At CutisCo Dermatology, we know how frustrating it can be to wait weeks—or even months—to see a dermatologist. Whether you’re dealing with acne, eczema, a suspicious mole, or another skin concern, you want timely, expert care. So why does it take so long to get an appointment?
Let’s break down the reasons—and share how CutisCo is working to change the system.
1. A Shortage of Dermatologists Nationwide
The U.S. faces a well-known shortage of dermatologists. Demand for skin care is growing faster than the number of providers—and there are a few key reasons why.
- Limited dermatology residency positions: After medical school, doctors must complete a residency to become board-certified. Dermatology has very few residency slots, largely because most are funded by Medicare—and those funding levels haven’t kept up with population growth since the 1990s.
- An aging population: Older adults are more likely to need care for skin cancer, chronic conditions like psoriasis, and age-related skin changes. As the population ages, so does the need for regular dermatologic care.
- Higher demand overall: More people are seeking help for both medical and cosmetic concerns—from acne and rashes to Botox and lasers. Patients are more proactive about their skin health than ever before, which adds even more pressure to dermatologists’ schedules.
2. High Demand for Specialized Skin Care
Dermatology covers a wide range of complex medical, surgical, and cosmetic issues. Dermatologists are trained to diagnose and manage more than 3,000 skin, hair, and nail conditions—including serious concerns like skin cancer.
Patients often seek care for:
- Persistent rashes
- Hair loss
- Nail disorders
- Pediatric skin issues
- Chronic autoimmune conditions
These are not one-size-fits-all cases—they require detailed evaluation, biopsies, and follow-up care. That demand adds up quickly on appointment calendars.
3. Inefficient Clinic Models and Scheduling Systems
Many dermatology practices still rely on outdated scheduling systems or inefficient workflows. Appointment slots may be reserved for cosmetic services or follow-up visits, leaving fewer openings for new or urgent cases.
In addition, practices that aren’t optimized for speed and flexibility can fall behind, especially when unexpected needs arise (like skin emergencies, no-shows, or delayed procedures).
At CutisCo, we’re building more efficient models to change that. We design our clinic flow with flexibility in mind, prioritize access, and use technology to maximize provider time—so more patients can be seen, sooner.
4. Insurance Complexities, Especially for Medicaid Patients
Insurance plays a big role in access. Many dermatology clinics limit the number of patients they accept with certain insurance types—especially Medicaid—due to low reimbursement rates and administrative hurdles.
This means:
- Patients with Medicaid often face even longer wait times
- Providers must navigate time-consuming paperwork that limits appointment availability
At CutisCo, we believe everyone deserves great skin care, regardless of insurance. That’s why we’re building innovative systems to include Medicaid patients in our care model. We focus on clinic efficiency, collaborative care teams, and digital tools that help us provide high-quality care—without sacrificing access.
5. Geographic Disparities
In rural or underserved areas, there may not be a dermatologist within 50 or even 100 miles. In urban areas, the demand is high, but the number of available providers doesn’t always keep up. Some patients may end up traveling far or competing for the same limited appointment slots.
This is where teledermatology and smart scheduling systems can help bridge the gap—something we’re actively working on at CutisCo to make dermatologic care more accessible across communities.
6. Cosmetic Dermatology Can Dominate the Schedule
Cosmetic procedures—like fillers, Botox, and lasers—are in high demand. Many practices prioritize these services because they are cash-pay (not insurance-based) and help support the business financially.
While cosmetic dermatology is important and valued, it can sometimes take precedence over medical appointments in traditional practice models.
We believe there’s a balance. At CutisCo, we maintain availability for both cosmetic and medical concerns, but our primary focus remains on inclusive, accessible, and timely medical dermatology for all patients.
So… What Can You Do?
Here are a few tips to help you get dermatologic care when you need it:
- Call early: Some practices release new appointment blocks at certain times of the week.
- Be flexible: Ask to be added to a waitlist for cancellations.
- Consider teledermatology: Some conditions can be evaluated virtually, often sooner.
- Know your skin: Don’t wait until a spot or rash becomes a crisis. Early action can lead to better outcomes.
- Cancel if you can’t make it: Life happens—but when patients cancel in advance, those appointment slots can go to someone else who needs care. Reducing no-shows helps everyone access dermatology faster.
Our Commitment at CutisCo
We’re rethinking how dermatology is delivered. Through better clinic design, smarter scheduling, and a strong commitment to serving patients from all backgrounds, we’re aiming to reduce wait times and improve access—especially for Medicaid and underserved patients.
We’re also helping to build the future of dermatologic care by training the next generation of clinicians through our Advanced Practice Provider (APP) training program, which supports skilled physician assistants and nurse practitioners in delivering high-quality, patient-centered dermatology.
Your skin shouldn’t have to wait. And we’re working hard to make sure it doesn’t.
