Standard Office Procedures
Our office is open Monday through Friday. Our hours are by appointment only. You can be scheduled by calling 315-637-9116. We do have an emergency number our established patients may use if needed. If the office is closed you may leave a message on our voice mail. We make every effort to remain on a predetermined schedule. However, emergencies may arise or a patient’s condition may require more time than expected. We appreciate your time in this matter. If your insurance requires a referral from your primary care physician, it is your responsibility to be sure it is in place before your arrival for your appointment, or you will need to reschedule your appointment.
Your First Visit and What to Expect
PLEASE DO NOT WEAR MAKEUP OR FRAGRANCES
Plan to arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment with all your paperwork completed. If you have insurance we participate with, please bring your insurance card with you. If you do not have proof of insurance we may need to reschedule your appointment as per our agreement with some insurance companies. If you have insurance that we do not participate with, or no insurance, you will be expected to pay at the time of your visit. Generally on the first visit the doctor will examine the entire skin surface. Please wear clothing that will allow you to undress to your underwear. You will be given a gown that will allow the doctor to examine your skin easily.
How long do I have to wait to get an appointment as a new patient?
New patient appointments are sometimes scheduled out three to four months or more. We understand your frustration, and will try to move your appointment up if we have a cancellation. Skin issues have increased dramatically in recent years. The need for an appointment with a Board Certified Dermatologist has increased with this demand nationally and locally. Our office serves patients from Syracuse and the suburbs, to east of Utica, west to Rochester, south of Cortland, and north to the St. Lawrence River including Canada.
My insurance will not cover my medication without a “prior approval”, what should I do?
Brand name medications can be more consistent in their effectiveness. Many of these medications have a “Medi-save” program that can help lower the cost of the medication. When we feel that a certain brand name is more effective than the generic, we will offer you a savings card if one is available. While there a few medications that we will need to do a prior authorization for, we may need to change your medication to one your insurance will not require this approval. We do not routinely do prior authorizations on most medications because of the time required by most insurance companies.
Insurances and Payments
Can I bring someone with me to help me understand what is recommended for my condition?
Family members are welcome to accompany the patient to the appointment. For many older and younger patients another person may need to help the patient with their new routine
I cannot keep an appointment, what do I do?
It is important for you to notify us at least 24 hours prior to your scheduled appointment time if you cannot keep the appointment. Failure to do so may result in you being charged a “no show” or late cancellation fee. Two “no shows” may result in being discharged from our practice.
If you find that you are going to be late for an appointment, (unexpected traffic, etc.) please call the office to alert us. We can then let you know if you will need to reschedule your appointment, or if we will be able to fit you into the schedule.
Why Choose Us?
About My Background
I grew up in Verona, N.Y. and graduated from Vernon-Verona-Sherrill High School. I graduated “With Distinction” from Cornell University before attending medical school at S.U.N.Y. Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse. I then completed a three-year Internal Medicine residency at C.S. Wilson Memorial Hospital in Johnson City, N.Y. and was a Clinical Instructor of Internal Medicine with S.U.N.Y. Health Science Center at Binghamton. I obtained my Dermatology training at the University Of Rochester School Of Medicine and Strong Memorial Hospital where I also served as Chief Resident in Dermatology. I am presently on faculty at the University Of Rochester as a Clinical Instructor of Dermatology in the Department of Dermatology. I also started the Dermatology Clinic at Fort Drum, N.Y. and was Director of the Clinic for four years. I am Board Certified in both Dermatology and Internal Medicine.
What We Do
I specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the skin, hair, and nails. These disorders include acne, warts, psoriasis, hair loss, nevi (moles), skin cancer, pigmentation disorders, allergic reactions, immunity disorders, infections, contact and atopic dermatitis, and cutaneous manifestations of internal diseases. I also perform surgical removal of benign and malignant skin growths. Sometimes a diagnosis of a skin rash will be obvious from its appearance and the appropriate medications can be prescribed. Other times, microscopic tests, blood tests, and specialized procedures or biopsies are needed to arrive at the proper diagnosis and treatment. Our office has a phototherapy center to treat psoriasis and other skin diseases. . Patients of all ages are welcome, and handicap access is available.
Thank You
It is our sincere hope to provide you with the highest quality care possible. If you have questions, or if problems arise, do not hesitate to bring them to our attention. We welcome your suggestions.