Elkhorn Dermatology Direct-Pay FAQs

At Elkhorn Dermatology, our direct-pay model allows us to focus on what matters most: providing personalized, transparent, high-quality dermatology care without the complexity of traditional insurance billing. Below are answers to some of the most common questions about our practice, pricing, and payment options.

Elkhorn Dermatology Uses a Direct-Pay Model

A Different Approach to Dermatologic Care

At Elkhorn Dermatology, we believe exceptional dermatologic care begins by putting patients first.

Our direct-pay model allows us to spend more meaningful time with each patient while providing transparent pricing, individualized care, and timely access to appointments.

This approach allows us to:

  • Spend unhurried time with each patient
  • Provide transparent, upfront pricing
  • Address multiple concerns during a single visit whenever appropriate
  • Utilize advanced diagnostic technology when clinically indicated
  • Recommend treatments based on your medical needs, not insurance requirements

Our goal is simple: provide thoughtful, evidence-based dermatology care in an environment where medical decisions are guided by what is best for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve compiled answers to some of the most common questions about our direct-pay model, pricing, insurance, and payment options. If you have additional questions, our team is always happy to help.

Understanding Direct Pay

What is a direct-pay model?

A direct-pay practice allows patients to pay directly for their dermatology services instead of relying on traditional insurance billing for office visits. This approach simplifies the healthcare experience while providing transparent pricing, personalized care, and greater flexibility for both patients and providers.

What does direct pay mean for patients?

Choosing a direct-pay practice offers several advantages, including:

  • Transparent pricing before your visit
  • Payment at the time of service
  • More time with your provider
  • No referrals or prior authorizations required for office visits
  • Personalized treatment recommendations based on your medical needs

How does direct-pay pricing compare to traditional insurance?

Many patients find that our transparent pricing is comparable to, or even lower than, the combined cost of insurance deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. Our goal is to make dermatology care straightforward by allowing patients to clearly understand the cost of their care before treatment begins.

Insurance & Payment

Does Elkhorn Dermatology accept insurance?

Elkhorn Dermatology is a direct-pay dermatology practice. Office visits and in-office procedures are paid directly to the clinic at the time of service. Certain services, including pathology testing, laboratory services, and prescription medications, may still involve your insurance depending on the service provided and your individual benefits.

What is a Good Faith Estimate?

We provide a Good Faith Estimate price list that outlines the fees for our office visits, procedures, and commonly performed services. Our transparent pricing allows patients to review costs in advance and make informed decisions before scheduling care.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept the following forms of payment:

  • Cash
  • Personal checks
  • Credit and debit cards
  • Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for eligible medical services
  • Cherry financing for qualifying services

How are biopsies billed?

If a biopsy is performed during your visit, the procedure fee is paid directly to Elkhorn Dermatology. If the tissue sample requires laboratory analysis, pathology services are billed separately by the independent pathology laboratory.

Patients with insurance may choose whether to have the laboratory bill their insurance or pay out of pocket. Patients without insurance will receive an estimated self-pay cost before testing is performed whenever possible.

What services may involve insurance?

Although office visits and treatments are self-pay, certain services may still be processed through your insurance, including:

  • Pathology services performed by an independent laboratory
  • Laboratory testing performed by outside facilities
  • Prescription medications filled through your pharmacy

Coverage and patient responsibility are determined by your individual insurance plan.

Can I use my insurance for prescription medications?

Yes. While office visits are direct-pay, prescriptions written by our providers may be processed through your pharmacy using your prescription insurance benefits, subject to your individual plan.

How are specialized diagnostic tests billed?

Some specialized diagnostic services, including comprehensive gut testing, patch testing, hormonal evaluations, and other advanced laboratory studies, involve additional fees separate from your office visit.

Before any testing is ordered, we’ll explain the purpose of the test, discuss anticipated costs, and answer any questions you may have.

Financing Options

Do you offer financing?

Yes. We partner with Cherry to offer flexible financing for qualifying dermatology and cosmetic treatments. Payment plans allow many patients to begin treatment immediately while spreading the cost over time.

Our team can help determine whether financing is available for your recommended treatment plan.

Cosmetic Treatment Packages

Do you offer treatment packages?

Yes. Select cosmetic treatments are available as customized treatment packages designed to provide added value while helping patients achieve their aesthetic goals.

During your consultation, we’ll review your treatment recommendations, discuss available package options, and create a personalized plan based on your goals, timeline, and budget.

Card on File Policy

Why do you require a card on file?

To help streamline the check-in process, we require patients to maintain a valid card on file before their appointment.

Your card on file is not charged automatically for services provided during your visit. Payment for your appointment is collected at the time of service. We only use the card on file if there is an unpaid balance remaining on your account, such as a balance that was not paid at checkout or fees outlined in our office policies. This helps us manage outstanding balances while providing a convenient and secure payment experience.

Is my payment information secure?

Yes. Payment information is securely encrypted and stored using PCI-compliant payment processing systems. Our team cannot access your full credit card information, helping protect your financial information while providing a convenient and secure payment experience.

Still Have Questions?

If you have additional questions about our direct-pay model, pricing, or payment options, our team is happy to help. We’re committed to making dermatology care simple, transparent, and easy to understand. Contact us anytime or schedule your visit online when you’re ready.

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CONTACT INFORMATION

Discover more about Elkhorn Dermatology and our experienced providers, and learn why families throughout our community trust us for personalized, high-quality dermatologic care.

Office Hours

Monday – Friday:

10:00 AM – 6:00 PM