Dermatology Consultation

*Currently as of 11/1/23, dermatology is not in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield. We are expected to be in-network Mid March

*Dermatology will only be seen at our Upper East Side and Upper West Side locations.

What Is A Dermatology Consultation?

A dermatology consultation at the Medical Offices of Manhattan will be performed by our dermatologist, Amy Huang, MD. You will come away from a dermatology consultation with a clearer understanding of your condition and the available treatment options. Booking a dermatology appointment will help reduce the potential risks and complications that may arise due to a specific condition.

A patient should come in for a dermatology consultation if they require advice regarding existing problems that affect the skin, scalp, hair, nails, lips, and mouth, many of which can be diagnosed by a simple physical examination.

How Do You Prepare For Dermatology Consultation?

If there is a specific reason for a dermatology consultation such as a rash, a medication reaction, or poison ivy, you should make sure to come to your appointment prepared with a list of your symptoms and a timeline of when the problem began. Make sure to also bring a list of all your current medications, including supplements, as the issue may be a reaction to something you are taking. Many patients may not realize supplements and medications may cause side effects.

If you’re coming to the dermatologist because of a facial skin issue, bring a list of products you’re using on your skin and be prepared to discuss any changes you’ve noticed. Dr. Huang will probably want to see your bare face without makeup, so you should either show up to your appointment with no makeup or with makeup wipes handy.

Why Would I Need A Dermatology Consultation?

A dermatology consultation is beneficial for any person who has symptoms of conditions affecting the skin, hair, scalp, nails, mouth, and lips, including the following:

• Rashes
• Skin itching
• Abnormal skin growths
• Skin lesions
• Cutaneous pain

During your consultation it is recommended that you bring up any pre-existing dermatologic conditions such as:

• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Acne
• Dermatitis
• Rosacea
• Skin infections
• Warts
• Impetigo
• Ringworm
• Vitiligo
• Hair loss
• Nail disorders
• Skin tumor or skin cancer

What Can You Expect During A Dermatology Consultation?

A dermatology consultation usually lasts about 20 to 30 minutes, but it may take longer depending on the extent of the patient’s condition. During the appointment, the dermatologist will review the patient’s medical history, ask about the symptoms and complaints, and physically examine the affected area.

A physical examination is usually sufficient to diagnose your symptoms of a condition. However, in some cases, certain tests such as the following may be required.

• Blood test
• Skin swab
• Skin biopsy

Once your condition has been diagnosed, Dr. Amy Huang will provide an overview of existing treatment options and explain their risks and side effects. If your case is mild, you may begin treatment right away.

In some cases, you may be asked to come back after one or two months for a follow-up appointment, during which the dermatologist will assess whether the treatment is working properly and make whatever changes to the treatment plan may be necessary.

What Is The Followup Like For A Dermatology Consultation?

After the consultation, patients are expected to:

• Begin treatment (usually for mild conditions)
• Know about their treatment options
• Be aware of all potential side effects of each treatment
• Know about the costs and payment options of each treatment

For more serious conditions such as skin cancer, a consultation should equip a patient to make a decision regarding treatment such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy, allowing the dermatological condition to be addressed as soon as possible.

What Are The Possible Risks For A Dermatology Consultation?

A routine dermatology consultation is a safe visit for an existing or suspected dermatologic condition. In most cases, the visit only requires a physical examination which poses no real risk of complications to the patient. In other cases, laboratory tests such as a biopsy or blood work may be required. These procedures may cause a bit of a discomfort but are guaranteed safe and can be done in just a few minutes.