FAQs

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Dermatology is a specialized area of medicine which focuses on treating diseases of the skin, hair, and nails. In Canada, dermatologists must complete five years of rigorous training following medical school. The most common conditions treated by dermatologists include acne, eczema, psoriasis, and skin cancers. To learn more about common skin conditions, read the FAQs below.

Do I need a referral?

Yes – for medical dermatology concerns, OHIP regulations require that all patients be referred to a dermatologist by their family doctor. Cosmetic dermatology treatments do not require a referral. If you are unsure whether your condition is medical or cosmetic, please contact our office. Download Referral Form Here

How does the referral process work?

Your family doctor will send a referral to North York Dermatology Clinic outlining the reason for the consultation. North York Dermatology Clinic will schedule an appointment and will then notify your family doctor. Your family doctor's office will then notify you of your appointment date and time. Once you have received your appointment any changes can be made by contacting our office directly.

Do I need a separate referral for each condition?

Yes — each skin condition requires its own referral from your family doctor. We strive to provide the best possible care in a timely manner to everyone and are unfortunately not able to address multiple concerns on the same visit.

What if I don't have a family doctor?

A walk-in clinic or your local emergency room (if urgent) can issue a referral.

How long does it take to get an appointment?

Please allow 5 business days to receive your appointment notice from your family doctor. The date and time of your appointment will depend on the urgency of your condition. Non-urgent appointments may be scheduled as far in advance as 1-5 months. Urgent requests are triaged and accommodated as soon as our schedule permits.

Why do I have to wait so long to see a dermatologist?

Simply put, it is a supply and demand issue. There are too few dermatologists to service the increasing need for dermatology services. Our office receives a large volume of referrals daily. We strive to process them as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, this volume also means there may be a wait on the day of your appointment. We appreciate your patience. To help us see you as quickly as possible please Try to avoid rescheduling your appointments. We have limited space to accommodate changes. Let us know if you no longer need your appointment so we can release it to another patient.

On the day of your appointment

At North York Dermatology Clinic, we recognize that your time is valuable and that wait times can sometimes be lengthy. We endeavour to stay on time, however unexpected emergencies and surgical procedures often contribute to delays.

To help us stay on time, please:

Have your OHIP card ready and plan to arrive no more than 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. Arriving earlier doesn't guarantee an earlier appointment.
New patients: please print and fill up below form and bring it with you to your appointment.

Download Patient Registration Form Here

Welcome to the North York Dermatology Clinic