Frequently Asked Questions

These are some of the most common questions asked by our patients.

North Idaho Dermatology is dedicated to providing the highest standard in cosmetic procedures. Our broad spectrum of treatments and procedures are medically supervised by our fully trained and qualified doctors, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and licensed Nurse Estheticians. We offer gift certificates and, for certain treatments, free consultations.

  1. Are you accepting new patients?
  2. How do I schedule an appointment?
  3. How do I cancel an appointment?
  4. Do I need a referral from another doctor to get an appointment?
  5. Can I use my insurance at North Idaho Dermatology?
  6. Do I need to bring a credit card, check or money to my visit?
  7. How do I contact my dermatologist if I have questions?
  8. What kinds of problems do you treat?
  9. What types of procedures do you perform?
  10. Do you do any cosmetic procedures?
  11. I am having surgery done at North Idaho Dermatology. What should I expect?
  12. How do I get a prescription refill?
  13. What is HIPAA? How do you make sure my medical information is kept confidential?
  14. Do I need to come to all the appointments for my minor son / daughter?
  15. What are your office hours?
  16. Can you give me directions to your office?

Are you accepting new patients? back to top

Yes, we are accepting new patients and appointments for new patients are usually between a few days and a few weeks. If you elect to be seen by a Certified Physician Assistant or a Nurse Practitioner, you can usually be seen sooner.

How do I schedule an appointment? back to top

Patients are seen by appointment only.
Schedule An Appointment by calling (208) 665-SKIN (7546).

How do I cancel an appointment? back to top

We make every effort to honor all time commitments and request that you extend the same courtesy to us. If you are unable to keep your appointment please call (208) 665-SKIN (7546) at least 24 hours in advance so we may schedule another patient in your allotted time. We have an answering service so patients may leave messages after hours when necessary.

Do I need a referral from another doctor to get an appointment?back to top

You need a referral if your insurance requires a referral for you to see a specialist or you are covered by Idaho Medicaid.

Can I use my insurance at North Idaho Dermatology?back to top

North Idaho Dermatology participates with Medicare, Medicaid, and most other major insurance carriers. Please check with your insurance carrier to determine additional information.

Do I need to bring a credit card, check or money to my visit? back to top

  • Copays and Deductibles must be paid at the time of office visit.
  • Private plans and uninsured must pay at the time of office visit.
  • All patients undergoing cosmetic procedures must pay a deposit before the office visit. This deposit is applied to the total charge at the time of service. Your provider will be happy to give you an estimate of the charge so you may plan ahead for this service.
  • Payments may be made by cash, check, money order, Visa, MasterCard or Discovery Card

How do I contact my dermatologist if I have questions?back to top

Our staff is trained to obtain the most important information to be relayed to our providers, and we get this information to them as soon as possible. Please cooperate in giving the information they request. If you have questions call (208) 665-SKIN (7546).

What kinds of problems do you treat? back to top

Any problems of the skin, hair and nails. Diseases of the skin affect all age groups from infants to the elderly and all skin surfaces including the feet and nails, the mucous membranes (mouth, anal, genital areas). The Dermatological providers at North Idaho Dermatology are familiar with the work of other specialties because we are consultants to many such as pediatricians, obstetricians and gynecologists, internists, family practitioners, dentists, ophthalmologists and other medical specialties. Dermatology thus requires a very broad based knowledge. Dermatologists use many different therapeutic tools ranging from antibiotics to surgery.

Common problems treated by North Idaho Dermatology include:

Acne
Actinic Keratosis (AK)
Alopecia (Hair Loss)
Atopic Dermatitis
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Contact Dermatitis
Cutaneous t-cell lymphoma
Eczema
Fungal Infections
Impetigo
Lichen Planus
Melanoma
Morphea (localized scleroderma)
Nevi (Moles)
Onychomycosis (Nail Fungus)
Papillomavirus (Warts)
Psoriasis
Rosacea
Scabies
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Tinea Versicolor
Urticaria (hives)
Vitiligo

* acne and acne scarring/Accutane
* contact dermatitis (referring to skin diseases resulting from external causes such as poison ivy, industrial or household chemicals)
* fungal infections such as athlete's foot, ring worm and toenail fungus
* skin cancer - Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Malignant Melanoma

What types of procedures do you perform?back to top

  • Surgical removal of benign and malignant lesions of the skin including skin cancers, cysts, moles & other growths
  • Patch testing for possible skin allergens
  • Light treatments (PUVA or UVB for psoriasis, eczema or vitiligo)

Do you do any cosmetic procedures?back to top

Click here to learn about Cosmetic Services.

I am having surgery done at North Idaho Dermatology. What should I expect?back to top

All procedures are performed in our office with local anesthesia. Most procedures are completed in less than an hour. Following the procedure you will be given specific instructions on how to care for your skin, when to return to the clinic, and when you can return to work or full activities. You will be awake during all procedures and will be able to leave the office under your own power.

How do I get a prescription refill?back to top

We will only refill prescriptions written by one of our providers. Requests for prescription refills should be made only during office hours when your medical records are available. Because many prescription drugs have side effects of which you may not be aware, they should be administered only under a provider's supervision and renewed only when they can monitor your condition. Therefore, you will sometimes be requested to make a follow-up visit before a prescription will be renewed.

* Accutane refills - Due to recent FDA regulations Accutane refills can not be provided over the telephone and will only be provided during a follow-up clinic visit and according to federal government guidelines.

What is HIPAA? What do you do to make sure my medical information is kept confidential?back to top

HIPAA stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). The Practice provides this Notice to comply with the Privacy Regulations issued by the Department of Health and Human Services in accordance with HIPAA. To learn more information see our Notice of Privacy Practices.

Do I need to come to all the appointments for my minor son / daughter? back to top

It is very important that parents are aware of the medical care provided to their children. We strongly recommend all minors are accompanied by one of the parents / guardian. However, if this is not feasible you may print a copy of the Authorization to treat minor-unaccompanied minor, sign it and have the patient bring it to the medical appointment. NOTE: Insurance cards must be presented at each appointment.

What are your office hours?back to top

Coeur d'Alene Office
Monday through Thursday
8:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00p.m.
Friday
8:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00 p.m. to 3:00p.m.

Sandpoint Office
Wednesdays
9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
1st and 3rd Friday
9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m

Can you give me directions to your office?back to top

Directions to our offices can be found on the Contact Us page.