New Patient FAQs
APPOINTMENTS & SCHEDULING
Do I need a referral?
Optima Dermatology does not require you to have a referral to make an appointment, however some insurance plans will require you to have a referral from your PCP to receive coverage. Please follow the requirements of your insurance carrier.
How long will my visit be?
You can expect your visit to be 10-20 minutes. In total you should expect to be at our office for about an hour.
What should I do if I am running late?
We ask that you arrive 10-15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. If you are going to be more than 5 minutes later than your scheduled appointment time, you may be asked to reschedule.
What happens if I miss my appointment?
If you miss your appointment, we kindly ask that you contact our office as soon as possible to reschedule. If you do not show or cancel your appointment without sufficient notice, you will be billed a fee of $50. Our cancellation policy is to provide us with at least 24-hour notice to avoid a charge.
What should I do if my condition or spot of concern is progressively getting worse?
If your condition is worsening, we recommend contacting our office as soon as possible to discuss your symptoms. Depending on the situation, we may be able to schedule a follow-up visit sooner or provide guidance on managing the condition until your next appointment.
What should I do if I’m not feeling well on the day of my appointment?
If you are not feeling well on the day of your appointment, please call our office to let us know as soon as possible. Our cancellation/no show policy is to provide us with at least 24-hour notice to avoid a charge.
I’m coming in with my caretaker or family member, can we be seen together?
While we understand the importance of having support, each patient requires individual attention. Your caretaker or family member is welcome to join you during your appointment for support, but if they also need to be seen by the dermatologist we recommend scheduling separate appointments to ensure proper care for both of you.
Can my caretaker or family member bring my child to their appointment?
We find parents or guardians are helpful historians when describing the child’s history and symptoms. We require a consent for treatment to be signed by the parent/guardian at the initial appointment. They can authorize additional care takers and family members then to bring the child for future appointments.
DURING YOUR VISIT
What should I expect from my first visit?
Please arrive 10-15 minutes prior to your appointment time to ensure we have ample time to complete the necessary paperwork and preparations. Payment is always required at check-in. After check-in is complete, a medical assistant will call you back to a private room where they will confirm your medical history, and where your dermatologist or provider will join you to complete your examination.
What happens if my dermatologist finds a concerning spot?
If your dermatologist finds a concerning spot during your exam, they may recommend further evaluation, which could include a biopsy to test the tissue for any abnormalities. There may be additional charges if further laboratory testing on a specimen is needed. Depending on the results, they will discuss the next steps with you, which might include additional treatment options or monitoring of the area for changes.
Can I be seen for more than one concern/issue during my appointment?
Typically, one visit is isolated for one specific concern or chief complaint. If you have questions outside of the identified chief complaint, discuss this with your provider and they will advise if an additional, future appointment needs to be scheduled.
Is there anyone else in the room during my visit?
In addition to the dermatologist or provider, one of our medical assistants will be in the room during your visit.
Do you provide translation services?
Yes, we can offer translation services when necessary. Please let a team member know if you require translation or interpreter services.
INSURANCE
What insurances do you accept?
We accept most major insurance plans including: Aetna, Allways Health Partners, Anthem BCBS, Cigna, Harvard Pilgrim, Humana, Medicare, UnitedHealthcare, and more.
Do you accept Medicare/Medicaid?
We accept Medicare and we accept Medicaid in certain territories and locations. Our team will be happy to discuss this further with you.
I don’t have my insurance card handy while scheduling, can I just bring it to my appointment with me?
It is helpful to have your insurance information available when scheduling to verify coverage and ensure a smooth check-in process. If you do not have it handy, please be sure to bring it on the day of your appointment so we can update your records. If coverage is not updated correctly prior to your visit, it may result in additional out of pocket expenses from your insurance provider.
BILLING & PAYMENT
When do I have to pay for my visit?
At the end of your visit, you will be brought to our medical receptionist team at check out. If you have a co-pay, you will be charged at the time of your visit. If additional payment is required after your visit, you will receive a bill in the mail.
Is there a new patient fee?
No, we do not have a new patient fee.
I don’t have insurance. Do you offer payment plans?
We do offer self-pay options. We also accept Care Credit which allows for more flexibility for patients to pay with convenient monthly payments. Please note that payment is required at check-out.
How much are medical aesthetic consultation fees?
Consultation fees vary dependent on the provider and location. All consult fees can be applied to the cost of a treatment if cosmetic services are scheduled following the consultation. We encourage you to call the location of your choice for more information.