Dr. Darst is an expert in the diagnosis and care of medical problems of the skin.

Full Skin Examinations:

At Darst Dermatology, we believe in preventative care of your skin as well as treating conditions that cause you symptoms.  That is why every new patient is offered a Full Skin Examination along with the initial visit.  The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that everyone have a Full Skin Examination once a year, especially adults. 

In preparation for your Full Skin Examination, Dr. Darst’s assistant will record your medical history in our electronic medical record.  She will then offer you a comfortable cloth gown and cover sheet, and ask you to disrobe, leaving  your underwear on, and cover up with the gown and sheet.   She and Dr. Darst will return when you are ready and examine your skin for any suspicious lesions.  Dr. Darst’s examination includes the scalp as well as the palms and soles and nails.  Many patients tell us that no one has ever looked at their scalp or soles of the feet!

During the examination, Dr. Darst will point out both benign spots as well as suspicious ones.  Many patients are comforted by the fact that some spots they worried about are in fact benign.  Dr. Darst and his assistant will instruct you how to monitor your skin at home and provide handouts to assist you.  If a suspicious lesion is discovered, Dr. Darst will discuss it with you and recommend a plan to diagnose or treat the lesion.  This may include a biopsy.  For your convenience, Dr. Darst will perform the biopsy at that visit if at all possible. 

At the end of your appointment, you will be encouraged to schedule your next Full Skin Examination, usually in one year.  For patients with a history of skin cancer, this may be more frequent.

Insurance coverage:  We are frequently asked if insurance companies pay for a Full Skin Examination.  The answer is yes.  Dr. Darst believes in prevention and does not charge any additional cost for the examination, which he feels is just good medical care.  Our office has not had any insurance denials for providing this care.