With a new year comes the start of those high deductibles again.  The cost of medications, including generics has risen significantly in the past few years.  The providers do not know what each insurance plan will cover so they choose the treatment plan best suited for the patient and hope that the insurance company allows them to use their clinical skills to help the patients.

If your prescription costs more than you can afford, try the website called    GoodRx.com

When you get to the website GoodRx.com, you can enter the medication you want to buy and your zip code.  The site will quote prices of that medication at several of the area pharmacies.  Coupons are sometimes available on the website.

Specialty pharmacies are trying to help patients by capping mark ups on medications and honoring the co-pay cards provided by pharmaceutical companies.  Your provider may send one or more of your prescriptions to a specialy pharmacy if he or she feels that a branded medication is the best treatment for your condition.  You will be provided with a phone number for the specialty pharmacy and instructions for obtaining your medication.  Be advised that at the beginning of the insurance plan year, deductibles start over and medication will be more expensive.

Some of the common skin complaints we see during the winter can be due to the dry, cold air.  With low humidity outside and heaters dehumidifying the air inside, skin struggles to maintain moisture.  Some patients complain of dry, itchy and even rashy skin.  What can you do?  First, take no more than one shower daily, and make it brief!  Also, use warm to tepid water, and change your soap to a gentle cleanser.  After bathing, pat the skin dry and be sure to moisturize immediately.  Feel free to moisturize again 8-12 hours later if needed.  Here's to healthy skin!
 

Happy New Year! We hope everyone has a healthy, happy 2016. January is a great time to do some reflection on skin  health and skin care, as we make new healthy resolutions for the coming year. It is a perfect time to do the heavy duty skin repair work, for both cosmetic and non-cosmetic reasons. 

For cosmetic dark spot (hyperpigmentation) correction and skin aging that occurs as a result of accumulated sun exposure, pregnancy and estrogen containing birth controls, acne trauma, and other types of skin damage, a tailored plan of quality products (prescription and non prescription) and additional treatments such as chemical peels and IPL can help you achieve a more even appearing skin tone and healthy, youthful look. Ask your dermatologist for their recommendation for your specific correction regimen, or schedule your appointment with Katie @ Your Touch today! 

For sun damage, precancerous and other concerning lesions, the winter time is a great time for a visit to get your skin checked; should you need, you'll be less sun exposed during treatments and repair work likely needed to heal the skin. Schedule an appointment with one of our dermatologists as soon as possible to discuss the best treatment options for you or your loved one! 

January is also time to set good health goals for our skin--- daily SPF, washing before bed, and scheduling your dermatology exam (yearly, or more if warranted by your dermatologist!). We are committed to making this year the best year for your skin health. Cary Dermatology has a great team of Board Certified Dermatologists and Dermatology PA's ready to help you achieve your best skin year. We can't wait to see you back in the office!

In an effort to serve our patients, we will be posting weekly updates-- ask the experts, skin care specials, and other great updates. Happy 2016!