How do I find a dermatologist?

What is a dermatologist?

Dermatology is the practice of identifying and treating skin and venereal diseases. In addition to the skin, it covers mucous membranes, hair and nails. 

Dermatologists build up their diagnostic knowledge in the course of several years of specialist medical training after they have passed their state medical board examination. The specialist exam is taken in dermatology and venereology.

How do I find a good dermatologist?

A specialist medical title alone is no guarantee of quality, so look further. In the field of medicine, plenty of information is publicly available. Pay particular attention to the following points:

• Check the doctor's qualifications. The Comparis medical directory shows you the specialist medical and focus titles they have earned, as well as their professional background and the continuing education courses they have completed.

• Take a particularly close look at their clinical training, at teaching and major cantonal hospitals, for example.

• Research the doctor's scientific publications in the specialist area in which you are seeking treatment.

• Ask your family doctor and other specialists if they would recommend a particular dermatologist, and why.

How effective are online consultations?

As unpleasant as skin complaints may be, they have one distinct advantage: the problem is on the outside of the body. That makes it easy to examine visually. In fact, many skin conditions can be diagnosed from a picture alone, so you don't actually need to visit the practice in person.

And this is exactly what happens on platforms like derma2go. For 75 francs, you can also get an online dermatology consultation via the Comparis medical directory. Here’s how it works: 

• Choose a dermatologist
  Click on a profile in the list. 

• Start the consultation
  Click the start button to begin the consultation. 

• Answer questions
  Answer some short questions, take a photo of your skin problem and send your enquiry via a secure link to your chosen doctor. 

• Get an opinion
  A maximum of 24 hours later you’ll get an e-mail containing a qualified medical opinion of your skin problem, and a specific recommendation on what you should do next.

Many dermatology practices or other platforms such as OnlineDoctor offer services like these. The benefits are clear. In many cases this approach can resolve the problem, and you no longer have to make the trip to the practice, saving you time and money. An online consultation will cost between 55 and 75 francs.

As a rule, your basic insurance will not cover the cost of online diagnoses, although supplemental insurance will sometimes make a contribution. Despite this, in most cases the online approach will work out far cheaper than going to a physical practice. That makes it an option worth considering, especially if you have a high deductible.