Dermatologists: Why the long wait for appointment? Walk-In Clinics? (Boston: to buy, schools)

[bostonguy1960]

I needed a local dermatologist two years ago, and couldn't believe the 1-3 month wait (or even the not accepting new patients answer). I wound up going to an ER once and the MGH walk in clinic another. But the staff there aren't dermatologists.

Finally, I saw a very small display ad in the NY Daily News. It mentioned a dermatology clinic with a Manhattan office on Central Park West as well as locations in Harlem and Bronx. Best of all, walk-ins were accepted.

After a quick looksee of my problem area, they prescribed some inhouse products, a 3 step process of cleaners, lotions and liquids totalling about $250. I refused to buy it, as I was satisfied just knowing what my diagnosis was. The $250 package of products seemed somewhat cheesey, and I'd need to return to NYC in one month for a follow-up; I thought I'd get a prescription which I could bring back to Boston and price shop. The $85 consultation fee seemed reasonable, esp. for a quickly accessible appointment.

Does Boston have any dermatology clinics where walkins are accepted? Or is NYC truly the city with everything for everyone?

Thanks for any feedback.

[REtoday]

Hi,
The reason for such long delays in getting appointments with a Dermatologist is because most of the routine Derm work is boring to them and does not pay well enough. So they have shifted their skills to Botox, Skin treatments and the other high, CASH paying means to make a living.
I do not know of any free standing Doc in the box clinics. You may want to call a few of the Med schools and ask.
Best Regards

[reaching4stars]

Try going to a doctor outside of Boston and you should have no problem getting an apt