Waiting time for dermatologists in France

In France, the average waiting time to obtain an appointment with a dermatologist is four and a half months, according to the latest barometer from the French Hospital Federation. In some regions, the waiting period can be even longer, with patients sometimes needing to wait a year or more before they can consult.

Aesthetic treatments have easier access

Paradoxically, obtaining an appointment for aesthetic treatments such as Botox injections can be much easier. A recent survey by UFC-Que Choisir highlighted this difference in access to consultations, raising questions about whether some dermatologists prioritize aesthetic procedures, which are generally more lucrative, at the expense of medical consultations.

Dermatologists’ focus varies

However, it is important not to generalize about the entire profession. According to a survey conducted by the dermatologists' union, two out of three practitioners dedicate less than 10% of their activity to aesthetics, and a third do not practice it at all. The problem is primarily the lack of dermatologists in France.

Alternative options for urgent concerns

When a suspicious mole is discovered, the first reflex should be to consult a general practitioner without waiting several months. A general practitioner can examine the lesion and, if he considers it suspicious, refer the patient to a dermatologist. He can also request a specialist's opinion remotely, especially by sending photographs: this is teleexpertise.

Strategies to secure appointments

Another possibility, for patients who have already booked a consultation on Doctolib, is to activate the "Book an appointment earlier" option. They will receive an alert if a slot becomes available. However, it is better to be reactive, as several people can receive the same notification and the appointment goes back to the first person who books it. Sometimes, everything depends on a few minutes.

Public health implications

Behind these difficulties in accessing care lies a real public health issue: not missing the opportunity to detect skin cancer, which has a much higher chance of cure the earlier it is detected.