“I love making my patients happy, whether it’s clearing their acne or making them look ten years younger,” says Dr. Caroline Chang, board-certified dermatologist and owner of RHODE ISLAND DERMATOLOGY INSTITUTE. “It’s very gratifying to be able to help people improve their confidence and self-esteem.”
In 2018, after a decade of studying and practicing medicine within the confines of traditional, insurance-based systems, Dr. Chang decided to open her own practice – with a distinct difference.
“We have a close bond with our patients. Our approach allows us to get to know them on a very personal level, and provide the best outcome possible,” says Dr. Chang.
That approach is known as direct pay or direct care, a revolutionary healthcare model removing insurance companies from the equation. Rhode Island Dermatology Institute (RIDI) is the first direct care dermatology practice in the state, and aims to restore and nurture the doctor-patient relationship.
“We provide the highest quality of care to our patients without the barriers of health insurance,” Dr. Chang says, explaining that in the direct care model patients contract medical services directly with their doctor. This means new patients can get seen sooner (within a week or two), appointments are easier to book (online encouraged), no referrals are needed, plus less wait time in the office and more time with the doctor. The office, which can be described as both a medical and spa space, is set up to make your visit streamlined and hassle free.
“Once you try it, you’ll never go back to a traditional office model.”
“I focus on individualized care for both medical and cosmetic services,” says Dr. Chang. “I always put the patient first.”
Dr. Chang addresses every kind of medical concern from skin cancer screening, acne, eczema, and psoriasis to hair loss and rashes. She also offers cosmetic treatments like Botox, dermal fillers, chemical peels, laser hair removal, laser skin rejuvenation, and even skin care products.
“It’s very important that patients choose board certified dermatologists for all procedures,” Dr. Chang says, explaining that she examines her patients’ skin at every appointment. “I’ve had a number of patients see me for cosmetic procedures in which I have spotted skin cancer. I am on the frontline of my patients’ health, providing comprehensive evaluations and offering the very best care of their skin.”
But Dr. Chang’s quality of care and office model aren’t the only things that set her and her practice apart – she also brings a unique background and artistic approach.
An art enthusiast with a dedication for science-based medicine, Dr. Chang has a unique academic and medically trained background. “I apply my extensive background in both art history and dermatology to provide the highest quality care to all my patients.”
Dr. Chang graduated from Princeton University with a BA in Art and Archaeology. She spent two years conducting melanoma research at New York University Medical Center, where she established a comprehensive patient database used in studies to define the risk factors for and behavior of melanoma. After earning her MD from the NYU School of Medicine, she pursued her residency at Tufts Medical Center, where she served as Chief Resident and trained in dermoscopy, a non-invasive technique that allows for better visualization of the skin’s surface. Today, as an associate staff member at Rhode Island Hospital, Dr. Chang has over a decade of experience with providing customized care in both medical and cosmetic dermatology.
“I’m excited to continue offering the most innovative treatments, as well as providing the best evidence-based procedures,” says Dr. Chang of her hopes for this year. ‘It’s been a dream to not only own my own business, but also treat patients in a truly personalized and meaningful way.”
5586 Post Road, Suite 6, East Greenwich • 398-2500
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