For most Hoosiers, getting to the doctor even once a year can be a struggle and be filled with a lot of anxiety. What if they find something? But what can really send you over the edge is hearing the words I think you need to see a specialist. While dermatologists are healthcare providers just like any other in the most basic respects, they have their own unique twist: they specialize in a practice that is focused on making you look your best so that you can feel your best.
The root of all fear comes from a lack of understanding. If you’re afraid of what will happen during the visit, make yourself more comfortable by asking questions. There really are no dumb questions when it comes to your health. Before your first consultation, call or go in the office to ask about the basic procedures and what you will have to do. During your consultation, make sure to ask the doctor questions. He or she is going to be hurling plenty of questions at you, so view the process as a two-way street. The key to a good relationship with your provider – which makes a very personal situation more bearable – is to establish trust. Asking questions can establish that trust and can confirm it the doctor is the right one for you. If your doctor is impatient or doesn’t answer your questions, that’s a sure sign that you need to find someone else.
They’ve seen it all. Most of us are body conscious, so visiting someone who is going to be looking specifically at our exterior can be daunting. Your particular exterior make-up is not going to scare off a dermatologist. They are looking for the details, not on your overall shape. If you are having anxiety over the experience, you can ask for accommodation. Dermatologists are healthcare professionals – they are there with the sole purpose of keeping you healthy. If there is a way for them to make you feel better about the consultation, they will.
Dermatologists are specialists. If you’re transmission is out, you go to a mechanic; if you get a dent in your fender, you go to a body shop. Your body is no different in that way. General practitioners and primary care providers are essential in maintaining your overall health, but there is a limit to what any one person can know about the body. Just because your doctor refers you to someone else doesn’t mean that he or she thinks you have melanoma. Sometimes you may just have a condition that may be better cared for by someone else. A lot of acne sufferers today may go to their doctor to receive a medicated cream but the doctor still makes a referral to a dermatologist. Why? First, because this is the doctor performing due diligence. Second, there may be special tools and treatments that a dermatologist will know about that a general practitioner doesn’t use since it’s not a regular part of his or her daily practice. Dermatologists have primary access to cutting-edge technology and products.
Developing a skin condition is different than other medical condition. A lot of your skin is out there for the whole world to see. This vulnerability can have a greater emotional and psychological impact than other medical conditions. If there was something easy that you could do to prevent such impacts, wouldn’t you do it? That easy thing is getting a consultation with a dermatologist. For those in the Plainfield and Zionsville areas, this is easier because you have Dr. Guenthner. Give his office a call today for a free consultation.
Disclaim: This blog provides general information and discussion about medical, cosmetic, mohs, and surgical dermatology. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately-licensed dermatologist or other health care worker.