Dermatology Program | Your Visit

We look forward to your visit with us. Please read the instructions below to prepare for your visit. If you are 18 years of age or older, please also read the Dermatology Transition Policy.

Attendance policy (for all patients)

The clinic requires at least 48 hours’ notice to cancel or change your appointment. This notice allows our team to offer that appointment slot to other patients that are on our waitlist. Visit the MyChildren’s Patient Portal or call us at 617-355-6117 to cancel or reschedule.

We suggest building in at least 30 minutes of extra time for traffic delays, navigating the hospital, and checking in before your appointment time. If you are late, the clinician may have less time to spend with your child. If there is not enough time to complete the visit, the appointment will count as missed and you will need to reschedule.

If you miss an appointment, you will have to return to the bottom of the waiting list and will be offered the next available appointment date and time.

Before your visit

Before your visit to Boston Children’s, check with your primary care doctor to see if an insurance referral is required. Bring the appropriate referral forms and authorization numbers with you. In addition, you should bring:

• The name and complete address of the patient’s primary care doctor
• Any forms required by the patient’s daycare or school
• Insurance information

Checking in

When you arrive at the hospital, proceed to the front desk on Fegan 6 to check in.

You will be able to update any demographic information, as well as pay your copay and any existing balances on the account, upon check-in.

During your visit

Your first consultation with your dermatologist will consist of a discussion of previous medical history, the primary reason for your visit, and an initial skin examination. In addition to the initial skin examination, your dermatologist will discuss potential symptoms of your condition. These symptoms can include changes in appearance of the affected area, itchiness, or pain.

Once the examination is complete, you dermatologist will review any treatments you are currently following, and put together a treatment plan specific to you. Treatment plans can include:

• Diagnostic testing 
• Medication
• Lifestyle changes
• Procedures
• Referrals

Your provider may also offer you education materials about your skin condition, skin routines, and/or sun protection. Based on your treatment plan, your provider may want to schedule follow-up appointments with you. 

You may be asked if you are willing to have your child participate in a clinical research study or clinical trial. All clinical research is approved by the Boston Children’s Institutional Review Board (IRB). Participation in any research study is always voluntary.

After your visit

After the visit is complete, make sure:

• Prescriptions are refilled
• School, camp, or work forms are completed
• Additional testing visits or follow-up appointments are scheduled

You can access the patient portal to see your clinical notes or lab results or to contact your provider. Don’t hesitate to ask one of our staff members for assistance or information.

How do I schedule my child for a dermatology appointment (new patient)?

All new patients are now able to self-schedule a dermatology appointment via the MyChildren’s Patient Portal.

Alternatively, you may have your primary care provider fill out our Dermatology Program Referral. We will reach out to schedule within three to five business days. 

How should I prepare for my child’s visit?

Please share the following with us in advance of your visit:

• Clinic notes
• Photos
• Additional information relevant to your child’s appointment

We prefer to have these documents faxed to 617-730-0308. If records are too large to be faxed, please mail them to:

Boston Children’s Hospital Dermatology Program
300 Longwood Ave.
Fegan 6
Boston, MA 02115

What should I bring to my child’s first visit?

Before your visit to Boston Children’s, check with your primary care doctor to see if an insurance referral is required. Bring the appropriate referral forms and authorization numbers with you. In addition, you should bring:

• The name and complete address of your child’s primary care doctor
• Medical records including, but not limited to:
  • Growth chart
  • Immunization records
  • X-rays
  • Blood test results
  • Skin test results
  • Medications
• Any related forms required by your child’s daycare or school

How can I schedule a follow-up appointment in Dermatology?

Current Dermatology patients can visit the MyChildren’s Patient Portal to self-schedule their follow-up appointment with their provider. You may also call us at 617-355-6117 to schedule an appointment. 

What should I bring to my child’s appointment?

• Any prescription medications that your child is using 
• Pathology reports if your child has had a biopsy elsewhere
• Previous pictures of rash or skin condition, if applicable

Medication refill policy

You can request medication refills by sending us a message in the MyChildren’s Patient Portal or having the pharmacy fax us a request at 617-730-0308.

We currently have limited availability for virtual visits. Please ask your physicians if your care is appropriate to be conducted virtually.

To have a virtual visit, you will need the following:

• A mobile device, tablet, or computer with Wi-Fi connection
• Zoom application downloaded to your device
• Patient registration through MyChildren’s Patient Portal

Once your virtual visit is scheduled, you will receive an appointment confirmation through the patient portal and to your email on file. On the day of your visit, a Zoom link will be sent to your email 30 minutes prior. The link will also be available on the MyChildren’s Patient Portal.

To provide the best possible care for the patient, our team requires you to send photos to your provider through the MyChildren's Patient Portal within five days of your visit.

Use the tips below to learn how to take and send a photo, or watch our how-to videos here for sending a photo from a desktop or mobile device.

For questions about:

• Billing or self-pay: Please reach out to your insurance company or Patient Financial Services at 617-355-3397. 
• Laser procedure authorization and billing: Please reach out to Patient Financial Services at 617-355-3397.
• Acne peel costs: Please send your provider a portal message through MyChildren's Patient Portal.