🩺 20 Free or Low-Cost Dermatologists Near Me
🌞 Key Takeaways — Quick Answers Before You Search
| 🔍 Question | 💬 Short Answer |
|---|---|
| Where can I find free skin doctors? | Start with FQHCs (Federally Qualified Health Centers) or free clinics (NAFC) — both can refer to dermatologists or teledermatology. |
| Can I see a dermatologist online for cheap? | Yes — platforms like Miiskin and Teladoc offer online dermatology from $30–$95 per visit, or $0 if covered by insurance. |
| Do universities offer free skin care clinics? | Many medical schools run student-run free dermatology clinics and residency programs supervised by top physicians. |
| How can I get a free skin cancer check? | Attend AAD SPOTme® or Skin Cancer Foundation’s mobile screenings — both are 100% free and nationwide. |
| What if I’m uninsured? | Use sliding-scale safety nets (FQHCs or county indigent programs) and ask about AccessDerm — a free tele-consultation through your clinic. |
🏥 1. Federally Qualified Health Centers: Your Gateway to Affordable Dermatology
| 🧭 Program | 💰 Cost | 🌐 Where to Find | 🧠 Why It Works |
|---|---|---|---|
| HRSA Health Centers | Sliding scale, often under $40 | findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov | You pay based on income; centers can refer you to dermatologists or AccessDerm tele-consults. |
| Community Health Clinics | Free–Low Cost | Nationwide | Ideal first stop to establish a “medical home” that unlocks referrals to specialists. |
Expert Tip: Always say, “I’m looking for a primary care visit with possible dermatology referral.” This language signals the staff to flag you for specialty review programs.
🧑⚕️ 2. AAD AccessDerm: The Free Tele-Dermatology Program Few Know About
| 💻 Model | 🎯 Who Qualifies | 💬 How It Works | 💵 Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAD AccessDerm | FQHC or free clinic patients | Your primary doctor sends photos & info to a volunteer dermatologist for diagnosis | Completely free |
💬 Expert Insight: AccessDerm is revolutionary — you don’t need to see a dermatologist in person. A board-certified one reviews your case remotely and advises your clinic on treatment. It’s free, efficient, and available in most states.
🌍 3. County & State Indigent Care Programs: Local Safety Nets
| 🏛️ County Program | 📍 Example | 💬 Service | 💵 Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pinellas County Health Program | FL | Specialty & dermatology referrals for uninsured | Free |
| Leon County Health Plan | FL | Comprehensive outpatient & specialty services | Free |
| Cuyahoga CHAP | OH | Specialist access for low-income residents | Free–Low |
Pro Strategy: Search with "Indigent Care Program [Your County Name]" — these hyper-local plans are often quietly funded but lifesaving.
🪙 4. Medicaid Dermatology Coverage: The Full-Coverage Option
| 🩺 Program | 📍 State Examples | 💬 Coverage | 💰 Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Medicaid Plans | SoonerCare (OK), TennCare (TN), Apple Health (WA) | Full dermatology & prescription coverage with PCP referral | Free if eligible |
💬 Insider Tip: Medicaid managed care plans (like CareOregon) often assign a specialist for you automatically — ask your plan’s care coordinator to fast-track a referral.
🧴 5. Free and Charitable Dermatology Clinics
| 🏥 Clinic | 📍 Location | 💬 Focus | 💵 Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agape Dermatology Clinic (UT Southwestern) | Dallas, TX | General & complex dermatology, biopsy-capable | Free |
| Lestonnac Free Clinic | Orange, CA | Dermatology + minor procedures | Free |
| Augusta Free Derm Clinic | Augusta, GA | Every other month | Free |
| St. Vincent de Paul Medical Clinic | Phoenix, AZ | 30+ specialties, incl. dermatology | Free |
💡 Expert Tip: These are true volunteer clinics. Expect waitlists but top-tier care — residents and faculty dermatologists staff them.
🎓 6. University & Teaching Hospitals (Resident Clinics)
| 🏛️ University | 🧑⚕️ Type | 💰 Cost | 🩺 Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cook County Health | Resident clinic | Sliding scale | High-volume teaching environment for diverse skin conditions |
| Geisinger Health | Resident continuity clinic | Medicaid / low-cost | Complex dermatology & laser therapy |
| CU Medicine Dermatology (CO) | Equity clinic | Subsidized | Special focus on skin of color & transgender health |
💬 Academic Advantage: Resident clinics deliver full evaluations at half to one-third the private office rate, supervised by faculty experts.
💻 7. Low-Cost Online Dermatology (Fastest Access)
| 🌐 Platform | 💵 Cost | ⏱️ Wait Time | 💬 Specialty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miiskin | $30–$59 | 24–48 hrs | Acne, eczema, rashes |
| Teladoc | $0–$95 | 24 hrs | Covered by some plans; board-certified |
| MDLIVE / Doctor On Demand | ~$80 | Same day | Virtual video visit |
| Digital Clinics (Sliding Scale) | $60–$205 | 24–72 hrs | Based on income; replicates FQHC pricing |
💬 Expert Tip: Use telederm for visible conditions (acne, rosacea, eczema). For moles or cancer concerns, choose in-person screening.
☀️ 8. Free Skin Cancer Screenings: National Programs
| 🌞 Program | 🧭 Organizer | 💬 What’s Free | 📍 Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAD SPOTme® | American Academy of Dermatology | Annual full-body screening | SPOTme.org |
| Destination Healthy Skin | Skin Cancer Foundation | Mobile screening RV | skincancer.org |
💬 Safety Tip: Bring your sunscreen habits & mole history — volunteer dermatologists offer personalized prevention counseling.
🤝 9. Faith-Based & Non-Profit Care Networks
| ✝️ Clinic | 📍 Area | 💬 Service | 💰 Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| CARRY (Caring for At-Risk Youth) | Nationwide | Free dermatology for foster or at-risk youth | Free |
| Mission-Driven Clinics | Local churches | General & dermatologic care days | Free |
| Catholic Charities Clinics | Various states | Primary & specialty health | Free–Low |
💬 Insider Tip: These organizations don’t advertise — ask local churches or YMCAs for “free medical ministry clinics.”
💊 10. Direct-Pay Negotiations with Private Practices
| 💬 Scenario | 💰 Average Self-Pay | 🧠 Insider Insight |
|---|---|---|
| Call and ask for a “cash discount” | 40–60% less than billed insurance rate | Many dermatologists quietly honor upfront payment plans for uninsured patients. |
💬 Expert Script: “I’m uninsured and paying cash — do you offer a self-pay discount or fixed visit fee?” Most private clinics respond favorably.
📱 11. New Patient Free Screening Promotions
| 🏥 Network | 💬 Type | 💵 Cost | 📅 Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced Dermatology | Free skin cancer screening | Free | Annually, by location |
| Local Hospital Outreach Events | Screenings / education fairs | Free | Seasonal |
💬 Insider Reminder: Always confirm “no follow-up fee” — some free screenings only cover initial checks.
🧴 12. Targeted Community Outreach for High-Risk Populations
| 🧩 Group | 🏥 Example | 💬 Focus | 💰 Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transgender & Skin of Color Patients | CU Medicine Equity Clinic | Culturally tailored dermatology | Sliding scale |
| Youth / Foster Programs | CARRY | Acne, eczema, trauma scars | Free |
| Seniors in Subsidized Housing | Local mobile outreach | Skin cancer checks | Free |
💬 Expert Insight: Diversity-based dermatology ensures accurate diagnosis — pigmentation and scarring patterns vary across skin tones.
💡 13. Digital Sliding Scale Dermatology (Income-Based Online Clinics)
| 💻 Model | 💵 Price Range | 💬 How It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Virtual FQHC-style Clinics | $60–$205 (based on income) | Upload income doc; receive personalized Good Faith Estimate before visit. |
💬 Expert Note: These tele-clinics combine income transparency with predictable pricing, mirroring traditional safety nets in a digital space.
💬 14. Academic Charity Care Programs
| 🏥 Institution | 💬 Benefit | 💰 Cost |
|---|---|---|
| University of Utah Health | Charity care policy | Free–Reduced |
| Boston University / BMC | Self-pay teledermatology | Fixed low fee |
| UT Southwestern | Philanthropic care (Agape Clinic) | Free |
💬 Pro Tip: Contact the hospital’s Financial Assistance Office directly — they control charity eligibility, not the clinic desk.
🔍 15. How to Search for a Free or Low-Cost Dermatologist Near You
| 🧭 Search Term | 💻 What It Finds |
|---|---|
| “Free dermatology clinic near me” | Charitable & student-run centers |
| “Resident dermatology clinic + [City]” | Teaching hospital programs |
| “Federally qualified health center + dermatology” | FQHC locations |
| “AAD SPOTme + [State]” | Skin cancer events |
| “County health plan specialty access” | Local indigent care systems |
📜 Key Takeaways — Your Step-by-Step Access Plan
| ✅ Step | 💬 Action |
|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | Register at your nearest FQHC and request dermatology referral eligibility. |
| 2️⃣ | Ask if your clinic participates in AAD AccessDerm for free tele-consults. |
| 3️⃣ | Search NAFC and county health plans for local free or charitable clinics. |
| 4️⃣ | For fast access, try Miiskin ($30–$59) or Teladoc ($0–$95) telederm visits. |
| 5️⃣ | For mole checks or skin cancer prevention, attend SPOTme® or Destination Healthy Skin events. |
🌇 EASTERN REGION — Urban Specialists and Academic Safety Nets
| 🏥 Clinic / Program | 📍 State | 💬 Services | 💵 Cost | ⏳ Wait Time | 💡 Expert Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weill Cornell Community Dermatology Clinic | NY | Full dermatology via residents; skin checks, biopsies | Sliding scale | 2–6 weeks | Ask about faculty-supervised student clinics for reduced fees. |
| Boston University / BMC Teledermatology | MA | Online consults for MA residents | $60–$90 flat rate | 24–72 hrs | Best for acne, eczema, and non-emergency rashes. |
| The Shepherd’s Clinic | MD | Dermatology volunteer rotation | Free | 1–3 months | Register early; limited monthly appointments. |
| Philadelphia FQHCs (e.g., Esperanza Health) | PA | Primary + dermatology referrals via AccessDerm | Sliding fee | Varies | Mention telederm participation for faster diagnosis. |
| Rutgers Student-Run Dermatology Clinic | NJ | Free skin checks, acne treatment | Free | Monthly | Operates once per month — call early in the cycle. |
🩺 Pro Insight: The Northeast leans heavily on academic volunteerism — teaching hospitals and student-run clinics are your best free-entry route to specialty care.
🌄 MIDWEST REGION — Teaching Hubs & Faith-Based Access Points
| 🏥 Clinic / Program | 📍 State | 💬 Services | 💵 Cost | ⏳ Wait Time | 💡 Expert Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cook County Health Dermatology Residency Clinic | IL | Chronic skin management, lasers, biopsies | Sliding scale | 2–4 weeks | Accepts Medicaid; prioritize continuity patients. |
| Augusta Free Dermatology Clinic | GA (serves Midwest-region patients via referrals) | General dermatology | Free | Every other month | Confirm schedule online; run by med students. |
| Mizzou Dermatology Outreach | MO | Rural dermatology via mobile unit | Free / Sliding | 4–6 weeks | Focuses on seniors & farmers; seasonal rotations. |
| University of Minnesota Dermatology Clinic | MN | Resident continuity care | Medicaid + charity care | 1–3 weeks | State-funded discounts available under MN Care. |
| Free Medical Clinic of Greater Cleveland | OH | General skin conditions, warts, infections | Free | 1–2 months | Bring ID and proof of residence for eligibility. |
🌿 Pro Insight: Midwest clinics excel at continuity and affordability — many university clinics offer year-round care rather than episodic screenings.
🌴 SOUTHERN REGION — Philanthropic Dermatology and Mobile Outreach
| 🏥 Clinic / Program | 📍 State | 💬 Services | 💵 Cost | ⏳ Wait Time | 💡 Expert Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agape Dermatology Clinic (UT Southwestern) | TX | Full dermatology, minor procedures | Free | 2–4 weeks | 100% charity-funded — book online early. |
| CareSouth Carolina FQHCs | SC | Primary + telederm referrals | Sliding scale | 1–3 weeks | Partnered with AccessDerm network. |
| Florida Lestonnac Free Clinic | FL | Skin care & biopsies | Free | 1–2 months | Accepts walk-ins certain days — bring ID & proof of income. |
| Faith Health NC / Wake Forest Partnership | NC | Faith-based dermatology outreach | Free | Quarterly | Volunteer-run events rotate across counties. |
| Louisiana State University (LSU) Resident Clinic | LA | Skin disease & reconstructive dermatology | Sliding scale | 2–6 weeks | Apply for LSU financial aid program for full cost waiver. |
🌞 Pro Insight: The South’s strongest model combines faith-based medical missions and academic teaching clinics, bridging rural and urban access gaps.
🌄 WESTERN REGION — Innovation, Telehealth, and Philanthropic Integration
| 🏥 Clinic / Program | 📍 State | 💬 Services | 💵 Cost | ⏳ Wait Time | 💡 Expert Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lestonnac Free Clinic | CA | Full dermatology & biopsy | Free | 2–4 weeks | Ask about UCI collaboration for more slots. |
| Stanford Dermatology Community Clinics | CA | Sliding scale via Stanford Health | $30–$75 | 1–2 weeks | Apply for charity care before scheduling. |
| Rebuilding Together (Home + Skin Safety Outreach) | CA / NV / AZ | Free fall prevention + skin injury care | Free | Varies | Request dual home/skin wellness check. |
| CU Medicine Equity Dermatology Clinic | CO | Skin of color, transgender care | Subsidized | 1–3 weeks | Medicaid-friendly; faculty-supervised specialty focus. |
| Seattle King County Clinic | WA | Free mass clinic with dermatology services | Free | 1–4 days (event-based) | Annual pop-up with 4,000+ volunteer clinicians. |
🏔️ Pro Insight: The West dominates in digital-first care — combine teledermatology with charity clinics for a full-spectrum solution.
🌐 NATIONWIDE & MOBILE OPTIONS — When Geography Shouldn’t Stop Care
| 🚐 Program | 💬 Service | 📅 Frequency | 📍 Coverage | 💰 Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Cancer Foundation’s Destination Healthy Skin RV | Free cancer checks | Seasonal | 25–30 cities annually | Free |
| AAD SPOTme® Screenings | Preventive mole checks | Year-round | All states | Free |
| Miiskin / Teladoc / MDLIVE | Virtual dermatology consults | 24/7 | Nationwide | $30–$95 |
| NAFC Clinics (Nationwide) | General & derm referrals | Ongoing | 1,400+ sites | Free–Sliding |
| Rebuilding Together / Habitat Health Missions | Senior skin & wound outreach | Year-round | 49 states | Free |
🧠 Expert Tip: Combine mobile screening events with teledermatology for the fastest diagnosis-to-treatment path — you’ll catch conditions early without the wait.
🧩 Quick Regional Decision Matrix
| 🎯 Your Situation | 🏥 Best Option | 💵 Cost | 🕐 Speed | 💬 Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uninsured, low-income | Local FQHC + AccessDerm | Free–$35 | 1–3 wks | Telederm diagnosis + prescription |
| Need chronic care (eczema, psoriasis) | Resident or university clinic | Sliding scale | 2–4 wks | Long-term management |
| Skin cancer concern | SPOTme® / Destination Healthy Skin | Free | <2 wks | Preventive screening |
| No transportation | Telederm (Miiskin / Teladoc) | $30–$95 | 1–2 days | Digital consult, prescription online |
| At-risk youth / foster families | CARRY or church-linked clinics | Free | Monthly | Targeted youth care |
| Seniors on fixed income | FQHC or county indigent program | Free–$30 | 1–4 wks | In-person + medication support |
🩺 Expert Q&A
| 💬 Common Question | 🧠 Expert Response & Strategy | 💡 Key Resources / Tips |
|---|---|---|
| “I can’t afford a dermatologist, but I have a new rash that won’t go away. What can I do right now?” | Start with a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). These clinics charge based on income, often as little as $25–$35 per visit. Ask the clinician to use AccessDerm, the AAD’s teledermatology program — your rash photos go to a board-certified dermatologist for a free diagnosis. | 🔗 findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov 💬 Say this phrase: “Does your clinic participate in the AAD’s AccessDerm telederm service?” |
| “My dermatologist says I need a biopsy, but the lab cost is $300+. Is there any way to reduce this?” | Negotiate directly with the pathology lab. Many labs quietly offer charity care or self-pay discounts up to 70% if you pay upfront. Some clinics partner with academic hospitals where dermatopathology is included in resident training — ask to transfer the specimen there. | 💡 Ask your clinic: “Can my specimen be processed under your resident pathology program?” 🏥 Example: University of Utah and Johns Hopkins offer hardship fee reductions. |
| “I’ve been prescribed an expensive cream (like Eucrisa or Opzelura). Are there free or low-cost alternatives?” | Nearly every major dermatology pharmaceutical company runs Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs) for low-income or uninsured patients. Many offer 12-month free supply once approved. | 💊 Search the manufacturer’s PAP page (e.g., Pfizer RxPathways, IncyteCares, AbbVie Patient Assistance). 🧾 You’ll need proof of income, prescription, and physician signature. |
| “My acne is severe, but I can’t afford ongoing visits. How can I maintain treatment?” | Once your condition is stable, use a low-cost teledermatology service for medication renewals. Apps like Miiskin or Curology provide follow-ups for $30–$59. Save in-person visits for flare-ups. | 📱 Visit miiskin.com or curology.com. 💬 Tip: Request generic adapalene or tretinoin, available at most discount pharmacies for under $10. |
| “I’m a senior on Medicare and can’t find dermatologists who take my plan.” | Medicare covers medically necessary dermatology (like cancer checks), but many providers limit new Medicare patients. Instead, visit your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) — they can connect you to OAA Title III-C funded clinics and free SPOTme® screenings nearby. | ☎️ Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116 🧭 Ask: “Do you have any senior clinic partnerships offering dermatology referrals?” |
| “I live in a rural area — the nearest dermatologist is 3 hours away.” | Use teledermatology + mobile outreach combo. Start with a local FQHC and request telederm AccessDerm. For periodic full-body checks, wait for mobile skin cancer RVs (like Destination Healthy Skin) that visit small towns annually. | 🚐 Track at skincancer.org/events. 💬 Bonus: Bring a friend — walk-ins welcome at most mobile events. |
| “Can free clinics actually treat skin cancer or just screen for it?” | Most free clinics handle screening and biopsies but not surgery. If cancer is detected, your best next step is referral to an academic residency clinic (e.g., Cook County Health, Stanford, or UT Southwestern). Residents perform procedures under supervision, often billed under charity care rates. | 📞 Ask the diagnosing clinic: “Can you refer me to your academic partner for surgical removal?” 🧠 Some programs partner with hospitals’ charity surgical rotations. |
| “How can I get free help for scars, burns, or pigment loss (vitiligo)?” | For aesthetic or reconstructive cases, apply to university dermatology departments or non-profits like ReSurge International (burn recovery) or Vitiligo Support International for mentorship + clinical connections. | ✳️ vitiligosupport.org 💬 Ask your FQHC provider to write a medical necessity note for coverage eligibility. |
| “I have no income or insurance at all — where do I start?” | Register with a free or charitable clinic (via NAFC) and bring any ID. Many waive all fees. You’ll also be screened for Medicaid or county indigent programs. Ask to speak with the “care coordinator” — they handle all paperwork. | 🌍 nafcclinics.org/find-clinic 💬 Tip: Mention “I need dermatology referral support” to trigger internal telederm channels. |
| “Can students or residents treat me safely?” | Absolutely. Resident dermatology clinics are supervised by board-certified attendings and follow strict protocols. They’re ideal for chronic issues needing regular care (like psoriasis, rosacea, or lupus rash). | 🏥 Look for teaching hospitals like Geisinger, Cook County Health, or UT Southwestern. 💬 Bonus: You’ll often pay 60–80% less than private clinic rates. |
