan.
• High-Deductible Health Plans (HDHP): With high-deductible plans, you usually pay the full cost of the visit until you meet your deductible. After the deductible is met, you may only need to pay a copay, which is generally between $30 to $75.

These figures are general estimates, and your actual costs can vary based on your insurance policy, location, and whether additional services (like skin biopsies or lab work) are required during the visit. It’s always a good idea to contact your insurance provider to get a more accurate idea of your co-pay.

Is it worth getting a dermatology referral if my copay is $75?

If your co-pay for an in-person dermatology visit is $75, and a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist via Miiskin is $59, it may not be worth getting a referral.

• Cost: The Miiskin consultation is cheaper at $59 compared to your $75 co-pay, saving you $16.
• Convenience: Miiskin offers the advantage of avoiding the hassle of waiting for a referral, scheduling an in-office visit, and potentially long wait times for an appointment with a dermatologist.
• Condition: If you have a common skin problem such as acne, rosacea, melasma, dandruff, eczema, or a skin rash, Miiskin’s photo-consultation could be a quicker and more convenient option. If you need more in-depth evaluation or treatment, your online dermatologist will let you know and will refer you to an in-person clinic.
• Waiting time: In many cases the waiting time to see an in-person dermatologist may take several weeks depending on the state and clinic. If this is the case, you may want to give telemedicine a try as you will get a prescription in less than 2 days. 
• Medication renewals: If you just need to renew your dermatology medication, then a photo-consultation via Miiskin is not only more convenient but also cheaper than a first-time consultation as it is only $39.

What is the waiting time to see an in-person dermatologist with a referral in the United States?

In the United States, the average wait time to see a dermatologist with a referral is typically 4 to 6 weeks, though it can be shorter in urban areas (2 to 4 weeks) and longer in rural or underserved regions, where waits may stretch to 3 months or more. 

Urgent cases, such as suspected skin cancer, may be prioritized for faster appointments, but referral processes can still cause delays. For quicker care, especially for non-urgent conditions, teledermatology services like Miiskin offer treatment plans within 24 to 48 hours, providing a faster alternative to in-person visits.

What conditions can be treated via Miiskin?

Who are the dermatologist that will review my case in the Miiskin platform?

All of the dermatologists affiliated with the Miiskin platform are independent (which means they don’t work for Miiskin) and they are board-certified. This way you can ensure you get the best possible care without breaking the bank!

Dr. Eric Howell

Dr. Eric Howell is a board-certified dermatologist with extensive experience in both medical and cosmetic dermatology. Dr Howell earned his Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from North Carolina State University, graduating Summa Cum Laude, and completed his medical degree at the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University. Dr. Howell went on to complete his internship in Internal Medicine at Pitt County Memorial Hospital and his dermatology residency at East Carolina University, where he served as Chief Resident. In private practice since 2008, Dr. Howell holds an active medical license in North Carolina and is a valued partner at Eastern Dermatology and Pathology, PA from where he offers patients in North Carolina telemedicine consultations via Miiskin. With numerous publications and presentations, Dr. Howell has made significant contributions to dermatological research and clinical practice.

Dr. Ryan Trowbridge

Dr. Trowbridge earned his undergraduate degree from Yale University, followed by post-baccalaureate training at Fairfield University and a Master’s degree from Boston University. He later received both his medical degree and an additional Master’s degree from Creighton University, and completed his dermatology residency at Harvard University. Dr. Trowbridge is the founder of Bridge Dermatology, a fully virtual clinic providing dermatology consultations to patients in Illinois, Connecticut, California, and Nebraska through the Miiskin platform.

Dr. Robert Rothbaum

dermatology. He graduated from Boston University in 2016 and completed his dermatology residency at Case Western Reserve University. With a specialization in treating impetigo, Dr. Rothbaum has managed more cases of this condition than many other providers in his region. As the founder of No Filter Dermatology, a fully virtual clinic, he serves dermatology patients across New York, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, North Dakota, Ohio, and Wisconsin through the Miiskin platform. Affiliated with Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, he is currently accepting new patients and offers culturally inclusive care, being fluent in Persian.

Dr. Ana Chacon, board-certified dermatologist

Dr. Anna Chacon is a board-certified dermatologist licensed across all 50 U.S. states, including the Virgin Islands and Guam. She provides affordable and convenient teledermatology consultations to patients nationwide, offering responses within 48 hours through the Miiskin App. Dr. Chacon is dedicated to improving access to dermatological care, particularly for individuals in remote locations or those facing long wait times. A valedictorian graduate of Brown University with a medical degree, she completed her dermatology residency at the University of Southern California, where she served as chief resident. Dr. Chacon is also an active leader in the field, having conducted extensive research, presented at conferences, and authored numerous publications.

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