Can my primary care physician help me with this?

I was wondering if an on-post primary care physician would prescribe a prescription for acne? I have tried just about everything you can try including a 3yr subscription for pro-activ and nothing works for me. I have not been acne free since before I was 13yrs old and my face is covered in scars that make-up can't even cover and it really hurts. Techinically I can't wear make-up because it makes me break-out more and it doesn't cover what I have anyways.

Do you think they would help me?
Additional Details
I don't have the money for a dermatologist, that's why I'm asking about my PCP because since I pay for the insurance that's all I have to pay for.

mustangsally76

You need to make an appt with your PCM. They can then give you a referral to go see a Dermatologist. Dependents almost always have to see a civilian dermatologist. When Tricare gets the referral and if they approved it , they will send you a letter with the name of the Dermatologist you have to see. You can then schedule an appt. Don't do ANYTHING until you have the referral letter or Tricare won't pay for it.

Been there done this except mine was to see a Dermatologist for a mole biopsy. I had to see another Dermatologist to get Retin A for some facial discoloration (damn this Forida sun! and my super fair skin)

Mrsjvb

your PCM can give you a referral to a dermatologist that would not cost you anything.

Love my Baby Boy and Hubby :)

Yes, they would be able to reccommend a skin specialist as well as prescirbe something.

ArmyMedVet

Yes. Your PCP can take care of that for you. He/She may try to start you off on a prescription strength face wash, which didnt work for me and I dont have very bad acne or they may give you some anti-biotics which usually clears it up a little but the medication will probably run out right when its starting to work :( Just stay on top of the problem and try whatever they give you. The Army medical system likes to start off at the lowest level of treatment and slowly work their way up, regardless of if the problem looks really severe. So, just be patient and persistent. They will take care of you... eventually :) Good luck

Annie

Make an appointment with your PCM and have him give you a referral to a dermatologist...that is the doc who has the training and experience to help you.

nomiscats

Yes they can prescribe certain topicals and pills however you can't use them if you are breastfeeding.

NWIP

Your PCM can refer you to a Dermatologist if that is what you need to see. If you are under Tricare Prime or Tricare Standard then it will be covered as long as you have the referral. Some PCMs if Family Practice can give the medicated treatment to you instead of having to refer you to a dermatologist. But others will need to refer you and it shouldn't take long in some places to get an appointment. Sometimes though they can be booked up and you can request a referral to a civilian Doctor if necessary.

ETA: you say you pay so does that mean you have Tricare Standard in which you see a civilian doctor and want to go on base? If so then that is separate and there will need to be a request put in. Or he/she can refer you off base to one that is accepted by Tricare and then you have the co-pay for it. If you have Tricare Prime and are assigned a doctor on base then you don't pay for coverage at all, your medical is free through the military. And they refer you out to either one at the hospital or out in town. It is then covered by Tricare with a referral.

embi40

I don't see why not. Primary care physicians routinely prescribe antibiotics like tetracycline for certain types of acne. Accutane is another prescription med for acne but has some potentially awful side effects (think liver damage). Proactiv is non-prescription so you shouldn't need to see a doctor to get it- you can buy it at the local shopping mall.

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