What is Medical Dermatology?

Medical dermatology is a field of medicine in which doctors diagnose, assess, and treat health conditions affecting the skin, hair, and nails. Dermatologists are trained to treat patients of all ages, from newborns to the elderly. Conditions common among children are moles and birthmarks, dermatitis, acne, warts, vitiligo, insect bites, and birth defects. In adults we treat a range of conditions such as cancers and pre-cancers, rosacea, psoriasis, and shingles. We also treat eczema, skin allergies, and other disorders that occur in all age groups, and carefully examine moles or other growths to determine whether they are or may become cancerous.

Cosmetic vs Medical Dermatology

There are two branches of dermatology: cosmetic and medical dermatology. While both branches improve the lives of patients, there are notable differences between the two. Cosmetic dermatology is purely aesthetic and involves services that make patients look better, such as Botox, dermal fillers, and chemical peels. Medical dermatology, by comparison, focuses on treating medical conditions to reduce health risks. A medical dermatologist treats skin cancer, for example, and provides treatments for psoriasis, eczema, vitiligo, and brown patches, known as melasma.

Our Medical Dermatology Services in Portland and Hillsboro, OR

At Center for Dermatology & Laser Surgery, our medical dermatology specialists provide a wide variety of personalized medical dermatology services, such as photodynamic therapy to treat cancer, UVB light therapy for the treatment of psoriasis and eczema, excimer laser for dermatitis, skin surgery, and more. These services are medically necessary for the health of our clients.

Is Medical Dermatology Covered by Insurance?

Because medical dermatology addresses someone’s medical needs rather than their aesthetic goals, most insurance plans will usually cover some or all of a person’s medical dermatology services. Depending on the specific coverage offered, an insurance plan often covers serious conditions, such as skin cancer removal and skin cancer treatment. Plans usually pay for medically necessary treatment of other conditions, such as skin infections, keloid hives, eczema, and warts. Insurance often covers treatment for acne, especially if the skin condition is moderate or severe. Our team at Center for Dermatology and Laser Surgery can help you determine the services your insurance company will cover.

Our medical dermatologists at Center for Dermatology & Laser Surgery provide exceptional medical dermatology services to keep your skin at its healthiest. Contact us today to set up a consultation.