What to expect at your dermatology consultation
A guide to your first dermatology appointment with a dermatologist in New Zealand.
Before your appointment
Most New Zealand dermatologist practices send a new-patient form before your first visit. Complete this in advance so the dermatologist can read it before you arrive — it includes your medical history, current medications, allergies and the specific concern you want assessed.
- • A list of current medications and dosages
- • Any recent imaging (x-ray, MRI, CT) or specialist letters
- • Your ACC claim number if your problem follows an injury
- • Your health-insurance details if you have cover (Southern Cross, nib etc.)
- • Comfortable clothing that lets the dermatologist assess the affected area
During the consultation
Duration: New patient appointments are typically 30–45 minutes; follow-ups 15–30 minutes.
Dermatology covers the diagnosis and treatment of skin, hair and nail conditions. A typical specialist appointment includes a history, full-skin examination, dermoscopy where indicated, and may include biopsy, cryotherapy or treatment planning. Some dermatology services are provided by GPs with extra training, by nurse specialists, or by allied skin-cancer clinics.
Questions worth asking
- • What is your working diagnosis, and what else are you considering?
- • What is the recommended treatment plan and how long should it take?
- • What does the evidence show about success rates for this approach?
- • What is the total expected cost — including imaging, equipment or follow-ups?
- • What should improve, and by when, before we change approach?
- • When should I contact you between visits, and how?
Verifying your dermatologist
Dermatologist services in New Zealand are a medical specialty regulated by the Medical Council of New Zealand. Dermatologists hold a vocational scope of Dermatology — a postgraduate fellowship after general medical training — and many are Fellows of the Australasian College of Dermatologists (FACD). Verify the practitioner on the MCNZ register and check whether they hold a vocational scope of Dermatology. For skin-cancer clinics, ask whether the clinician is a vocationally-registered dermatologist, a GP with extra training, or a nurse specialist — all are legitimate but the level of expertise differs. You can search the public register at mcnz.org.nz at any time.
Plan your dermatology treatment
Related care
Other health services frequently considered alongside dermatology:
Dermatology: questions
What happens at a dermatology consultation?
Dermatology covers the diagnosis and treatment of skin, hair and nail conditions. A typical specialist appointment includes a history, full-skin examination, dermoscopy where indicated, and may include biopsy, cryotherapy or treatment planning. Some dermatology services are provided by GPs with extra training, by nurse specialists, or by allied skin-cancer clinics.
How long does a dermatology consultation take?
New patient appointments are typically 30–45 minutes; follow-ups 15–30 minutes.
What should I bring to a dermatology consultation?
Bring a list of your current medications, any imaging or specialist letters, your ACC claim number if relevant, your private health insurance details, and a list of questions you want to discuss. Wear clothing that allows the practitioner to assess the affected area.
Will I need a referral?
A GP referral is usually required for funded specialist consultations and is recommended for private appointments because dermatologists rely on the GP letter for context. Skin-cancer clinics generally accept self-referrals.