If you are in the Los Angeles area and would like to find the best dermatologist for a particular skin issue such as acne vulgaris, you will need to spend time researching and gathering information so that you can make informed decisions.
Even if you don’t know much about the science behind the condition you want to correct, you can still organize your information gathering process as a series of relevant and important questions. This will enable you to communicate effectively with the physicians that you speak to. With so many treatment options available, having the right knowledge will also enable you to get a sense for which options are likely to be more effective than others.
What To Look For In A Dermatologist
Not all dermatologists are created equal. In your search for the best dermatologist in Los Angeles, you should consider the following areas:
Board certification is a voluntary process for physicians who wish to demonstrate their competency within their area of specialization. It serves as a guarantee that the doctor has met a minimum level of competency that has been set forth by the American Board of Medical Specialties. (ABMS). Candidates not only go through a rigorous process of exams, their skills must also be evaluated by their colleagues.
2) Specialized Area of Dermatology
There are many sub-specialties within the field of dermatology. If you are doing a search in Los Angeles for a dermatologist, it is best to decide if the issue you want to correct will be best handled by a physician who practices within more hyper specific area such as:
- -Cosmetic dermatology
- -Dermopathology
- -Immunodermatology
- -Mohs Surgery (ie. The excision of skin cancer lesions)
- -Pediatric dermatology
3) Examples of Past Work
See if you can find videos or photos of past patient treatments that the doctor has performed. Not all physicians will have case studies that closely match your particular area of concern, but they can serve as a good indication of whether or not the particular physician would be able to effectively help you.
4) Testimonials of other patients
Whether or not we are talking about patient care in Los Angeles or other cities, your definition of the best dermatologist may not necessarily include the individual with the highest level of technical skill. General courtesy and overall business practices are other things you should consider. Look for the doctor’s reviews on sites like Yelp and Google Places. See what other patients have had to say about their experience with a particular practice.
Your Internet Search For the Best Dermatologist in Los Angeles
The internet can be your best friend when it comes to finding the right service providers in a big city like Los Angeles. To find the right dermatologist you can also look at various local business finders within the different search engines.
- google.com/places
- Bing.com/local
- Bing.com/businessportal
- local.yahoo.com
If you are specifically looking for a dermatologist who specializes in cosmetic procedures, RealSelf.com is a great site to explore.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions in your search. In fact, the more questions you are able to generate you will be able to find not only the best, but also the most relevant information for your specific needs.