•Chicago has 19 listed dermatology professionals with an impressive average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, signaling a competitive, high-quality market.
•Kaminska Dermatology: Beth Adams, MD, FAAD leads the city with a perfect 5.0-star rating across 223 reviews — a rare achievement in any medical specialty.
•Chicago's brutal winters, lake-effect winds, and humid summers create a uniquely demanding environment for skin health, making regular dermatology care more critical here than in many other U.S. cities.
•Every one of the 19 listed dermatology practices in Chicago offers direct phone contact, meaning you won't be stuck navigating a phone tree to schedule your first appointment.
•Consultation costs in Chicago typically run $150–$500, with procedural costs ranging from $200 to over $5,000 depending on complexity — knowing this range before you call helps you ask the right questions about insurance and out-of-pocket exposure.
Dermatology in Chicago: What You Need to Know
Chicago's skin health landscape is shaped by forces that are genuinely unique to this city. The combination of bone-dry, sub-zero winters with relentless Lake Michigan wind and then a pivot to hot, humid summers with intense UV exposure creates a year-round cycle of skin stress that dermatologists here see constantly. In winter, the cold and wind strip the skin barrier, causing transepidermal water loss that leads to cracking, eczema flares, and chronic irritation — particularly on exposed areas like the face and hands. Come summer, Chicagoans compensate by spending as much time outdoors as possible, often underestimating UV intensity during peak months. The net result is a patient population that presents with everything from severe contact dermatitis to advanced actinic damage, all within a single calendar year. With 2.7 million residents spread across 77 distinct neighborhoods — from the lakefront high-rises of Streeterville to the bungalow belts of Jefferson Park — the demand for quality dermatological care is both high and geographically diverse.
The good news for Chicago residents is that the local dermatology market has responded to this demand with a strong roster of practitioners. Across the 19 listed professionals, the average rating sits at 4.7 out of 5 stars — a figure that reflects real patient satisfaction rather than a small sample of handpicked reviews. Board certification through the American Board of Dermatology (ABD) is the credential that separates a trained specialist from a general practitioner offering skin services, and it should be the first box you check when evaluating any provider in Chicago. The city's status as a major medical education hub, home to Northwestern, Rush, University of Chicago, and Loyola academic medical centers, means there is a deeper-than-average pool of fellowship-trained subspecialists, including Mohs surgeons, pediatric dermatologists, and cosmetic dermatology experts. That concentration of talent is a significant advantage for patients with complex or chronic skin conditions.
Chicago tip: If you live north of the Loop, practices in Lincoln Square, Andersonville, and North Center — such as Kaminska Dermatology North Center — tend to have more availability for new patients compared to practices concentrated in the Gold Coast or River North, where wait times can stretch toward the longer end of the 2–8 week new patient window. Building a relationship with a dermatologist before a problem becomes urgent is especially wise in Chicago, where harsh winters can rapidly escalate a minor skin condition into a more serious one.
How Much Does Dermatology Cost in Chicago?
Dermatology pricing in Chicago reflects both the city's higher cost of living and the significant range in service complexity. A straightforward new-patient consultation — where a board-certified dermatologist evaluates your concerns, takes a history, and develops a treatment plan — typically runs between $150 and $500 depending on the provider's subspecialty focus, practice overhead in premium neighborhoods like the Gold Coast or River North, and whether the visit is billed through insurance or as a direct-pay cash rate. Many practices in Chicago offer both paths, and it is worth asking directly which billing approach will result in a lower out-of-pocket cost for your specific situation. Cosmetic procedures that are not covered by insurance, such as Botox, filler, laser resurfacing, or chemical peels, are priced entirely at market rate and vary considerably by provider experience and location within the city.
Procedural costs span an enormous range — from $200 for a simple liquid nitrogen cryotherapy session to well over $5,000 for multi-stage Mohs micrographic surgery with complex reconstruction, laser treatments for significant sun damage, or body contouring procedures. The key variable most patients miss is the per-unit or per-area pricing model that many cosmetic procedures use; always request a total estimated cost inclusive of follow-up visits rather than just a per-session price. Chicago patients with BCBS PPO, United, or Cigna coverage will find that most medically necessary dermatology services — biopsies, acne treatment, eczema management, skin cancer screening — are covered subject to specialist copay and deductible terms. Purely cosmetic procedures are universally excluded from coverage regardless of carrier.
Service
Low Estimate
High Estimate
Notes
New Patient Consultation
Low$150
High$500
Varies by practice location and whether billed to insurance or direct-pay. Board-certified specialists at premium Chicago addresses typically sit at the higher end.
Skin Cancer Screening (Full Body)
Low$200
High$400
Often covered by insurance as a medical visit. High demand in Chicago during spring — book February or March to get a May slot before peak UV season.
Cosmetic Procedures (Botox, Filler, Peels)
Low$300
High$3,000
Not covered by insurance. Per-unit Botox pricing is common; ask for total estimated cost. Fall and winter are peak seasons in Chicago, so book early.
Surgical Procedures (Mohs, Excisions, Laser)
Low$500
High$5,000+
Mohs surgery is typically covered by insurance when medically indicated. Multi-stage cases or complex reconstructions on the face drive costs toward the upper range.
Money-saving tip for Chicago: Schedule medically necessary skin cancer screenings and mole evaluations in January or February. Insurance deductibles reset at the start of the year, and booking early in the calendar year means your dermatology visits count toward your deductible before you need it for higher-cost procedures later. Additionally, several Chicago practices offer cash-pay discounts of 10–20% for cosmetic procedures booked during their slower late-winter months (January through March), when demand for injectables and resurfacing treatments temporarily dips after the holiday rush.
How to Choose the Right Dermatology
5 Questions to Ask Before Hiring
Are you board-certified by the American Board of Dermatology (ABD)? The right answer is yes, unequivocally. ABD certification requires completion of an accredited dermatology residency and passage of written and oral board examinations. In Illinois, a physician can legally offer dermatology services without this credential, so never assume — always confirm. Fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons should additionally hold certification or membership through the American College of Mohs Surgery.
What is your new patient appointment availability, and how long is a typical wait for follow-up care? A reasonable answer in the Chicago market is 2–8 weeks for a new patient appointment. If a practice quotes you longer than 8 weeks for a non-urgent concern, ask whether they maintain a cancellation list. For urgent concerns like a rapidly changing mole or suspicious lesion, a quality practice should be able to see you within days or refer you appropriately — if they cannot, look elsewhere.
Do you treat both medical and cosmetic dermatology, or do you specialize in one area? Neither answer is inherently wrong, but it must match your needs. A practice that focuses primarily on cosmetic dermatology may not have the diagnostic depth you need if you have eczema, psoriasis, or a skin cancer history. Conversely, a purely medical dermatology practice may not offer the full range of cosmetic services you want. Understanding a provider's focus before your first visit saves time and money.
How do you handle after-hours concerns or biopsy result communication? A well-run practice in Chicago should have a clear protocol for communicating biopsy results — typically within 5–10 business days — and should offer a defined path for urgent after-hours clinical questions. Look for practices that use a patient portal (MyChart or equivalent) for results, so you are not waiting by the phone. If the answer to this question is vague or the staff seems unfamiliar with the protocol, that is telling.
What is your specific experience with conditions common in Chicago's climate, such as eczema, rosacea exacerbated by cold wind, and UV-related skin damage? A dermatologist practicing in Chicago should speak fluently about cold-weather barrier dysfunction, wind-triggered rosacea flares, and the particular UV exposure patterns of patients who spend winters indoors and summers aggressively outdoors. If a provider gives you a generic answer that could apply anywhere in the country, they may not be tailoring their clinical approach to the real environmental pressures their Chicago patients face.
Red Flags When Hiring Dermatology
Watch for these red flags before booking with any Chicago dermatology practice:
No ABD board certification listed — In Illinois, providers are not legally required to be board-certified to offer dermatology services, so always confirm ABD status independently via the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) website before your first appointment. A practice that is evasive about credentials is a serious warning sign.
Unusually short appointment slots with no explanation — If a new patient consultation is scheduled for 10 minutes or less and you have multiple concerns, you will not receive adequate care. Quality dermatology evaluations take time. Practices that over-schedule patients to maximize volume at the expense of thoroughness are a common problem in high-demand Chicago urban locations.
High-pressure cosmetic upselling during a medical visit — If you come in for a suspicious mole evaluation and leave feeling pressured to schedule Botox or laser treatments you did not ask about, that is a misaligned incentive structure. Ethical dermatologists keep medical and cosmetic discussions separate unless the patient initiates the conversation.
No clear process for communicating biopsy or pathology results — Any practice performing skin biopsies must have a documented, reliable system for getting results to patients within a defined timeframe. 'We'll call if something is wrong' is not an acceptable protocol. Ask explicitly how results are communicated and in what timeframe.
Reviews that mention frequent staff turnover or difficulty reaching the practice — In Chicago's competitive healthcare market, staff retention reflects organizational quality. If multiple reviews mention they could never get someone on the phone, that persistent access problem will affect your care. Note that 100% of the 19 listed Chicago dermatology practices offer direct phone contact — if you cannot reach a practice you are considering, that is a meaningful departure from the local standard.
Top-Rated Dermatology in Chicago
Among the 19 listed dermatology professionals in Chicago, five practices have distinguished themselves with consistently high patient ratings across a meaningful volume of reviews. Leading the group is Kaminska Dermatology: Beth Adams, MD, FAAD, which has achieved a perfect 5.0-star rating across 223 reviews — a combination of rating and review volume that is genuinely exceptional in any medical specialty. The FAAD designation (Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology) alongside ABD board certification signals a practitioner who maintains active engagement with the specialty's professional standards and continuing education requirements. For Chicago patients seeking a dermatologist where clinical reputation is paramount, this practice sets the benchmark.
Fine Dermatology and Dr. Elizabeth Kiracofe of Airia Comprehensive Dermatology both hold 4.9-star ratings — Fine Dermatology with 75 reviews and Dr. Kiracofe with 77 reviews. These review counts are substantial enough to represent genuine patient consensus rather than a small circle of enthusiastic early reviewers. Airia Comprehensive Dermatology's name signals a practice philosophy oriented around full-spectrum care, which is particularly relevant for Chicago patients who need a single provider capable of managing both the medical consequences of the city's harsh climate and any cosmetic concerns in one relationship. Dermatology Physicians - Chicago also holds a 4.9-star rating across 29 reviews, a smaller but consistently positive sample that suggests a practice that may be newer or more boutique in its patient volume.
Kaminska Dermatology North Center rounds out the top five with a 4.8-star rating — and the most statistically robust sample on the list, with 1,464 reviews. That volume makes the 4.8 rating particularly credible and meaningful; it is virtually impossible to sustain a rating that high across nearly fifteen hundred patient experiences without delivering consistently high-quality care and service. For Chicago patients who prioritize proven scale and a deep track record over a smaller, more curated practice experience, Kaminska North Center's data profile is compelling.
Company
Rating
Reviews
Best For
Kaminska Dermatology: Beth Adams, MD, FAAD
5.0★
223
Patients who prioritize a flawless clinical reputation and board-certified expertise; ideal for complex medical dermatology and discerning cosmetic patients in Chicago
Fine Dermatology
4.9★
75
Patients seeking a high-touch, highly rated practice with a strong patient satisfaction track record; well-suited for ongoing skin health management
Dr. Elizabeth Kiracofe - Airia Comprehensive Dermatology
4.9★
77
Patients who want comprehensive, all-in-one dermatological care covering both medical conditions and cosmetic concerns under a single provider relationship
Dermatology Physicians - Chicago
4.9★
29
Patients who prefer a smaller practice environment with personalized attention; consistent top-tier ratings suggest strong clinical and service quality
Kaminska Dermatology North Center
4.8★
1,464
Patients who value statistically proven, large-scale track record of patient satisfaction; best for North Side Chicago residents seeking a high-volume, reliable practice
Seasonal Guide for Chicago
Chicago's climate does not just affect your skin passively — it actively dictates the dermatology services you should be seeking at different points in the year, and understanding this seasonal rhythm will help you stay ahead of both medical and cosmetic concerns.
WINTER (December–February): This is the most damaging season for the skin barrier in Chicago. Air temperatures regularly drop below 0°F, and wind chill from Lake Michigan can make exposed skin feel the equivalent of -20°F or lower within minutes. These conditions cause rapid transepidermal water loss, stripping the outer lipid layer of the skin and leading to cracking, fissuring, severe dryness, and eczema flares. Patients with pre-existing rosacea often see their worst flares in winter due to the combination of cold wind outdoors and overheated indoor air. This is the ideal season to schedule a dermatology appointment focused on barrier repair, prescription moisturizer regimens, topical steroid protocols for eczema, and rosacea management adjustments. It is also the optimal window for cosmetic procedures that require sun avoidance during recovery — laser resurfacing, chemical peels, and microneedling are best performed in winter when you are naturally spending more time indoors and UV exposure is minimal. Chicago dermatologists book these procedures heavily in November through January, so plan two to three months ahead.
SPRING (March–May): As temperatures rise and Chicagoans re-emerge from indoor life, spring triggers the city's peak season for skin cancer screenings. UV intensity climbs faster than most people expect after months of low sun exposure, and skin that has been covered all winter is now vulnerable and untanned. Book your annual full-body skin examination in February to secure a March or April appointment — by May, wait times at popular Chicago practices can stretch to 6–8 weeks. Spring is also when acne breakouts often increase due to hormonal shifts and the transition from heavy winter moisturizers to lighter formulations that may not be adequately non-comedogenic for Chicago's increasing humidity.
SUMMER (June–August): UV exposure peaks during Chicago's summers, and the city's lakefront culture means residents spend significant time outdoors without the shade cover of an urban canyon environment. Melanoma and basal cell carcinoma risk accumulates during these months, especially for patients who engage in water sports, running along the Lakefront Trail, or rooftop social activities. If you notice any new or changing moles during summer, do not wait for your annual exam — call for an urgent evaluation. Sun protection counseling from a board-certified Chicago dermatologist should include guidance specific to reflective UV exposure off Lake Michigan's surface, which can meaningfully increase effective UV dose even in the shade.
FALL (September–November): Back-to-school season brings a well-documented surge in acne presentations, driven by increased stress hormones, dietary changes, and the resumption of school-year routines that disrupt skincare habits. Chicago dermatologists see a meaningful uptick in adolescent and young adult acne appointments starting in September. Fall is also the second major cosmetic procedure window — patients finishing summer outdoor activities are ready to address UV damage accumulated over the past months, and the approaching holiday season creates demand for injectable treatments (Botox, fillers) that peak in October and November. If cosmetic procedures are on your agenda for the holidays, book by mid-September to ensure availability at the top-rated Chicago practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will I wait for a new patient dermatology appointment in Chicago?
In Chicago's current market, new patient appointment wait times typically range from 2 to 8 weeks depending on the practice, the nature of your concern, and the time of year. Wait times are longest in late spring and early fall, which are the peak seasons for skin cancer screenings and acne flares respectively. If you have an urgent concern — such as a rapidly changing mole, a spreading rash, or a suspicious lesion — call the practice directly and describe the urgency; most board-certified dermatologists in Chicago maintain same-week slots for genuinely time-sensitive cases. For non-urgent cosmetic consultations, expect waits toward the longer end of the range, particularly at the highest-rated practices. The practical workaround is to get yourself on a cancellation list at multiple practices simultaneously while you wait for a confirmed appointment.
What does board-certified mean in dermatology, and why does it matter in Illinois?
Board certification by the American Board of Dermatology (ABD) means a physician has completed a full accredited dermatology residency program, accumulated the required supervised clinical hours, and passed both written and clinical examinations administered by an independent credentialing body. This is distinct from simply having a medical license and offering skin-related services. In Illinois, state law does not restrict non-ABD-certified physicians from providing dermatology services, which means patients must actively confirm board certification rather than assuming it. You can verify any physician's ABD status at no cost through the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) website at certificationmatters.org. The FAAD designation — Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology — is an additional credential reflecting active membership and ongoing education within the specialty's professional organization.
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Is my skin cancer screening covered by insurance in Chicago?
Coverage for skin cancer screenings varies by insurance plan and how the visit is coded. When a full-body skin examination is performed in the context of evaluating a specific complaint — a suspicious mole, a changing lesion, a family history of melanoma — it is typically billed as a medical visit and covered subject to your specialist copay and deductible. Purely preventive skin cancer screenings with no specific clinical indication are handled inconsistently across carriers; some cover them under preventive care provisions while others do not. Chicago residents with BCBS, United, Aetna, or Cigna PPO plans should call their insurance provider directly to ask how a 'dermatology full-body skin examination with no current complaints' would be covered under their specific plan before scheduling. Asking this question takes five minutes and can save you $200–$400 in unexpected out-of-pocket costs.
What Chicago-specific skin conditions should I be discussing with my dermatologist?
Chicago's climate produces a specific constellation of dermatological concerns that every board-certified dermatologist in the city should be fluent in addressing. At the top of the list is barrier dysfunction-related eczema and xerosis (extreme dryness) caused by winter wind and low-humidity indoor heating. Rosacea is another significant concern, as cold wind exposure is one of the most potent and consistent triggers for rosacea flares; Chicago patients with rosacea need a management plan that specifically addresses outdoor exposure during winter months. Sun damage and actinic keratoses deserve particular attention given the contrast between minimal winter sun and intense summer UV exposure — Chicagoans often have a false sense of lower UV risk because of the cold climate, leading to inadequate sun protection during the months that matter most. Contact dermatitis from the heavy moisturizers and barrier creams people apply in winter is also a real clinical issue that Chicago dermatologists encounter frequently. Finally, seborrheic dermatitis tends to worsen in cold, dry conditions and flares regularly in Chicago winters — if you have persistent scalp or facial dandruff-like symptoms, a dermatology evaluation rather than over-the-counter shampoos is the appropriate next step.
How do I evaluate whether a dermatology practice's online reviews are trustworthy?
When evaluating reviews for Chicago dermatology practices, the most reliable signal is the combination of rating and review volume over time. A practice with a 4.9-star rating across 75 reviews — like Fine Dermatology — represents a meaningful sample. A practice with a 4.8-star rating across 1,464 reviews — like Kaminska Dermatology North Center — is statistically one of the most robust signals you will find in local healthcare review data, because it is extraordinarily difficult to manufacture or cherry-pick that volume of positive patient feedback. Red flags in review analysis include: a sudden spike in reviews over a short time period, reviews that use suspiciously similar language, a complete absence of any 3-star or below reviews on a high-volume practice (since real patient populations always include some dissatisfied experiences), and responses to negative reviews that are defensive or dismissive rather than constructive. Positive indicators include: consistent mentions of specific staff members by name, reviews that reference specific clinical situations in meaningful detail, and practice responses to negative feedback that are professional and solution-oriented. The 19 listed Chicago practices averaging 4.7 stars reflects a genuinely strong local market — use that benchmark as your baseline expectation.
