Frequently Asked Dermatology Questions

Are you accepting new patients?
Yes, we are accepting new patients and appointments for new patients are usually between a few days and a few weeks. If you elect to be seen by a Certified Physician Assistant or a Nurse Practitioner, you can usually be seen sooner.
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How do I schedule an appointment?
Patients are seen by appointment only.
Schedule An Appointment by calling (208) 665-SKIN (7546).
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How do I cancel an appointment?
We make every effort to honor all time commitments and request that you extend the same courtesy to us. If you are unable to keep your appointment please call (208) 665-SKIN (7546) at least 24 hours in advance so we may schedule another patient in your allotted time. We have an answering service so patients may leave messages after hours when necessary.
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Do I need a referral from another doctor to get an appointment?
You need a referral if your insurance requires a referral for you to see a specialist or you are covered by Idaho Medicaid.
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Can I use my insurance at North Idaho Dermatology?
North Idaho Dermatology participates with Medicare, Medicaid, and most other major insurance carriers. Please check with your insurance carrier to determine additional information.
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Do I need to bring a credit card, check or money to my visit?
Copays and Deductibles must be paid at the time of office visit.

• Private plans and uninsured must pay at the time of office visit.
• All patients undergoing cosmetic procedures must pay a deposit before the office visit. This deposit is applied to the total charge at the time of service. Your provider will be happy to give you an estimate of the charge so you may plan ahead for this service.
• Payments may be made by cash, check, money order, Visa, MasterCard or Discovery Card
  

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How do I contact my dermatologist if I have questions?
Our staff is trained to obtain the most important information to be relayed to our providers, and we get this information to them as soon as possible. Please cooperate in giving the information they request. If you have questions call (208) 665-SKIN (7546).
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What kinds of problems do you treat?
Any problems of the skin, hair and nails. Diseases of the skin affect all age groups from infants to the elderly and all skin surfaces including the feet and nails, the mucous membranes (mouth, anal, genital areas). The Dermatological providers at North Idaho Dermatology are familiar with the work of other specialties because we are consultants to many such as pediatricians, obstetricians and gynecologists, internists, family practitioners, dentists, ophthalmologists and other medical specialties. Dermatology thus requires a very broad based knowledge. Dermatologists use many different therapeutic tools ranging from antibiotics to surgery.

Common problems treated by North Idaho Dermatology include:

• acne and acne scarring/Accutane
• contact dermatitis (referring to skin diseases resulting from external causes such as poison ivy, industrial or household chemicals)
• fungal infections such as athlete's foot, ring worm and toenail fungus
• skin cancer - Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Malignant Melanoma

What types of procedures do you perform?

• Surgical removal of benign and malignant lesions of the skin including skin cancers, cysts, moles & other growths
• Patch testing for possible skin allergens
• Light treatments (PUVA or UVB for psoriasis, eczema or vitiligo)
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Do you do any cosmetic procedures?
Click here to learn about Cosmetic Services.
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I am having surgery done at North Idaho Dermatology. What should I expect?
All procedures are performed in our office with local anesthesia. Most procedures are
completed in less than an hour. However, Mohs Micrographic Surgery can take anywhere from 1 to 6 hours.. Following the procedure you will be given specific instructions on how to care for your skin, when to return to the clinic, and when you can return to work or full activities. You will be awake during all procedures and will be able to leave the office under your own power.
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How do I get a prescription refill?
We will only refill prescriptions written by one of our providers. Requests for prescription refills should be made only during office hours when your medical records are available. Because many prescription drugs have side effects of which you may not be aware, they should be administered only under a provider's supervision and renewed only when they can monitor your condition. Therefore, you will sometimes be requested to make a follow-up visit before a prescription will be renewed.

* Accutane refills - Due to recent FDA regulations Accutane refills can not be provided over the telephone and will only be provided during a follow-up clinic visit and according to federal government guidelines.
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What is HIPAA? What do you do to make sure my medical information is kept confidential?
HIPAA stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). The Practice provides this Notice to comply with the Privacy Regulations issued by the Department of Health and Human Services in accordance with HIPAA. To learn more information see our Notice of Privacy Practices.

Do I need to come to all the appointments for my minor son / daughter?
It is very important that parents are aware of the medical care provided to their children. We strongly recommend all minors are accompanied by one of the parents / guardian. However, if this is not feasible you may print a copy of the Authorization to treat minor-unaccompanied minor, sign it and have the patient bring it to the medical appointment. NOTE: Insurance cards must be presented at each appointment.
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What are your office hours?

Coeur d'Alene Office
Monday through Thursday
8:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00p.m.
Friday
8:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00 p.m. to 3:00p.m. back to top

Can you give me directions to your office?
Directions to our offices can be found on the Contact Us page.
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