Disclaimer:
This article is intended for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for any health-related concerns or before making decisions about medications or treatment plans. Never disregard or delay seeking professional medical advice based on information found here. In case of a medical emergency, contact your local emergency services immediately.

One in four Americans—84.5 million people—lives with a skin disease, and the numbers are climbing fast. Between 2021 and 2023, atopic dermatitis volumes jumped 7.8%. The American Academy of Dermatology notes that acne affects up to 50 million annually, psoriasis nearly 7.5 million, and atopic dermatitis nearly 1 in 10 people.

Toss in the sobering fact that 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70—over 9,500 new diagnoses every day—and it’s clear the need for specialized care is enormous.

But the math doesn’t add up. Meanwhile, the average wait for a non‑urgent dermatology appointment reached 36.5 days in 2010, up from 24.3 days in 2004, per Statista. For Columbus patients juggling persistent eczema, psoriasis, or autoimmune rashes, those delays feel like an eternity.

That’s why we built this guide. Instead of a generic directory dump, we focused on what chronically ill patients actually need: manageable wait times, clarity about insurance—especially Medicaid—multidisciplinary teams, and virtual options.

Let’s find a Columbus practice that won’t make you wait until the next season.

Methodology: How We Selected the Best Dermatologists in Columbus, Ohio

We benchmarked Columbus‑area dermatology practices against five criteria that matter most when you’re managing a persistent skin condition:

1. New‑patient wait times – how quickly a chronic condition patient can land a first appointment.
2. Insurance acceptance (including Medicaid) – we explicitly checked for Medicaid, Medicare, and major commercial plans.
3. Care‑team depth – presence of specialists, clinical pharmacists, health coaches, patient navigators, or on‑site pathology labs.
4. Virtual care options – availability of telemedicine for ongoing chronic care.
5. Patient satisfaction signals – verified reviews, Net Promoter Scores, Reddit threads, and app‑store feedback, always treated as directional, not definitive.

 

Our use‑case focus is adult and adolescent patients with eczema/atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, moderate‑to‑severe acne, rosacea, autoimmune skin diseases, or those needing regular skin‑cancer surveillance.

We pulled data from practice websites, national datasets, peer‑reviewed studies, and public patient forums. Where insurance information was absent and couldn’t be verified, we flag it so you can call and confirm.

[AI‑driven diagnostic tools are beginning to support dermatology. To understand where the specialty might head, check out how AI assists in psoriasis and atopic dermatitis identification. It may reshape the field sooner than you think.]

1. AndHealth – A Good Option for Speed and Medicaid Acceptance

AndHealth is a digital healthcare company born in 2021, right in Downtown Columbus’s Miranova Place.

Founded by Matt Scantland (ex‑CoverMyMeds), it flips the script on specialist access by bundling rheumatology, dermatology, neurology, and clinical pharmacy into one visit workflow. If you’ve ever had to chase three different specialists while dealing with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, you’ll get why that matters.

The model directly tackles the two biggest access headaches: wait times and insurance barriers.

What stands out:

• Lightning‑fast access: 9 out of 10 patients have a first visit within 1–2 weeks; the initial consult is a full 45 minutes (virtual or in‑person at Miranova Place), and no referral is required.
• Whole‑person care team: every patient is matched with a dermatologist, clinical pharmacist, health coach, and patient navigator—all coordinating inside the same appointment workflow.
• Insurance safe haven: In‑network with Medicaid, Medicare Parts B & D, TRICARE, Anthem, UnitedHealthcare, and most commercial plans in Ohio and Indiana. In a landscape where many Columbus dermatologists won’t touch Medicaid, this is a standout.
• Clinical firepower: Board‑certified dermatologist Dr. Drew Kurtzman—with dual training in dermatology and rheumatology—joined the practice in May 2025, bolstering its ability to handle complex autoimmune cases.
• Patient satisfaction benchmark: a 94 Net Promoter Score, reported by Business Wire, signals strong overall loyalty.
• Telemedicine‑native approach: High‑definition video visits can significantly aid dermatologists in diagnosing chronic skin conditions remotely, a capability AndHealth embeds into its telehealth pathway.
• User‑signal caveat: a recent AndHealth app reviewer noted using the service “not because they were good but because they were free through my employer.” This doesn’t invalidate the model, but it’s a reminder to ask pointed, condition‑specific questions during your first interaction.

 

Best for patients with Medicaid who need rapid access and a built‑in care team for complex chronic conditions.

Less ideal if you prefer a traditional solo‑physician relationship; the mixed anecdotal feedback makes it smart to probe deeply before booking.

2. Ohio State Wexner Medical Center – Top for Complex Autoimmune Skin Conditions

If your psoriasis or autoimmune rash has stumped community dermatologists, the academic firepower at Ohio State Wexner Medical Center is hard to beat.

The dermatology department is led by Dr. Jessica Kaffenberger, a nationally recognized specialist who serves as Vice Chair of Education and Division Director of Medical Dermatology.

Her primary focus is psoriasis and complex autoimmune skin diseases, and she co‑directs a dedicated psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis clinic that pairs dermatology with rheumatology—a rare setup outside academic centers.

What stands out:

• Deep subspecialty expertise: the department covers complex medical dermatology, phototherapy, pediatric dermatology, contact/occupational dermatitis, lasers, and clinical trials—often the first stop for patients who’ve cycled through multiple treatments.
• Proven track record: Hundreds of reviews emphasize her thoroughness and warmth.
• Insurance nuance: most major plans are accepted, but explicit Medicaid confirmation is not published online. You’ll need to call 614‑293‑1707 to verify your coverage.

 

Best for patients with severe psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, or undiagnosed autoimmune rashes who need a multi‑specialty academic team.

Less ideal if you’re on a tight timeline or require in‑network Medicaid without a phone call to confirm—the academic setting can mean longer wait times for non‑urgent cases.

3. Eastside Dermatology – Established Practice with a Long Track Record

Eastside Dermatology has been a steady presence in Columbus for over 30 years, treating more than 200,000 patients. Its long tenure and broad commercial insurance acceptance make it a go‑to for anyone who values a high‑volume, well‑rooted practice.

What stands out:

• Solid insurance coverage (for commercially insured): in‑network with Medicare, Cigna, Medical Mutual, Anthem BCBS, Mount Carmel Health, Aetna, Humana, and others. However, Medicaid is not on the list, a clear limitation for many chronic‑disease patients.
• Full‑spectrum services: medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology, including Mohs surgery—a critical asset if you need skin‑cancer removal alongside ongoing medical management.

 

Best for privately insured patients who want a time‑tested, high‑volume practice with in‑house Mohs surgery.

Less ideal if you carry Medicaid—the exclusion is explicit—or rely on virtual visits to manage your condition.

4. DOCS Dermatology (Dermatologists of Greater Columbus) – Comprehensive Network with a Patient‑First Philosophy

The Victorian Village location of DOCS Dermatology is part of a sprawling network with over 80 offices. What caught our attention is its deliberate commitment to limiting the number of patients seen so that every individual gets unrushed, thorough face‑to‑face time. For someone juggling a complex medication regimen or multiple skin conditions, that intentional pacing can be a game‑changer.

What stands out:

• Wide condition scope: treats acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, rashes, hair loss, hives, warts, and skin cancers, with Mohs surgery available.
• Patient‑first scheduling: the network explicitly limits volume to protect appointment quality—a refreshing contrast to the conveyor‑belt feel some high‑volume offices project.
• Insurance gap: accepted insurance carriers are listed on the Dermatologists of Greater Columbus website.
• Virtual care: not explicitly mentioned, so assume in‑person visits as the default.

 

Best for patients who prioritize a thorough, unhurried exam inside a large, accessible network.

Less ideal if you need upfront clarity on Medicaid acceptance or a guaranteed virtual visit pathway.

5. Downtown Dermatology – Top‑Rated Specialist in the Heart of Columbus

Downtown Dermatology is the practice of Dr. Shari Hicks‑Graham, MD, FAAD, a Castle Connolly Top Doctor every year since 2020.

Her academic journey—Spelman College, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and a research fellowship at Harvard’s Wellman School of Photomedicine—signals a physician who combines elite training with a personal, downtown‑accessible practice.

What stands out:

• Credential depth: Harvard research fellowship in photomedicine brings sophisticated light‑based therapy knowledge to the table for psoriasis and eczema patients.
• Team support: certified physician assistants and aestheticians widen appointment availability, which can mean a faster entry point than a solo practitioner.
• Prime location: 500 E. Main St, Columbus, OH 43215.
• Insurance void: accepted insurance plans are listed on Dr. Shari Hicks-Graham’s profile on Castle Connolly; call 614‑224‑4566 to confirm your plan, including Medicaid.

 

Best for patients who want a highly credentialed, personal dermatology relationship in a central downtown spot.

Less ideal if you have Medicaid without the patience to verify coverage, or if you need a guaranteed, rapid appointment slot—the small‑team setup may mean tighter availability.

6. Forefront Dermatology

Forefront Dermatology operates and promotes prompt new-patient appointments. That alone makes it a practical entry point for anyone tired of waiting. The practice’s clinical rigor, especially from Dr. Michael Chen, has earned quiet but consistent praise on local forums.

What stands out:

• Broad condition coverage: treats acne, rosacea, eczema, atopic dermatitis, warts, psoriasis, and skin tags.
• Access: accepting new patients.
• Insurance and telehealth unknown: no public information; verify coverage (including Medicaid) and virtual visit options by phone.

 

Best for patients who value clinical thoroughness and quick access above a cozy bedside manner.

Less ideal if you need a warm, empathetic interaction or want Medicaid confirmation without picking up the phone.

7. Northeast Dermatology – Telemedicine and On‑Site Lab for Efficient Care

Northeast Dermatology takes a whole‑patient approach by combining dermatology, allergy, and aesthetics under one roof. Its two locations (Gahanna and Grandview Heights) feature an on‑site pathology lab and telemedicine consultations, a combination that can slash wait times for biopsy results and enable remote follow‑ups for chronic skin conditions.

What stands out:

• Integrated care: if your eczema or psoriasis is intertwined with allergies, having both specialties in the same practice streamlines management.
• Efficiency boost: on‑site pathology means faster diagnostic turnaround; telemedicine keeps you connected without an office trek.
• Insurance gap: no public insurance list; call 614-473-9519 to verify Medicaid and specific commercial carriers.

 

Best for patients who need integrated allergy‑dermatology care or rely on telemedicine and quick lab results.

Less ideal if you depend on Medicaid without first calling to confirm acceptance.

Important Caveats & Counterpoints

Before you start dialing, remember that insurance networks, provider panels, and wait times morph regularly. Always call the practice directly to confirm today’s details.

The Medicaid acceptance gap is real and stark. A 2024 study of NYC hospital‑affiliated dermatologists found that those accepting Medicaid had a median wait of 30.5 days versus 13 days for those who didn’t; 5% of dermatologists accepted no Medicaid at all.

The pattern echoes in Columbus: Eastside Dermatology doesn’t list Medicaid, and Rixis Dermatology—led by Dr. Stephanie Fabbro, a Castle Connolly Top Doctor with deep expertise in complex medical dermatology and cutaneous T‑cell lymphoma—explicitly says “no Medicaid.”

AndHealth, by contrast, published clear Medicaid acceptance, but that’s an outlier.

User‑generated signals from Reddit and app stores are narrow snapshots. A mixed thread or a frustrated review doesn’t damn a practice, but it should prompt you to ask targeted questions during your first interaction.

Conclusion

Use it to build a shortlist, then talk to your primary care doctor and verify insurance before you schedule. Your skin deserves a team that moves at your speed—and that starts with a phone call.