Has Your Dermatologist Retired? Here’s How to Make a Smooth Transition
Finding out that your longtime dermatologist has retired, relocated, or left the area can be frustrating—especially if you’ve been seeing the same physician for years. You may be wondering how to transfer your medical records, continue an existing treatment plan, or simply find a dermatologist you can trust.
The good news is that changing dermatologists doesn’t have to mean starting over.
Your Skin Care Doesn’t Have to Miss a Beat
Whether you visit your dermatologist for annual skin checks, treatment of a chronic condition, or ongoing monitoring after skin cancer, continuity of care is important. A new dermatologist can review your medical history, previous treatments, medications, and relevant biopsy or pathology reports to help make the transition as seamless as possible.
At Mālama Dermatology in Honolulu, Dr. Shelbi Jim On welcomes patients who are looking for a new dermatologist and understands that establishing a new doctor-patient relationship takes time and trust.
“We understand that choosing a new dermatologist can feel like a big decision, particularly when you’ve been with the same physician for many years,” says Dr. Jim On. “Our goal is to make that transition as comfortable and seamless as possible while getting to know each patient and understanding their individual skin care needs.”
What If You’re Already Being Treated for a Skin Condition?
You don’t necessarily need to wait until your previous treatment is finished before finding a new dermatologist. If you’re managing acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, or another ongoing skin condition, bringing your existing records can help your new dermatologist understand what you’ve already tried and what has or hasn’t worked.
Your previous dermatologist’s records may include office notes, medication history, photographs, biopsy results, pathology reports, and other information that can be valuable in developing your ongoing care plan.
What If You Have a History of Skin Cancer?
For patients with a history of skin cancer, finding a new dermatologist promptly is particularly important. Regular skin examinations and appropriate follow-up can help monitor your skin and identify suspicious changes early.
If you’ve previously been treated for basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, or another skin cancer, be sure to let your new dermatologist know about your diagnosis and treatment history. If you have copies of your pathology reports or other records, bring them to your first appointment or authorize your previous practice to transfer them.
“If you’ve had skin cancer or are being monitored for a suspicious lesion, you don’t have to navigate that transition alone,” says Dr. Jim On. “We’ll take the time to review your history, answer your questions, and make sure you have a clear plan for your continued dermatologic care.”
A New Dermatologist Can Become Your Long-Term Partner in Skin Health
Your dermatologist is an important part of your overall health care. If your previous physician has retired, moved away, or stopped practicing in your area, this can be an opportunity to establish a new relationship with a dermatologist who can care for your skin for years to come.
At Mālama Dermatology in Honolulu, Dr. Shelbi Jim On provides personalized dermatologic care for patients with a wide range of skin concerns. Whether you’re looking for routine skin examinations, treatment for an ongoing condition, or continued monitoring after skin cancer, our team is here to help make the transition as easy as possible.
If you’re looking for a new dermatologist in Honolulu, we welcome you to contact Mālama Dermatology and take the next step toward continuing your skin care with confidence.
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