Bhawani Shankar, Maharashtra36 dermatologists near you

The profession of dermatologist is practised after training as a doctor following a scientific baccalaureate: the first six years of medical studies after passing a competitive examination at the end of the first year, plus a specialisation in dermatology lasting 4 to 5 years, alternating between studies, internships and on-call duty in hospitals. After a BAC+10 or BAC+11, the student receives a diploma of specialised studies (DES) in dermatology-venereology and after defending a thesis in dermatology, he can practice thanks to his State diploma of doctor of medicine.

The dermatologist can deal with all affections, infections, pathologies and diseases relating to the skin, the mucous membranes as well as the hair and nails, which are called phaneres. He can be consulted in the case of a mole of abnormal size or colour, a worrying skin reaction (psoriasis, eczema, urticaria, etc.), an episode of hair loss, itching followed by redness, etc. Also working as a venereologist, he can intervene to treat certain STIs causing skin eruptions such as herpes. During a consultation with a dermatologist, he or she can make various diagnoses and, if necessary, request additional tests. It is the dermatologist's duty to explain in detail to his patients the origin of their disease and the solutions available to contain or treat it - in some cases this may require surgical intervention. He also works closely with general practitioners and allergists.

A dermatologist is recommended when faced with persistent skin problems: itching, hives, eczema, herpes, etc. Episodes of hair loss accompanied by patches of dead skin are also a reason for consultation, and the same applies to a mole that has become painful or has changed size.

To find a dermatologist, you can use a directory such as StarOfService, where many dermatology professionals are listed by region and by city. All you have to do is follow the indications on the screen to find the specialist who can meet your needs.

The price of a consultation with a dermatologist varies according to the procedures he or she will perform. As with general practitioners, specialists in dermatology and venereology are divided by sector of agreement, which will vary the cost of a consultation. Thus, there are dermatologists working in sector 1 and sector 2, on the one hand, and on the other hand, dermatologists who are not covered by the convention. - Sector 1 (no extra fees): fixed prices and independent of the will of the dermatologists consultations reimbursed up to 70% for an average rate of 46 € if the consultation occurs after that of the attending physician
- Regular follow-up after consultation with the GP reimbursed at 70% of 28 €
- Sector 2 (with excess fees): free price with reimbursement rate based on sector 1 consultation prices
- Conventional tariff of 46 € with reimbursement of 70% for a one-off opinion after a consultation with the attending physician
- Conventional tariff of 23 € with 70% reimbursement for regular follow-up after a consultation with the GP
Whether it is for sector 1 or sector 2, appointments without respecting the coordinated care pathway are only covered at 30% of the conventional rate. With a mutual health insurance company, it is possible to have 100% coverage of the conventional rate for a dermatologist in sector 1 with a classic offer. For a practitioner in sector 2, it will be necessary to subscribe to a supplementary health insurance plan to benefit from substantial coverage.

In the normal course of treatment, a consultation to a dermatologist is carried out by the attending physician. One should not hesitate to ask for advice. Otherwise, it is recommended to turn to a professional who accepts to link his rates to those imposed by the convention. The rate is then modest and the cost of the consultation is covered by the Social Security - to a certain extent. Word of mouth remains a good method for finding a dermatologist.

- How long did you practice as a dermatologist?
- Are you a registered dermatologist?
- Do I have to undergo several examinations?