Why does it take so long to get into a dermatologist?

[Descartes]

I think I could have some neurosurgery done before I got an appointment w/ a quality dermatologist.

The offices I've called so far are scheduling months (often times up to 6 months) ahead. Wtf? Are there really that many people needing to see a dermatologist?

 

[Jfur]

it took almost 3 years for Kaiser to let me see one! And when I did the doctor spent all of 1 minute with me :|

 

[navyrn]

Don't get me wrong... I'm just telling you how it is, not making a judgement call. With that said:

A derm (thats what we call them) is a specialist. They are usually internal med or family med docs that specialize. It cost your HMO a lot of money to get that appointment. It seems that the majority of skin problems self resolve anyway (usually after a lot of discomfort to the patient). If they can stall out that appointment or give your primary physician time to play then they save a LOT of money. Remember that most HMO's contract for a capatated amount. The fewer they can turf the more they profit. Good luck.