How do I see a dermatologist in Houston?

Sesame has you covered if you’re looking for a convenient and affordable dermatology appointment without a referral. Whether you have a concerning spot on your skin that you want examined or cosmetic care, Sesame offers in-person and online dermatology appointments with providers in Houston, Texas.

Here’s how to get started:

• Search “Dermatology” in Sesame’s search bar
  
• Browse the list of available providers near you
  
• Choose between video and in-person services
  
• Pick a time that works best for your schedule
  
• Set up your appointment
  
  

After you book a video appointment, you will receive an email with a link to join the video appointment. You will also be able to access this link in another reminder email you will receive 30 minutes before the appointment start time and within your account.

Sesame works via a web link. There is no need to download software for a telehealth appointment on Sesame. Sesame works on all modern web browsers. Providers on Sesame list their prices upfront, so the price you see is the price you pay: no hidden fees or surprise charges. Sesame works directly with providers, not insurance companies. Therefore, you never need to worry about a provider being out-of-network or paying an outrageous premium. The price listed is the price you pay upfront for your care.

Don’t wait to set up an appointment. Instead, book a visit on Sesame and save up to 60% on your care.

Should I see a dermatologist in-person or online?

Sesame offers in-person and online (video) appointments with licensed dermatology providers near you. Providers on Sesame can make diagnoses, give medical advice, and prescribe a treatment plan that may or may not include medication, if appropriate. We guarantee great care whether you see a doctor in-person or over video, but some factors inform the best type of appointment for you.

Online appointments are real-time video chats with doctors and providers that are used to address symptoms, discuss prescriptions, and screen for health care conditions. Telehealth (also known as telemedicine) is a convenient way to see a health care provider without requiring the commute and waiting rooms of office visits.

In-person visits are vital health services. Certain conditions and specialty care services cannot be diagnosed or performed via telehealth. Lab testing, for instance, often requires an in-person appointment at a doctor's office. Similarly, some physical exams, chronic condition consultations, and urgent care needs require in-person care. In addition, some patients feel more comfortable receiving their care through doctor visits, and many telehealth services require in-person visits before a condition can be definitively diagnosed.

If you’re still unsure what kind of appointment is best for you, you can always book an online appointment for a preliminary consultation. During this visit, you can talk to your provider about your questions and concerns and whether or not an in-person visit is required.

You can use your phone, tablet, or computer for a telehealth appointment on Sesame. Sesame works on the web through your web browser - Google Chrome, Safari, Microsoft Edge, or Firefox. So it is easy to connect in just a few seconds with a quality Sesame provider ready to listen to your medical concerns.

Sesame supports face-to-face video communications, but turning on your video is not required if this makes you uncomfortable.

What does a dermatologist do?

A dermatologist is a medical doctor (MD) with advanced training to diagnose and treat skin, hair, and nail conditions.

To become a certified dermatologist, a candidate must:

• Complete a 4-year bachelor’s degree
  
• Complete 4 years of medical school to become a medical doctor (MD)
  
• Complete a 1-year internship in medicine
  
• Take a 3-year residency in dermatology
  
  

Once their education is complete, a dermatologist will usually take a board certification exam from the American Board of Dermatology or the American Osteopathic Board of Dermatology. This exam tests the physician's knowledge and application of skills required to perform dermatology services. Board certification means that the dermatologist has received the most rigorous training possible.

Some conditions that can be diagnosed and treated by a dermatologist include:

• Acne
  
• Eczema
  
• Rosacea
  
• Dermatitis (skin irritation)
  
• Skin infections
  
• Melanoma (skin cancer)
  
• Moles
  
• Hair loss/ abnormal hair growth
  
  

In addition to diagnosing and treating medical conditions related to the skin, dermatologists can perform cosmetic procedures like laser hair removal or laser scar treatment.

Other forms of cosmetic work performed by a dermatologist include:

• Sunspot treatment
  
• Wrinkle/ scar tissue treatment
  
• Facial veins treatment
  
• Cellulite and fat removal
  
• Tattoo removal
  
• Anti-aging care
  
  

This is a partial list of all aesthetic services performed by dermatologists, although they are among the most common. It should be noted that not every dermatologist performs every form of cosmetic care. Talk to your dermatologist for more information about what procedures they do or do not perform.

Can my child see a dermatologist?

Absolutely. Dermatologists are highly educated and experienced health care providers with the clinical experience necessary to treat patients of all ages and backgrounds.

If you are looking for dermatology services for a patient younger than 18, look for a dermatologist with pediatric dermatology training.

Care modalities offered by a pediatric dermatologist includes:

• Diagnosing and treating skin conditions, diseases, and disorders in children (like eczema, warts, and acne)
  
• Educating young patients about sun protection and proper hygiene practices
  
• Providing preventive care measures to help protect their skin health
  
• Prescribing medications or performing surgeries when necessary
  
• Counseling children on any emotional distress associated with visible skin conditions
  
  

You can usually find out if a dermatologist offers pediatric dermatology services by looking at their clinic’s website. When you book a visit on Sesame, you can read about a provider’s clinical experience and specialties before scheduling an appointment. Check out their “Service Details” and “About” sections to learn more about the specific type of care the provider can provide to determine whether or not they are right for you or your child.

What should I expect from my first dermatology appointment?

Your first dermatology experience will depend on the purpose of your visit. For example, if you have a specific concern you want to have examined and diagnosed, your provider may be direct about giving you care for that particular condition. On the other hand, if you are seeing a dermatologist for an overall picture of your skin health, the visit may be more like a check-up that you would get from a primary care provider.

If you have never met with the provider, they will likely start your appointment by asking you about the purpose of your visit and any concerns you may have. You will also be asked to talk about your medical history.

After getting some context about your individual health needs, the provider will likely physically examine your skin or the specific affected area. Based on the doctor's findings, further testing may need to be done in some instances. These may include blood tests, skin samples, or biopsies to check for cancers or underlying conditions.

Even if you do not have a specific condition requiring attention, a dermatologist visit can protect your skin health and prevent complications like skin cancer. In addition, an annual exam from a dermatologist can help detect problem areas early, which improves the efficacy of treatment. Talk to your dermatologist about how often you should come for physical exams to help prevent skin conditions before they cause complications.