As DermDirect’s medical director, Dr. Usher has extended the same passions which founded ReforMedicine in 2011 to patients with a wide range of dermatology conditions, including acne, psoriasis, eczema and those suspicious moles which appear out of nowhere. Ultimately, his passion is to provide high quality, affordable and accessible care to Chippewa Valley patients and create an environment where DermDirect providers have the capacity and time to care deeply for their patients.

“There are patients who wait eight, nine months to get in and see a dermatology specialist,” Dr. Usher said. “If we — DermDirect — can get them in today, tomorrow, even next week … being available and reasonably affordable are huge, high-level things from a service standpoint.”

With a similar model to ReforMedicine, DermDirect is set to become the Chippewa Valley’s leading direct-pay clinic for medical dermatology services, Dr. Usher said. Since its opening in September of this year, Dr. Usher has welcomed Lori Arndt PA-C and Ben Bogle, DNP to provide immediate care to patients with skin concerns.

Although both providers have worked with ReforMedicine and the medical field at large, their paths to dermatology were distinct — driven by a personal passion for the field. Arndt and Bogle have both worked in dermatology practices within larger systems.

“Our two providers have extensive experience in the world of dermatology,” Dr. Usher said. “A huge percentage of what they are doing in the primary care clinic is dealing with skin problems; they were both interested in going ‘all in’ on skin conditions and skincare.”

Today, DermDirect provides three main types of dermatology services for patients who seek consultations without the long wait times often required to see a specialist:

Acute care dermatology: DermDirect will address sudden skin issues such as rashes or newly discovered skin lesions which can cause worry and require quick attention from a practitioner.

Skin checks: These visits are targeted to individuals who are aware of existing specific skin features — including moles — or who suspect skin cancer and seek an expert opinion and recommendations.

Chronic disease management: DermDirect providers can manage many chronic skin conditions which require long-term care, such as acne, psoriasis and eczema. Practitioners at the office will offer additional, long-term support for the patient through follow up, additional testing if needed and more.

Laboratory testing for dermatology care is performed onsite at DermDirect’s Eau Claire facility or sent to its reference lab. Any additional treatment modalities, including prescription medications, may be sent to the patient’s existing retail pharmacy.

Sometimes a compounding pharmacy may be used for more precise prescription needs. When medically necessary, DermDirect providers may offer referrals to advanced specialists.

The dermatology clinic provides patients with transparent, direct-pay rates to ensure they know the cost of care prior to an initial visit. Its clear pricing structure — visits starting at $220 for new patients — eliminates hidden fees and the need for insurance processing, Dr. Usher said.

This system benefits many individuals in the Chippewa Valley, including those without insurance and those with high-deductible insurance who spend more out of pocket before coverage begins, he added.

Ultimately, DermDirect’s small, personalized clinic setting aims to provide rapid treatment options and access to services — a contrast to the longer waiting periods typically required to see a local specialist, Dr. Usher said.

“DermDirect is focused on what most patients coming in would find most valuable,” Dr. Usher said.

To learn more about DermDirect’s leveled pricing options, services available and schedule an initial consultation, visit derm-direct.com or call (715) 553-5066.