Frequently Asked Questions
Appointments + Visits
Do I need a referral to be seen?
In most cases, a referral is not required. Some insurance plans may require a referral for coverage, so we recommend confirming requirements with your insurance provider prior to your visit.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Appointments can be scheduled online or by contacting our office directly. If you are unsure which type of visit you need, our team is happy to help guide you.
What should I bring to my appointment?
Please bring a photo ID, insurance card (if applicable), and a list of current medications. For skin concerns, we recommend avoiding makeup or nail polish if the problem area is on the face or nails.
Can I bring my emotional support animal to my appointment?
We gladly accommodate service animals as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Emotional support animals, comfort animals, and therapy animals are not considered service animals under the ADA and are not permitted in our office. This policy helps us maintain a safe, clean, and medically appropriate environment for all patients.
If you have questions about service animal accommodations, please contact our office prior to your visit.
Appointment Arrival + Late Policy
Appointments are typically 15 minutes in length. New patients and anyone who has not completed required paperwork should arrive 15 minutes before their scheduled appointment time.
We allow a 5-minute grace period. Patients who arrive more than 5 minutes late, or who arrive without completed paperwork, will be rescheduled.
We respect your time and make every effort to stay on schedule. Occasionally medical care requires additional time, and we appreciate your patience if delays occur.
Appointment Changes & Provider Availability
While appointment changes are uncommon, there may be rare situations in which a visit must be rescheduled due to provider illness or other unforeseen circumstances. We appreciate your understanding as we prioritize patient safety and quality care.
Although we will make every effort to reschedule you promptly, the practice is unable to reimburse travel or other expenses related to appointment changes.
Insurance + Billing
Do you accept insurance?
We participate with select insurance plans. Coverage varies by plan and by service. Our team is happy to review general insurance questions prior to your visit.
What if you are out of network with my insurance?
If we are out of network, you may still be seen using our self-pay dermatology option. Transparent pricing is reviewed in advance so you know what to expect.
Why can insurance costs be hard to predict?
Insurance plans vary widely, even within the same insurer. Coverage depends on your specific plan, deductible status, copays, coinsurance, and how services are processed by your insurance company. We do our best to explain expected billing pathways, but final coverage decisions and patient responsibility are determined by your insurance plan, not our office. Your insurance company is the best source for exact benefit details.
Can cosmetic treatments be submitted to insurance?
Cosmetic services — including injectables, laser treatments, and other elective procedures — are provided on a self-pay basis. We do not submit insurance claims, provide diagnosis codes, or complete insurance documentation for cosmetic treatments. Patients seeking insurance-covered treatment for medical indications should consult a provider who offers those services within an insurance-based billing model.
Medical vs Cosmetic Care
What is the difference between medical and cosmetic dermatology?
Medical dermatology focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the skin, hair, and nails. Cosmetic dermatology addresses appearance-related concerns and elective treatments that are typically not covered by insurance.
Who provides care at your practice?
Medical dermatology services are provided by board-certified Physician Assistants under the supervision of board-certified dermatologist Dr. Syed Amiry, who has over 20 years of experience. Cosmetic treatments are performed by medically trained clinicians within a physician-led practice following established clinical protocols.
Will I see a doctor?
Most visits are performed by our board-certified Physician Assistants, who are experienced in dermatology and practice under the supervision of board-certified dermatologist Dr. Syed Amiry. He oversees all care and is available when needed.
Are Physician Assistants qualified to provide dermatology care?
Yes. Our Physician Assistants are board-certified and experienced in dermatology. They evaluate, diagnose, and treat a wide range of skin conditions, prescribe medications—including biologics and isotretinoin (Accutane)—and perform procedures such as biopsies and excisions. Care is delivered within a physician-led practice using evidence-based medicine and overseen by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Syed Amiry, who has over 20 years of experience.
Pathology + Procedures
Will I know the cost before a biopsy or excision?
If a biopsy, excision, or other procedure is recommended, our team will review what to expect before anything is performed. While exact out-of-pocket costs depend on insurance coverage or self-pay status, we aim to provide as much clarity as possible in advance.
How are biopsies and excisions billed if I have insurance?
If we are in network with your insurance, biopsies and excisions are typically billed to your insurance plan. Deductibles, copays, and coinsurance are not covered by insurance and remain the patient’s responsibility.
Any portion of the visit or procedure not paid by your insurance plan will be billed to you by our office according to your plan’s benefits.
Pathology services are billed separately by the dermatopathology laboratory and are typically submitted to insurance when coverage applies.
How are biopsies and excisions billed if I am self-pay?
If you are self-pay, procedure fees are reviewed in advance. Pathology services are billed directly to you by the dermatopathology laboratory, separate from your office visit.
Typical self-pay pathology charges range from $75–$135 per specimen, depending on staining and diagnostic requirements.
Why is pathology billed separately?
Pathology services are provided by an independent dermatopathology laboratory that specializes in the microscopic evaluation of skin tissue. Because this service is performed outside our office, billing is handled separately by the laboratory.
Will someone explain this before the procedure?
Yes. Our team will review next steps, expected billing pathways, and answer questions before any biopsy or excision is performed so you can make an informed decision.
Online Store + Programs
What can I purchase through your online store?
Patients may purchase medical-grade skin care products, select cosmetic treatments and treatment packages, memberships, supplements, and gift cards through our online store.
How does the Shopping Rewards Program work?
Patients earn 5% back in reward points on eligible online store purchases only. Reward points may be applied toward future online store orders and cannot be earned or redeemed for in-office services or purchases.
What is the SkinNutrients Dispensary?
The SkinNutrients Dispensary provides access to clinician-recommended supplements through Fullscript at discounted pricing, shipped directly to your home.
What is the Insider Membership?
The Insider Membership is designed for patients who receive neuromodulator treatments regularly and prefer predictable pricing and priority access. Full details are available through the online store.
Still Have Questions?
If you don’t see your question answered here, our team is happy to help. Please contact us prior to your visit so we can provide clarity and guidance.
