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FAQs

Medical and surgical dermatology FAQs

What is the role of the primary care physician (PCP)?

Members of a given insurance select a primary care physician (PCP) to coordinate all of their health care needs. Whenever you need to see a specialist you must consult your PCP first and obtain a referral. This may be a time consuming process, and you need to make sure your referral is at your specialty office prior to being seen. One advantage is that if you have several health issues your PCP will be managing them for you and you can be certain you are pursuing the correct health care measures.

Do I need an insurance referral to be seen?

Members of Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) regulate the number of physicians and hospitals who are in their HMO network. If you select a specialist from this list you stay ‘in-network’. As long as you obtain your insurance referral from your Primary Care Physician, you are able to schedule appointments to see our dermatologists. If you choose to see a physicians who is not on this list, you are considered ‘out of network’ and your expenses may not be covered.

Do I have to pay a co-payment?

There is a co-payment associated with insurance contracts. The amount is usually listed on the insurance card and is paid at time of service.

Do I have a deductible?

Depending on your insurance contract, your plan may have deductibles. A deductible is a fixed amount of money you have to pay before you can enjoy the benefits of your policy.

What is prior authorization?

Prior authorization helps ensure the appropriate use of selected prescription drugs. The process is designed to prevent improper prescription or use of certain drugs that may not be the best choice for a health condition.

How will I know if a prescription drug needs prior authorization (PA)?

The physician, patient or pharmacy will get in touch with SkinCare Physicians’ PA department to let coordinators know that the drug is not covered with a co-pay and perhaps would be if prior authorization were submitted.

Cosmetic dermatology and cosmetic surgery FAQs

Can I book a cosmetic procedure/treatment without seeing a physician for a cosmetic consultation?

The cosmetic consultation provides you the opportunity to meet your physicians, establish treatment goals and become educated about the variety of treatment options available that might benefit you and your skin. The cosmetic consultation appointment is essential and provides value and knowledge that you take with you. You and the physician will create an individualized treatment plan that will leave you feeling comfortable and confident in the care you will receive at SkinCare Physicians.

How much is the charge for a cosmetic consultation?

Cosmetic Consultation appointments are $150.

Can I have a procedure the same day as the consultation?

Not all patients are candidates for the procedures in which they are interested. But if they are, we do our very best to treat them on the same day as the cosmetic consultation. This is true especially if patients have traveled to Boston, and are visiting us from another state or overseas.

How many visits are needed for particular treatments?

The number of visits varies with the individual and the type of treatment or procedure. The number of visits is discussed during the cosmetic consultation visit.