May is National Skin Cancer Awareness Month and National Melanoma Month. The Pinnacle Dermatology staff, with headquarters in Brentwood, is aware of just how often these types of cancers occur in people of all ages and with all skin types.
“Skin cancer is the most diagnosed cancer nationally and globally, and you can read our statistics about skin cancer on our website, but the chances are 1 in 5 Americans will have skin cancer in their lifetime,” says board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Andrea Jurgens, who treats patients in Brentwood for Pinnacle. “And if you have certain risk factors, that number goes up. For example, if you have had severe sunburns in your life, are fair skinned and/or have a family history of skin cancer, your risk increases.”
Although the American Academy of Dermatology recommends an annual skin check, not all dermatology practice providers offer routine annual skin exams to all patients. However, one of Pinnacle Dermatology’s founding principles has been to offer an annual skin exam to every patient it treats.
“Before you get back outside this spring, have your annual skin cancer check,” says Dr. Jurgens. “Most insurance plans cover it, and many people don’t know that. Spring is a good time to be checked and educated on your risk factors and what you need to do to keep yourself safe.”
Founded by Dr. Paula Lapinski, Pinnacle Dermatology is the fifth largest dermatology network in the country with more than 60 locations in seven states, and is the largest female-founded and owned.
“Our founder is not only a dermatologist, but she is a leading Mohs surgeon for skin cancer,” says Dr. Jurgens. “At Pinnacle, we offer a wide variety of treatments for skin cancer locally in the Tennessee region. Franklin will be offering Mohs Surgery for skin cancer and SRT [Superficial Radiation Therapy] for those who opt for a non-surgical option.”
Headquartered in Tennessee, its renowned surgeons and founders will be performing consultations and surgeries in the area. “We also have a centralized pathology lab which offers the highest quality dermatopathology interpretations by board-certified dermatopathologists with industry leading turn-around times. So, if you go to your local center for your annual skin exam and they see something suspicious, it can be dealt with in an expeditious manner” she says.
“We truly offer comprehensive skin care,” says Dr. Jurgens. “Normally, you’re not being referred out of network for skin cancer, you’re not having to drive around to get your prescription, and you’re not having to go to an outside pathology lab.”
Pinnacle also offers same-day appointments, so if someone experiences a skin emergency, such as an accidental burn, they can be seen right away. The centers also provide top-notch services for a host of other chronic skin conditions, such as acne, psoriasis, rosacea and eczema.
In addition to medical dermatology services, Pinnacle also offers cosmetic services, such as Botox Cosmetic and JUVÉDERM, which are administered by certified nurse injectors, as well as laser hair removal and a full range of other dermatological services.
“A lot of people go to med spas for cosmetic services, but they don’t have the same level of expertise,” says Dr. Jurgens. “All of our cosmetic and aesthetic services are performed in a professional setting and overseen by a board-certified expert.”
To learn more about skin care and to have that all-important skin exam, go to PinnacleSkin.com/total-body-skin-exam.
