Please download, print and complete our
three (3) new patient forms and bring these with you to your visit. If you have not brought your completed forms with you, expect to spend some additional time completing these forms. Be prepared to answer questions about your medical history, including all current medications and allergies. Please arrive 15 minutes prior your scheduled appointment time to allow for your new chart creation. Expect to wait no more than 15-20 minutes in the waiting room and an equal time in an exam/treatment room for the doctor. On occasion, the doctor may be running later than usual due to an emergency or other unusual/unforeseen problem. Our staff will keep you informed of any delays. Magazines, practice information, and video or TV are available. We politely ask for your patience as all patients are given the time they need.
For general Dermatologic visits, we recommend complete skin exams for all new patients and at periodic intervals. However, you may decline this. Nonetheless, please do not wear make-up or other cosmetic products to your visit to facilitate your exam. Avoid excessive jewelry, as well, especially prior to any procedural visits. Also, please wear clothing that facilitates your anticipated evaluation/exam and/or treatment. Please turn off cell phones/mobile devices in exam rooms and use proper cell phone etiquette in public waiting areas.
Food (including gum) and beverages other than water are not allowed anywhere in the office for cleanliness reasons. If unavoidable, please consume any food or drink in the common area hallways, outside of our office.
Most minor procedures are performed at your initial visit (if permitted by your insurer) after your informed consent. Major procedures are often scheduled at a later date. If you anticipate having any kind of procedure performed, we ask that you avoid the following medications that promote bleeding/bruising prior your visit. If prescribed by another doctor, we recommend that you ask your prescribing doctor for such permission. Avoid aspirin and aspirin-containing medications for at least one week prior to any procedure(s). Avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (e.g. Advil, Motrin, ibuprofen, etc.) for 3 days prior to procedure(s). Avoid Plavix for one week and Coumadin for 2-3 days prior to procedure(s). Avoid fish oil/Vitamin E for 2 weeks prior to procedure(s), if possible. Again, obtain permission first from your prescribing doctor, especially before discontinuing Plavix and/or Coumadin. Otherwise, continue all other medications. Medications can be restarted the day following procedure(s).
Most specimens removed are pathologically analyzed by us, incurring a separate charge distinct from your visit/procedure. Most labs, pathologies, etc. require up to 2 weeks for results. Our policy is to notify you as needed and at your following visit. You will be given detailed instructions relating to all diagnoses, work-ups and treatments, including prognosis and follow-up. Visit and procedure times vary depending on the specific problem or treatment. For specific procedure/treatment information and/or instructions, please refer to specific Patient & Instruction Forms under Patient Information.
After your visit/treatment, you will proceed to our “check-out” area. Any recommended products/medications that may be purchased directly from us at your option and for your convenience will be further explained at check-out. Payment for your visit/procedure(s) is expected at this time, per our financial policies, and follow-up appointments will be scheduled as needed.