What does your ideal dermatology appointment look like?
Some of us like some chit chat. Others may want to "get right to business." What say you?
I want to chit chat. It’s important for me to feel like a person and not just a lump of skin. 
I like some light conversation to take away the uncomfortable scenario of having a person 1 inch away from your skin looking over your entire body. When it's quiet it gets very awkward for me. As far as the mechanics of a visit, I like to have my skin looked over (I have a few hundred moles at least) and then a review of photos of my skin to see if there are any changes or additions. I like to make sure the areas I had melanomas are looked at very carefully and that my glands are checked. After all that I feel that it was an ideal derm visit (as long as I didn't need any biopsies).
My appointments take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour usually. Sometimes there will be two doctors at my visit but that doesn't speed things up a whole lot. I have not felt rushed really but sometimes a step gets missed and I don't realize it until after I've left. Sometimes, I kick myself when I remember afterwards that I forgot to point something out. I think my best fix for that is to bring along a friend/family member or write things down so that in the moment, the moment doesn't pass. I think the length of your appointment seems to be about right to me. Thank you for your reply. Scott skincancer.net moderator
How about not going? Kidding aside, I want to get as much information as possible. My new dermatologist told me what she was seeing, what it meant to her, etc. It all means nothing to me, so I appreciate the insight. I pick up on tone of voice, quick speech, etc. My new dermatologist does not show any sort of emotion, and that works for me. I have had dermatologists that showed that they were concerned about a skin issue, and it amps up my stress level. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I had a laugh when you mentioned not going. I also like a mix of relational with clinical. Scott skincancer.net moderator
See you in 6 months!
Yes, that is certainly the best thing one may hear at an appointment! Thank you for sharing. Scott skincancer.net moderator
