What Type of Dermatologist Should I See?

Hi,

First, thank you for your wonderfully informative blog.

1) I’d like to see a dermatologist about my scalp. Would any dermatologist be okay or should I make sure it is a dermatologist specializing in hair loss? (I’m currently between III and IV on the Norwood chart. Also, I my skin seems unnaturally dry in those areas, and there are two tiny red sores that I discovered about the same time my hair loss began three years ago which have never gone away; so I think there may be a correlation.)

2) I’m in San Diego. Do you (or your associates) or anyone you can recommend in my area accept Blue Cross/Blue Shield health insurance?

Thank you very much for your time.

Insurance for medical work-ups for hair loss is covered by many insurance companies, but you will have to investigate your benefits from your present carrier. Hair transplants, on the other hand, have not been covered by insurance companies unless there is a burn or accident associated, and again, the benefits are defined as ‘covering’ those injuries for cosmetic surgeries.

If you are a male or female with hair loss, then your doctor should be able to make miniaturization mapping of your scalp. Some dermatologists do this, so you should ask their staff before you set up a visit. People who call themselves hair experts can be found in the physician search on ISHRS.org in your local area. My closest office is 120 miles from you, in Los Angeles.