Don C. Harting MD in Chattanooga: General and Surgical Dermatology with Same-Day Options

Don C. Harting MD operates a solo dermatology practice in Chattanooga focused on both medical and surgical skin conditions, with a notable policy of accommodating same-day and walk-in appointments alongside scheduled visits. The practice sits in the middle of Chattanooga's dermatology landscape, which includes larger multi-provider groups and competing solo practitioners, and distinguishes itself through accessibility rather than specialization in cosmetic procedures alone.

What the practice handles

Harting's practice covers general dermatology (acne, eczema, psoriasis, fungal infections, moles and skin growths), surgical dermatology (removal of lesions and skin cancers, cryotherapy), and biopsy services. The practice does not emphasize cosmetic dermatology such as Botox, fillers, or laser skin resurfacing; patients seeking those services should contact competitors like Chattanooga Dermatology or other practices with explicit cosmetic menus. Medical insurance is accepted, and the practice works with major carriers including BlueCross BlueShield, Aetna, and United Healthcare. Verify current accepted plans before scheduling.

Insurance, appointments, and lead times

Most routine appointments require scheduling in advance, typically available within 5 to 10 business days depending on the season and complaint type. A key differentiator is the practice's stated policy of accepting same-day and walk-in patients when the schedule permits; this is relatively uncommon among Chattanooga dermatologists and can be valuable for acute skin infections, allergic reactions, or unscheduled mole checks. Copays follow your insurance plan; deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums apply as normal. Harting does not operate as a direct-pay cash-only practice, so insurance benefits should cover most visits if you have active coverage.

How it compares to other Chattanooga dermatologists

Chattanooga Dermatology, a multi-provider group in East Brainerd, offers more specialists and shorter wait times in some cases due to larger staff, but requires scheduled appointments and emphasizes cosmetic services. Skin Specialists of Tennessee, located downtown, has similar appointment-first structure. Harting's solo structure and walk-in flexibility appeal to patients who need urgent skin evaluation or prefer continuity with a single provider. Solo practices often have lower overhead, which can translate to shorter scheduling gaps, though no price guarantee applies.

For cosmetic-only needs such as Botox, chemical peels, or laser hair removal, the specialized cosmetic dermatology clinics in Chattanooga are better equipped. For straightforward medical dermatology (rashes, infections, acne, suspicious moles), Harting is competitive on availability and accessibility.

Who it suits and who it does not

This practice suits patients with acute skin infections or rashes who cannot wait weeks for an appointment, established patients who value seeing the same dermatologist, and those seeking straightforward medical dermatology without a focus on cosmetic augmentation. It is less suitable for patients seeking Botox, dermal fillers, laser resurfacing, or other cosmetic procedures; those patients should confirm cosmetic service availability before booking.

What to expect on a first visit

At the first visit, expect a 10 to 15-minute intake process with medical history and skin complaint documentation. Harting will examine the affected area, discuss findings and treatment options, and may perform a biopsy or lesion removal if warranted. If antibiotics or topical steroids are needed, prescriptions are typically written the same day. For suspicious moles or growths, a biopsy may be sent to pathology with results available in 5 to 10 days; follow-up scheduling varies.

Hours, location, and parking

Harting's practice operates Monday through Friday during standard business hours, typically 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM with a lunch break. Office location and direct phone number should be confirmed before visiting; parking is available on-site or street-side depending on the building. The practice does not publish an online scheduling system; appointments and walk-in inquiries require a phone call.

Don C. Harting MD fills a practical gap in Chattanooga dermatology by maintaining walk-in availability without requiring advance scheduling, a feature that other local practices reserve for emergencies only. For patients with time-sensitive skin complaints or a preference for solo-provider continuity, this accessibility offers real value in a market increasingly dominated by larger groups.