Do You Need a Referral to See a Dermatologist?

Dermatology is all about diagnosing and treating issues with your skin, and dermatologists are highly trained specialists in this field. But here’s a question: do you need a referral in Canada to see one? Surprisingly, the answer is no—not always!

Do I need a referral for a dermatologist in Canada?

Dermatology is a specialized field of medicine requiring extensive training. Dermatologists are medical professionals who focus on diagnosing and treating all kinds of skin conditions. They’ve undergone years of intensive medical education before specializing in this area, making them experts in managing issues like acne, rashes, eczema, moles (including cancerous or precancerous ones), contact dermatitis, other skin diseases, and even signs of aging, such as fine lines, skin tightening, and wrinkles.

For many, the journey to see a dermatologist begins with a visit to their primary care doctor, who can provide advice and, if necessary, refer them to a specialist. But here’s the thing—many people don’t realize that you don’t always need a referral to see a dermatologist.

That said, if you’re dealing with a potential skin condition that requires a medical diagnosis, starting with your family doctor is necessary. They can assess your situation and refer you if needed. In cases deemed medically necessary by OHIP (such as detecting and treating skin disorders that impact your health), a referral to a dermatologist will be required.

However, some skin conditions don’t fall into that category and aren’t covered by OHIP, meaning you can go directly to a dermatologist without a referral. For instance, most benign lesions are considered non-essential services and don’t require a referral under the Ministry of Health guidelines.

What can I see a dermatologist for without a referral?

For medical skin conditions like acne, rosacea, psoriasis, warts, or skin cancer, you’ll need a referral from a primary care physician, walk-in clinic, or another medical professional. But when it comes to cosmetic dermatology—like Botox, fillers, lasers, chemical peels, or microdermabrasion—you can book directly without a referral.

For the following list, you can either pay a fee to get them assessed, or you can get a referral as well. 

• Age spots or liver spots

• Angiofibroma

• Benign skin growths

• Cherry angiomas

• Cysts

• Dermatofibromas

• Epidermoid cysts

• Lipomas

• Pearly penile papules

• Seborrheic keratosis

• Skin tags

• Syringomas

• Xanthelasma

For these non-medical cosmetic concerns, you can skip the referral and go straight to a dermatologist or skincare professional for a treatment plan.

When do I need a referral from a medical doctor?

As we said, you can absolutely reach out to a dermatologist directly for diagnosis or treatment without a referral from your family physician (as long as it's not a medical condition). However, if you’re hoping to have the costs covered by your health insurance, it’s usually better to start with a referral.

If the treatment you’re seeking is for a condition that’s covered by OHIP, having a referral is a good idea to ensure any associated costs are covered. It’s all about avoiding potential hiccups with your insurance—referrals help confirm the treatment is medically necessary, reducing the chances of denial when seeing a specialist. 

Luckily, getting a referral is often straightforward—many primary care doctors, such as a family doctor, general practitioner (GP), or nurse practitioner, can provide one through a quick phone or video consultation. If you don’t have a family doctor, a walk-in clinic can usually help as well.

How do I get a referral for a dermatologist?

You start by seeing your family physician. Then, if your family doctor or GP decides you need to see a specialist, they’ll refer you to one. Typically, the specialist’s office will call you within a few days or weeks with a pre-booked appointment. You can always reschedule if needed, but keep in mind that wait times for some specialists can be long. It’s often a good idea to take the first available date and time if you can!

In Canada, specialists and medical services are usually covered by your provincial health plan, like OHIP in Ontario, unless they’re considered cosmetic or voluntary. That said, if you have an extended health plan through your employer or school, it might fully or partially cover those treatments too.

Final thoughts

While you may need a referral for medical conditions, you can still contact a dermatologist directly for any cosmetic skin concerns you have. Cosmetic procedures are typically not covered by OHIP and are therefore considered medically unnecessary.

If you live in the Toronto area and are interested in receiving cosmetic dermatology treatment, we encourage you to schedule a consultation appointment with our team at FACET Dermatology. Dr. Geeta Yadav, along with her experienced nursing staff, are dedicated to superior quality care and customized treatment plans that enhance the aesthetic appearance and confidence of all patients.

You can contact the FACET Dermatology team over the phone or fill out our contact form online. We look forward to hearing from you!

FAQs

Can I see a dermatologist without a referral in Canada?

Yes, you can book a dermatologist appointment without a referral, but only for non-medical services like cosmetic assessments and consultations or treatments (e.g., injectables, mole or skin tag removal, cyst excision, etc.). If it’s for a medical condition, though, you’ll need a referral from your family doctor, general practitioner (GP), or nurse practitioner.

How long does it take to get a dermatologist referral from a family doctor?

Usually, the specialist’s office will reach out within a few days or weeks with a pre-scheduled appointment after requesting a referral from your family doctor. However, wait times can be quite long for some specialists—often months.

Can I book a private dermatologist appointment without a referral?

No, dermatologists in Ontario provide all medical services under OHIP. However, they also offer non-medical services like cosmetic assessments and consultations or treatments (e.g., injectables, mole or skin tag removal, cyst excision, etc.) for which you can book a consultation or assessment yourself.

Do walk-in clinics provide referrals to dermatologists?

Yes. If you don’t have a family doctor, you can go to a walk-in clinic to request a referral. They can connect you with specialists like dermatologists and other healthcare services to help you get the treatment you need.

How much does it cost to see a dermatologist in Ontario?

In Ontario, seeing a dermatologist for a medical condition is covered by OHIP, so you can get expert care for your skin, hair, or nails without any cost. However, cosmetic procedures aren’t covered and will need to be paid out of pocket. For a cosmetic service, you'll want to ask about prices during your initial consultation or when booking your appointment with a dermatologist.

Does my GP need to refer me to a dermatologist?

Yes, if your reason for seeing a dermatologist is about a medical condition. For medical concerns, you’ll first need to see your family doctor or nurse practitioner or visit a walk-in clinic and they can refer you to a dermatologist.