Becoming a squeaky wheel
If you want to get your dermatologist's attention, you may have to resort to speaking to him in a way he'll understand: financially.
According to a study about the current state of affairs in dermatologists' offices all over the country, it would appear that medical concerns are put on the backburner in favor of cosmetic ones.
Dermatologists in 12 cities were put to the test. A researcher called every single board-certified dermatologist in each of those cities and posed as a patient. If a researcher called to make an appointment to have a suspicious mole looked at, their wait for an appointment would typically be three times longer than if they wanted to fill in some wrinkles with a Botox injection.
I couldn't help but shake my head in stunned amazement when I read this. Think about it: It's easier to get a shot of botulism than it is to try to prevent or seek early treatment of skin cancer. That smacks of lunacy.
That's a serious amount of egg on the face of dermatologists, and like most things in life—it comes down to simple economics. Some dermatologists tried to toe around that idea, saying that maybe there was just more demand for medical dermatology and that's why there was a delay.
Come on. Who's falling for that story?
Here are the facts: Botox injections aren't covered by insurance, they're paid upfront and out of your very own pocket. Treatments range from $400 to $600, and this keeps the doctor in business and happy to have some profit on top of it.
Then there's the examination of moles for signs of melanoma. Covered by insurance, but the doctor waits for reimbursement, typically getting about $50 to $75.
Ah, the picture is getting clearer.
I'm not recommending that you call your dermatologist and say you want to have a Botox treatment, and then "change your mind" when you get there and say "Would you mind taking a look at this mole, since I'm here?" But I do recommend you work the receptionist at the front desk, and push for the soonest appointment you can get. Call back to check for cancellations. Believe me, they'll remember you and you know what they say: The squeaky wheel gets the grease.
In this case, it could be a lifesaver.
