Board Certified Experts Leading the Way in Comprehensive Skin Health
Our Services to Physicians
Dermatopathology Services:
- Expert microscopic interpretation of pigmented lesions such as moles and melanomas.
- Preoperative skin biopsy review.
- Second opinions on biopsies, usually covered by insurance.
- Daily review of unusual cases.
Dermatopathology is the study of the causes and nature of skin diseases. It is a subspecialty of anatomical pathology specializing in the microscopic interpretation of skin disease including melanomas, other skin cancers, moles, atypical moles, and inflammatory dermatoses.
The American Academy of Dermatology, the largest and most influential academy of dermatologists, has emphasized the importance of using dermatopathologists for the accurate interpretation of skin diseases. The AAD urges all patients to inquire about who is reading their skin biopsies and not to be afraid to ask for a second opinion. Whether a dermatologist, family physician, or surgeon obtains your skin biopsies, you can be assured of its accurate and precise interpretation by one of these expert dermatopathologists.
Dermatopathologists are physicians who, after completing their training in either dermatology or pathology, pursued additional training in accredited programs for the interpretation of skin biopsies. Dermatopathologists integrate clinical information with microscopic observations of the patient’s biopsy to provide diagnostic information to the treating physician.
Our Partners
Our Services
The Process
At Barr DermPath, the journey of skin tissue specimens begins with their arrival in vials of formalin. Details from accompanying paperwork are meticulously documented in our system. Subsequently, our skilled lab technicians delicately section the tissue to fit into cassettes, which then undergo processing in a specialized tissue processor.
The next phase involves embedding the tissue in paraffin, from which precise blocks are cut and the tissue is carefully placed on glass slides. Following this, a meticulous staining process with hematoxylin and eosin is applied, concluding with a coverslip. The culmination of this process sees our newly prepared slides sent to our expert dermatopathologists for in-depth analysis.
Upon careful examination of these slides under a microscope, our dermatopathologists deliver an original and precise diagnosis to the referring physician, embodying our commitment to excellence in diagnostic pathology.
Results
All clinical findings are documented in a finalized report, then delivered to the referring physician via fax, mail, online through a secure login, and/or EMR connectivity.
Slide Consultation & Second Opinions
Our expertise extends beyond routine cases, as physicians and fellow dermatopathologists frequently entrust us with their slides for consultations or second opinions on intricate cases. Notably, direct requests from patients, or concerned parents advocating for their children, seeking confirmation of an original diagnosis before embarking on a treatment plan, are also welcomed.
Upon receiving these requests, accompanied by pertinent reports, our dedicated physicians meticulously review the previously prepared slides. They either concur with the initial diagnosis or offer a more precise and nuanced assessment. It's worth highlighting that 100% of our slide consultations result in definitive diagnoses.
Subsequently, our physicians furnish a comprehensive report containing their diagnosis to the referring physician. A duplicate of this report is also dispatched to the pathologist who initially provided the diagnosis, fostering a collaborative approach in advancing diagnostic accuracy.