[Medical help] Dermatology: how do you choose a dermatologist or dermatology clinic (and what did you pay / how long did you wait)?

I’ve had to see a dermatologist in Norway twice, and my strong opinion is that going private is the only realistic way if you want answers this decade. From what I’ve seen, dermatology clinics in Norway are professional and thorough, but the public route felt painfully slow unless the issue was clearly urgent. but there’s a nuance… private appointments cost more than people expect, and not every expensive clinic is automatically better at follow-up. I paid roughly what felt like a small luxury purchase for a first consult, but at least I got a clear plan and actual explanations instead of vague reassurance. It feels like many people fixate on how much a dermatologist makes in Norway, when the real issue is transparency about pricing and next steps. I’d always ask upfront about total cost, biopsy fees, and whether follow-up visits are included. Has anyone found a clinic that combines fast access with genuinely good aftercare? And did you go through a GP referral first, or skip straight to private?

That matches my experience pretty closely. If you want speed in Norway, private dermatology is usually the only realistic option, especially for non-urgent but worrying stuff like moles, rashes, or persistent acne. I paid a fairly steep fee for a first consult, but the upside was getting a proper skin check, photos, and a clear treatment plan the same week. The downside is that costs add up fast if biopsies or follow-ups aren’t clearly priced upfront, so asking about total cost scenarios before booking really matters. Public referrals via a GP can work, but only if time isn’t critical. Are you trying to book this around travel days between cities, or will you be based in one place long enough to handle follow-ups locally?