Larry R. Erickson, MD in Chattanooga: Medical and Cosmetic Dermatology

Larry R. Erickson, MD operates a medical and cosmetic dermatology practice in Chattanooga, serving patients seeking treatment for skin conditions ranging from acne and psoriasis to skin cancer screening, as well as cosmetic procedures including injectables and laser treatments. Most dermatologists in Chattanooga operate either as solo practitioners or within larger clinic systems; Erickson's practice sits in the middle of the local specialty landscape.

What the practice handles

The practice addresses both medical dermatology—conditions requiring diagnosis and treatment, such as eczema, rosacea, warts, and suspicious moles—and cosmetic procedures. Cosmetic offerings typically include Botox, dermal fillers, laser hair removal, and chemical peels, though the specific menu of cosmetic services should be confirmed directly, as cosmetic-focused treatments vary by practice and may change seasonally based on patient demand.

Medical dermatology patients are often referred by primary care physicians for conditions that don't respond to standard treatments or require specialist evaluation. Skin cancer screening is a routine part of medical dermatology; in Tennessee, yearly screening is recommended for anyone with significant sun exposure, previous sunburns, or a family history of melanoma.

Pricing and appointment details

Dermatology visit costs in Chattanooga typically fall between $150 and $300 for an initial consultation, depending on insurance coverage and whether the visit is for medical diagnosis or cosmetic consultation. Many insurance plans cover medical dermatology services; cosmetic procedures are almost never covered and are paid out-of-pocket. Specific pricing at Erickson's practice should be requested when scheduling, as fees vary by service and insurance status.

Appointment lead times for dermatologists in Chattanooga currently range from two to eight weeks depending on the provider and time of year, with cosmetic consultations sometimes available faster than medical appointments. Walk-in availability is rare among Chattanooga dermatologists; advance scheduling is necessary. Confirm current wait times when calling.

How Erickson compares to other Chattanooga dermatologists

Chattanooga's dermatology market includes both solo practitioners like Erickson and larger multi-specialty medical groups. Multi-practice groups typically offer more on-site laser equipment, multiple providers (reducing wait times), and extended hours; solo practitioners often allow more appointment time per patient and may specialize more heavily in either medical or cosmetic work. A solo practitioner suits patients seeking in-depth evaluation of complex skin conditions or those who prefer consistency with one provider across multiple visits. Group practices suit patients prioritizing speed and appointment availability or those needing procedures that require expensive equipment.

The Chattanooga area also has dermatology practices in affiliated health systems such as Erlanger and Parkridge, which integrate referrals from primary care but may have longer wait times due to high volume.

Who should schedule with Erickson and who shouldn't

Erickson's practice is appropriate for patients requiring medical dermatology care (condition diagnosis and treatment), those comfortable with a solo-practitioner model, and cosmetic patients accepting a typical appointment timeline of several weeks. It is less suitable for patients needing immediate same-day care (urgent rashes or skin infections are better handled in urgent care), those seeking same-week cosmetic consultations, or those who require extensive procedural capabilities with multiple laser and device options on-site (larger group practices are better equipped for this).

What to expect on the first visit

A first appointment at a dermatology practice typically begins with a new-patient intake form covering medical history, current medications, family history of skin cancer, and reason for visit. The provider then examines the skin, may take photographs for the medical record, and discusses findings and treatment options. Medical visits often conclude with a treatment plan; cosmetic consultations typically include a discussion of expectations, realistic outcomes, and pricing. Bring a list of current medications and any photos of skin changes over time if available.

The first appointment usually lasts 30 to 45 minutes. Follow-up visits for treatment or monitoring are shorter.

Hours, location, and logistics

Confirm current hours and location directly with the practice, as dermatology schedules vary and office details change periodically. Most Chattanooga medical offices provide street parking or adjacent parking lots; ask about parking when calling to schedule.

Erickson's practice serves Chattanooga patients seeking consistent, focused dermatology care, whether for medical conditions requiring specialist diagnosis or for cosmetic procedures, with the flexibility and continuity typical of a solo provider.