FAQs

Yes, by logging into your Partners Patient Gateway account you can schedule a follow-up appointment with Dr. Krathen from your PC or mobile device.

For registration, you will need a copy of your driver’s license, insurance card, and a credit card to keep on file. Please bring a copy of your current medications (with the name, dosage and frequency of each drug) and drug allergies. Lastly, please bring any medical records, such pathology reports, emergency department / urgent care discharge paperwork, and prior medical notes.

There is ample parking in front, on the side, and in the back of the building. There is no fee for parking.

Yes, it is the patient’s responsibility to secure a referral, if one is necessary according to your health insurance policy, before the appointment with Dr. Krathen. If the required referral is not active at the time of the visit with Dr. Krathen you may be rescheduled or be required to sign an insurance waiver, indicating that if a referral authorization is not obtained that you as the patient you will assume financial responsibility of the visit.

Access to the Gateway allows you to schedule follow-up appointments, check and pay your bill, review medications, allergies, medical problems in your medical chart, and review your clinic notes from a recent visit. Please visit the Gateway by clicking here: https://patientgateway.massgeneralbrigham.org/mychart-prd/Authentication/Login?

Unfortunately despite healthcare and technology advances, Dr. Krathen and his team at Essential Dermatology are unable to predict whether a prescribed medication will be covered by your pharmacy benefit program or what the patient cost/cop-payment will be. We always strive to prescribe therapies that are effective and low-cost, but this can be a challenge in today’s health insurance climate. If a prescribed medication is not covered or is too expensive, please contact the office to send an alternative therapy, if available.

Please wear minimal make-up to the visit. Covering up the skin makes it a challenge to see what is underneath! If you do wear make-up, we may ask that it be removed, so please bring replacement product with you to apply afterwards.

Often Dr. Krathen will utilize a medical scribe / medical assistant to help facilitate your visit. This person is highly trained to assist Dr. Krathen with prescribing and recording components of the medical visit. Additionally, all staff have undergone HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) training so rest assured that your health care and all other information will remain confidential.

Yes. If you have a High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) and haven’t yet met your annual deductible, your visit and any services provided will apply toward it. Until your deductible is met, your insurance plan requires you to pay for covered services — so those charges become your responsibility as of the date of service.

Why do you collect payment before or at the time of my visit?

When your deductible hasn’t been met, your insurer pays nothing on the visit — the full allowed amount is owed by you. To keep your care affordable and your billing simple, we collect an estimate of that cost ahead of your appointment. This lets us handle payment in one step, at a predictable moment, rather than sending you a surprise bill weeks later or asking you to follow up on a balance after your visit. Settling costs upfront also helps us keep our fees as low as possible and lets our team stay focused on your care rather than on billing.

Do I have to pre-pay?

If you have a commercial High-Deductible Health Plan and haven’t met your deductible, pre-payment of your estimated charges is required before your appointment. If that isn’t convenient, see the options below. Many patients appreciate pre-paying, since it makes check-in quick and means there’s nothing to handle at the office. Our team will let you know your estimated amount ahead of time and set up payment for you.

What if I’d prefer not to pre-pay the full estimate?

We understand that paying the full estimated amount upfront isn’t always convenient. If you’d like an alternative, we offer two options:

• Place a deposit. For a standard medical visit, you can secure your appointment with a $400 deposit on a credit card. For scheduled procedures, where we can estimate costs more precisely, the deposit is $1,500. In either case, the remaining estimated balance is settled after your visit once your claim has been processed.
• Finance through CareCredit. CareCredit is a healthcare financing program that lets you spread the cost of your care over time. It’s quick to apply, and our team is happy to walk you through it. You can learn more or apply at carecredit.com.

Whichever option you choose, our front desk can go over the details with you when you schedule.

How do you decide how much to collect?

We intentionally estimate on the conservative (lower) side, using your plan’s standard rates. That means the amount we collect upfront is designed to be less than or equal to what you’re likely to owe — so you’re rarely paying more than necessary before your visit.

What if the amount collected doesn’t match the final claim?

Your insurer determines the final rate after we submit the claim. Once it processes:

• If a small balance remains, we’ll send you an invoice for the difference.
• If you overpaid, we’ll issue a refund within 30 days according to our billing procedures.

How can I know my deductible before I come in?

We strongly encourage you to contact your insurance carrier before your visit to confirm your remaining deductible and out-of-pocket requirements. Knowing these numbers ahead of time makes your visit smoother, and our front desk is glad to help answer questions.