Frequently Asked Questions
What services do you provide?
We offer a wide range of dermatological services to care for skin, hair, and nail conditions for patients of all ages. Services include medical evaluation and management of dermatologic conditions, in-office surgeries such as Mohs micrographic surgery, cosmetic procedures, and telemedicine visits for remote care. Visit our Services page to learn more.
How can I schedule an appointment?
You can schedule an appointment by calling our office or using our online booking system on our website. One of our team members will be happy to assist you in finding an appointment that meets your needs.
Do I need a physician referral to schedule an appointment?
No physician referral is needed unless your insurance specifically requires it. Some payers, including Medicaid, Indian Health Services, United Healthcare, and VA Community Care, may require additional coordination, such as a referral or prior authorization, before scheduling. We recommend contacting your insurance company in advance to confirm their requirements.
What should I expect during my first visit?
During your first visit, you will complete a medical history questionnaire and then meet with your healthcare provider to address your concerns. They will conduct a thorough examination of your skin and provide counseling on any conditions identified. Your provider will discuss treatment options with you before beginning a treatment plan, which may include in-office procedures, prescription medications, and follow-up care.
If you are interested in having a mole or lesion removed, please be aware that we cannot guarantee same-day removal. Your provider must first evaluate the area to determine the appropriate treatment method. Depending on the evaluation, treatment may occur the same day or it may be scheduled for a follow-up visit.
How can I prepare for my appointment?
Please arrive 15 minutes early with your insurance information. Bring a list of your current medications and prepare any questions you may have for your healthcare provider. We will check you in for your appointment, review your demographic information, and have you complete consent forms if needed. Your insurance may require payment of a copay at check-in. Cosmetic procedure and/or self-pay balances are due at the time of service.
What if I cannot make it to my appointment?
If you are unable to keep your appointment, please notify our office as soon as possible so we can offer that time to another patient. We send reminders by text, email, and phone up to four days in advance to help you plan accordingly.
Can I wear makeup or nail polish to my visit?
If you are planning on an exam, medical procedure, or cosmetic procedure for your face, we recommend that you wash your face before your visit to cleanse and remove make-up. Nail polish should be removed if you are planning to address any concerns with your nails.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes, we accept a variety of insurance plans. Please contact our business office to confirm if we accept your specific insurance provider or visit our Insurance Information page for more details. We also recommend contacting your insurance company directly to verify your coverage, benefits, and any referral requirements prior to your visit.
How can I pay my bill?
We accept payment online, over the phone, in-person, and by mail. You can pay online by visiting the Pay My Bill page on our website. Use the links on that page to pay by credit card, debit card, or CareCredit. Please include the patient’s full name and their account number, if available. You may also call our business office at 605-575-3725 to make a credit or debit payment by phone. Additionally, billing statements include a return envelope for mailing payment.
Can I use my Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flex card to pay for my cosmetic services?
Most HSA and Flex plans do not allow these funds to be used for cosmetic services. Please call your plan directly to confirm eligibility.
What types of skin cancer screenings do you offer?
We provide comprehensive skin cancer screenings, including full-body exams, waist-up exams, and focused evaluations of specific lesions.
What happens if my provider removes a suspicious lesion?
When a tissue biopsy is performed, the sample tissue is sent to a pathology lab, where it is processed, placed on glass slides, and examined under a microscope by a pathologist. This allows for a definitive diagnosis and helps determine whether additional treatment is needed. Dakota Dermatology physicians often perform pathology interpretation, but we also collaborate with outside pathologists when necessary. Once the results are received, we will notify you and discuss any recommended next steps.
What should I expect for my Mohs procedure day?
The Mohs procedure allows the doctor to precisely remove skin cancer tissue, examine it under a microscope, and repeat the process in stages until all the cancerous cells are removed. At the end of the procedure, your wound may require reconstruction or closure. Because multiple stages may be needed, please plan to spend several hours in the office. We recommend bringing a book, smartphone, or tablet to enjoy during your wait between stages. Additionally, we recommend bringing a support person, as the procedure can be tiring and you may need assistance driving home.
What if I want to discuss medical issues at my cosmetic appointment?
Cosmetic appointments are scheduled specifically for elective services and are not billed to insurance. If you choose to discuss an unrelated medical concern during your visit, it may be considered a separate medical evaluation, and an additional office visit charge could apply.
How should I prepare for my laser hair removal appointment?
For best results, please shave the treatment area 48 hours prior to your appointment. Avoid waxing, plucking, or threading for at least 4 weeks before treatment, as the laser targets the hair root. Skin should be at its natural tone, without any tanning. On the day of your appointment, arrive with clean skin.
How do I get my prescription refilled?
Please call your pharmacy to request a refill. They will contact our office if needed. Some medications may require an office visit before refills can be authorized.
How do I use the iPLEDGE program?
The iPLEDGE program is a required safety program for patients prescribed isotretinoin (Accutane). Your provider will enroll you in iPLEDGE and provide instructions for completing your registration. You will need to create an account and log in at www.ipledgeprogram.com to complete required steps before receiving your medication.
- You must see your provider, log in, and complete all required questions each month before your prescription can be filled.
- Some patients will need monthly pregnancy tests and must confirm their form of birth control in the system.
- There is a limited window to pick up your medication after it is approved. Missing a step or deadline may delay your prescription or require additional tests.
How can I get a copy of my medical records?
You may access your medical records through our online patient portal, where you can view and download documents. Click the Patient Portal link at the top of this website to access the portal. You may also contact our office for assistance with record requests.
How long have the clinics been around?
Dakota Dermatology Ltd was founded in 1997 by Dr. James McGrann. As Sioux Falls’ only independent, physician-owned practice, we pride ourselves on providing relationship-focused patient care. Through this mission, our team has grown over the years to bring on many talented and compassionate providers. In 2021, we expanded with a second clinic, Dakota Dermatology at Spirit Lake PC, to serve the Iowa Great Lakes region.