Frequently Asked Questions

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What services does Southport Dermatology offer?

Southport Dermatology is a physician-owned dermatology practice focused primarily on medical and surgical dermatology for patients of all ages.

We diagnose and treat a wide range of skin, hair, and nail conditions including:

Skin cancer and precancerous lesions
Acne
Eczema and atopic dermatitis
Psoriasis
Rosacea
Rashes
Hair loss
Warts and molluscum
Cysts and lipomas
Hidradenitis suppurativa
Pediatric dermatology conditions
Nail disorders
Hyperhidrosis

We also perform many in-office procedures including biopsies, cryotherapy, excisions, and treatment of benign and precancerous lesions.

Do you accept insurance?

Yes. We currently accept traditional Medicare and Aetna and are actively credentialing with additional commercial insurance plans, Medicaid, and Medicare Advantage plans.

Insurance participation is expanding over time as credentialing is completed with multiple payers. Please contact the office for the most current insurance information prior to your appointment.

For patients whose insurance is not yet in network, we offer transparent self-pay pricing and can provide documentation/superbills for possible out-of-network reimbursement depending on your plan.

What is the Community Care Clinic?

One of our goals at Southport Dermatology is to improve access to dermatologic care in coastal North Carolina.

Our Community Care Clinic is designed to help provide access for patients with financial hardship, limited insurance access, urgent dermatologic needs, or long wait times for specialty care. Appointment availability and structure may vary over time as the practice grows and expands insurance participation.

To qualify patients must demonstrate financial hardship, be uninsured, and have a significant untreated dermatologic need. We believe quality dermatologic care should not feel inaccessible or intimidating, and community access remains an important part of our mission.

Is Southport Dermatology physician-owned?

Yes. Southport Dermatology is an independently physician-owned practice.

That means decisions about patient care are made locally by your dermatologist — not by a large corporate or private equity management group. Our focus is on building long-term relationships, providing thoughtful care, and maintaining flexibility to do what is best for patients and the community.

What is the difference between an independent private practice and a private equity-owned practice?

Independent physician-owned practices are typically owned and operated by physicians directly involved in patient care. This often allows for:

Greater continuity of care
More personalized decision-making
Increased scheduling flexibility
Local community involvement
A more relationship-centered patient experience

Private equity-backed practices are owned or financially controlled by investment groups. While many provide good care, operational decisions are often made at a larger corporate level.

At Southport Dermatology, we intentionally chose the independent practice model because we value personalized medicine, accessibility, physician autonomy, and strong community relationships.

Do you perform skin cancer screenings?

Yes. Skin cancer screening and prevention are major focuses of our practice. We strongly encourage regular skin checks, particularly for patients with:

Significant sun exposure
Fair skin
Personal or family history of skin cancer
Numerous moles
Changing or symptomatic lesions

Do you perform procedures in office?

Yes. Many procedures can be performed conveniently in office, including:

Skin biopsies
Cryotherapy
Excision of lesions
Treatment of precancers
Cyst removal
Management of benign skin growths

Do you see children?

Yes. We see both pediatric and adult patients.

Do you offer cosmetic dermatology?

While our primary focus is medical and surgical dermatology, we do offer select aesthetic services. Our philosophy centers around natural, individualized results that preserve what makes each patient unique rather than creating an overdone or “cookie-cutter” appearance.

Do I need a referral?

Some insurance plans require referrals while others do not. We recommend checking with your insurance carrier if you are unsure.

What should I bring to my appointment?

Please bring:

Photo ID
Insurance card(s)
Medication list
Relevant pathology reports or prior dermatology records
Referral paperwork if required

Do you offer urgent appointments?

We strive to provide timely access for urgent dermatologic concerns whenever possible, including painful rashes, rapidly changing lesions, infections, severe eczema flares, or suspicious skin cancers.

What is your cancellation policy?

We kindly ask for at least 24 hours notice for cancellations or rescheduling whenever possible so we may offer appointments to other patients in need of care.

What makes Southport Dermatology different?

We built this practice around the belief that dermatology care should feel personal, transparent, and community-centered.

Our goal is to combine evidence-based dermatology with:

Timely access to care
Honest communication
Transparent pricing
A welcoming environment
Thoughtful, individualized treatment plans
Respect for each patient’s unique features and concerns

We believe patients deserve to feel heard, educated, and cared for — not rushed through a system.