A visit to a dermatology clinic may cost anywhere from $30-250. The variance of cost largely depends on where you live, your insurance plan, the dermatology care facility, if the appointment is virtual or in-person, and the type of skin care you are receiving.
Dermatology appointments play an important role in maintaining the health and wellness of your skin, as well as preventing serious skin problems such as skin cancer. Often your first dermatologist appointment will be an initial consultation - essentially a check-in about any skin conditions you may be experiencing. During this consultation, your dermatologist may perform a visual and physical exam of your skin and ask about your medical history. Depending on their findings, they may request a follow-up appointment.
Before you book your first appointment, it is important to talk to your insurance provider about your specific insurance policy, and what dermatology services your health insurance covers. Different dermatology treatments come with different costs, and some medical care centers are more expensive than others. If you need a biopsy, for instance, the out-of-pocket cost of your care may be more expensive than if you only require moderate acne treatment.
No matter what your insurance status is, Sesame guarantees you the best price on your next dermatology visit. With both in-person and telemedicine doctor’s visits available, you can find affordable, convenient dermatology appointments near you without the hassle you get with insurance companies.
What is a dermatologist?
Dermatologists are health care providers who practice a specialized type of medicine focusing on the skin. A dermatologist is trained in diagnosing and treating diseases of the skin, hair, and nails, promoting skin health, managing cosmetic skin disorders, and more.
Dermatologists can carry out specialized diagnostic procedures related to skin conditions. They can use treatments including externally applied, injected, and internal medicines, ultraviolet light therapy, surgical procedures, and more. They may also perform cosmetic procedures like chemical peels, sclerotherapy, and microdermabrasion.
A primary care provider may offer a referral to a dermatologist to diagnose and treat conditions such as:
Conditions that dermatologists treat include:
- Acne
- Melanoma (skin cancer)
- Psoriasis
- Eczema
- Dermatitis
- Keratosis
- Hair disease/ hair loss
- Rosacea
- Moles/ Warts/ Growths
- Skin Lesions
- Canker sores
- Vitiligo
In most cases, a dermatologist will perform a full-body examination of your skin to diagnose these skin conditions. Occasionally, only a visual or partial examination is required. To treat these conditions, dermatologists can write prescriptions and offer medical advice about how to maintain healthy skin.
What factors influence the cost of a dermatology appointment?
Dermatology prices are usually determined by:
- Your health insurance
- Your location (where you live)
- The dermatology clinic
Insurance: If you have a high-deductible health plan, or if you are uninsured, your out-of-pocket cost for dermatology appointments may be more expensive. In addition, elective procedures will often cost you more than conditions requiring medical attention. For instance, hair loss treatment may not be covered by your insurance provider, whereas psoriasis treatment may be. Before undergoing any procedure, talk to your health care provider and insurance company about what is covered by your plan, and what isn’t.
Location: Like most things, health care costs often vary depending on where you live. Below you’ll find a table detailing the different prices for in-person dermatology consultations with dermatologists on Sesame.
Clinic: Some dermatologists and dermatology clinics charge more for their services than others. Sesame lets you browse prices for dermatology appointments before scheduling your visit, so you can shop for services within your budget - without worrying about hidden fees or surprise bills.
Do I need a referral to see a dermatologist?
Not any more! Health care marketplaces like Sesame connect you directly to doctors, so you do not need a referral from a primary care provider before scheduling an appointment with a dermatologist. With traditional healthcare, insurance companies require you to get a referral from your primary care provider before your health insurance plan covers dermatology costs. Sesame cuts out the middlemen, so you can book telemedicine or in-person dermatology office visits without the hassle of worrying about your deductible or co-pay. Save money on your health care costs with affordable dermatology appointments on Sesame - no insurance needed.
Can I see a dermatologist online?
Now with Sesame, you can. Sesame offers video skin consults with real, quality doctors near you.
Dermatologists on Sesame can diagnose a wide range of skin conditions including:
- Acne
- Eczema
- Rashes
- Psoriasis
- Hair loss
- Atopic dermatitis
- Warts
Video dermatology consultations on Sesame cost between $32-$97 for a 15-minute appointment. Search for the doctor you want to see, compare prices, and save up to 60% on your visit with our affordable one-time prices.
Keep in mind that some skin conditions and health care procedures cannot be treated or performed over video. For instance, a biopsy for skin cancer requires an in-person visit to a dermatologist’s office. If an in-person follow-up appointment is required after your video consultation, Sesame will reach out to you about next steps and potential treatment options.
Do I need health insurance for a video dermatology consultation?
Nope! Sesame works directly with health care providers - like dermatologists - instead of insurance networks. That means you can book quality, convenient care without an insurance plan. Regardless of your insurance status, you’ll likely find that prices on Sesame are more affordable than what you’ll find anywhere else - all without the hassle of markups and co-pays.
How can dermatologists help severe acne?
In most mild cases, acne can be treated with self-care steps and over-the-counter acne medications. Washing your face regularly, moisturizing, and keeping your hands away from your face can help reduce acne and keep pores from clogging. However, if acne is persistent, painful, or severe, you may want to speak with a skin care professional, such as a dermatologist, for help with treating acne. Dermatologists can prescribe medication that may help reduce symptoms and prevent damage to the skin. Some examples of acne treatment that a dermatologist can provide include:
- Topical retinoids: Retinoids are compounds derived from vitamin A, which come in creams, gels, and lotions. Retinoid medications help rapidly exfoliate the skin and prevent the clogging of hair follicles. Retinoids are often mild and available as an over-the-counter medication. Tretinoin is a synthetic Vitamin A compound - usually a topical cream or gel - that unclogs skin in the same way retinoid medication will. However, tretinoin is stronger and might be irritating to sensitive skin. Isotretinoin is an oral medication made of the synthetic vitamin A compound that can be used to treat severe acne. Tretinoin and isotretinoin are only available through prescription, and cannot be purchased as an over-the-counter medication.
- Antibiotics: Antibiotics may be prescribed by your skin care provider to help treat inflammatory acne such as cysts, pustules, and nodules. These medications fight acne-causing bacteria in the skin and the body. Antibiotic acne medications are either topical (gels/ creams such as clindamycin or erythromycin) or oral (pills/ liquids such as minocycline or doxycycline). Antibiotics are intended for short-term use and may result in antibiotic resistance if used over too long a period.
- Steroid injection: Your skin care provider may recommend a cortisone steroid injection for severe cystic acne. Cortisone steroids can help reduce inflammation and shrink the size of a painful cyst. The doctor performing this procedure will inject the steroid directly into the cyst, and you may experience skin thinning and discoloration where the shot was administered. However, cortisone steroid injections can help rapidly improve the skin’s condition and lessen the pain associated with severe cystic acne. Sometimes over-the-counter medication and self-care just won’t do the trick with severe acne. If you are experiencing persistent breakouts, you may want to speak with a skin care provider or dermatologist to determine if prescription medication might be right for you.
How much does a dermatologist visit cost without insurance?
Dermatology visits can cost anywhere from $30-$250, depending on your insurance status, whether or not the visit is virtual or in-person, the facility providing the care, and the type of skin care you are receiving. Individuals who are underinsured or uninsured may have to pay for the majority - or all - of their health care costs out-of-pocket. According to a recent study by Cutis, the average cost of a in-person dermatology visit without insurance was $221. On Sesame, the average virtual dermatology consult is $70, while the average cost of an in-person consult is $155.
Sesame offers low-cost, convenient dermatology consultations across the U.S. Below are price ranges for dermatology consultations offered by providers on Sesame. In most cases, these prices are considerably lower than what you’ll find through insurance networks. Plus, our prices are one-time fees charged at the appointment booking. This means that you won’t get any surprise bills or hidden fees after you receive care. If follow-up care is needed, Sesame will reach out to you regarding next steps.
