Chattanooga Skin & Cancer Clinic, PC in Chattanooga: Medical and Surgical Dermatology with Mohs Expertise

Chattanooga Skin & Cancer Clinic is a specialized dermatology practice focused on skin cancer detection, removal, and medical dermatology, with on-site Mohs micrographic surgery—a tissue-sparing precision technique that allows surgeons to remove skin cancers with high cure rates while preserving as much healthy skin as possible. The clinic operates as a standalone practice without hospital affiliation and draws patients across Chattanooga and surrounding counties for both routine skin concerns and complex skin cancer cases.

What the clinic actually is

The practice combines two dermatology functions under one roof: medical dermatology (treating acne, eczema, psoriasis, and other inflammatory skin conditions) and surgical dermatology with an emphasis on skin cancer management. The defining feature is Mohs surgery capability, a procedure that requires specialized training and is not available at many general dermatology offices. This means patients with skin cancer can often have diagnosis, mapping, surgery, and reconstruction completed in a single day without referral to another facility.

Services and pricing structure

Medical dermatology services cover acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, moles, warts, and skin infections. Surgical services include standard excision, Mohs surgery for basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, and reconstruction or closure. Cosmetic procedures available may include cryotherapy and laser treatment, though the clinic's reputation centers on medical and surgical work rather than purely cosmetic offerings.

Pricing structure is insurance-dependent. New patient consultations typically range from $150 to $300 out-of-pocket depending on insurance plan and deductible status. Mohs surgery costs are higher and are negotiated between the clinic and insurance carriers; uninsured patients should expect to confirm costs directly, as Mohs cases vary significantly by complexity and anatomic location. Most major insurances are accepted, including Medicare. Specific current fees should be verified directly with the clinic, as surgical pricing changes with coding updates.

How it compares to other Chattanooga dermatology options

Chattanooga has several dermatology options. Dermatology Associates of Chattanooga is a multi-provider group that emphasizes general dermatology and cosmetics but does not advertise Mohs surgery on-site. Erlanger's dermatology department offers medical dermatology and skin cancer treatment but typically refers complex Mohs cases externally. Chattanooga Skin & Cancer Clinic's competitive advantage is Mohs availability without external referral.

Choose Chattanooga Skin & Cancer Clinic if you have a diagnosis of skin cancer or a high-risk lesion and want Mohs surgery performed; if you prefer one-stop care for biopsy, surgery, and reconstruction on the same day; or if your dermatology problem is primarily medical rather than cosmetic. Choose a general dermatology group like Dermatology Associates if your priority is cosmetic treatments, regular mole monitoring without cancer diagnosis, or if you have a strong preference for multi-provider options and second opinions. Choose Erlanger dermatology if you are uninsured or if your skin cancer is uncomplicated and standard excision is appropriate.

Who it suits and who it does not

The clinic is ideal for patients with suspicious skin lesions, diagnosed skin cancer, or a personal or family history of melanoma. It also serves anyone with medical dermatology problems who wants the option of in-house surgical care if needed. It is less suited to patients seeking cosmetic dermatology as a primary service or those looking for the largest practice networks with multiple office locations across the region.

What the first visit involves

New patients complete a health history and consent forms. The dermatologist performs a full skin exam, often using dermoscopy (a magnified lens) to evaluate concerning lesions. If a biopsy is indicated, it is performed same-day under local anesthetic and sent to pathology. If skin cancer is diagnosed or highly suspected and the patient is a candidate for Mohs, the clinic schedules that procedure for a follow-up date, usually within one to two weeks.

Hours, parking, and logistics

The clinic operates from a single location in Chattanooga; confirm current hours by phone, as dermatology practices often schedule surgery blocks that affect walk-in availability on certain days. Parking is typically available on-site or adjacent to the office. Appointment wait times for new patients generally range from two to four weeks unless the referral indicates urgent skin cancer evaluation, in which case expedited slots may be available. Walk-in care is not standard; appointments are required.

Chattanooga Skin & Cancer Clinic fills a critical gap in the local dermatology landscape by offering Mohs surgery without referral, making it the necessary choice for patients diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer who want efficiency and local expertise.