Dr. Sandra Lee, widely known as Dr. Pimple Popper, is a board-certified dermatologist who operates a private practice separate from her television appearances. Her clinical base is located in Southern California at Skin Physicians & Surgeons, which has offices in Upland and Chino. The practice provides a full range of dermatological services, from general skin health to complex surgical procedures. However, the financial reality of seeking treatment at her specific private clinic, especially for the excisions seen on television, often follows a self-pay model.
Insurance Coverage and Procedure Classification
Insurance coverage at Dr. Lee’s practice depends on the distinction between a medically necessary procedure and a purely elective one. For conditions posing a threat to health, such as skin cancer removal (Mohs surgery) or treatment for severe, chronic diseases like psoriasis, the practice submits claims to insurance carriers. Dr. Lee’s practice accepts several major insurance plans, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, and Humana. Patients should always call ahead to confirm acceptance and in-network status with their specific plan.
The procedures that made Dr. Lee famous—the removal of benign cysts, lipomas, and stubborn blackheads—are frequently classified by insurance companies as cosmetic. Carriers determine that a lesion is not medically necessary to remove if it is not painful, infected, or cancerous. Since these non-symptomatic bumps are considered benign, coverage is denied, requiring the patient to pay out-of-pocket for the excision.
The rules governing covered dermatological procedures vary significantly by state. For patients who receive a denial of coverage, the practice may be able to help with documentation to appeal the decision, but the process is challenging. Many patients who travel globally to see Dr. Lee for these specific excisions do so knowing their procedure will be self-funded. The exception to the self-pay rule is for patients selected to appear on her television show, where the production company covers all costs, including travel and the procedure itself.
Understanding Out-of-Pocket Costs and Payment Options
For patients whose procedure is not covered by insurance, the financial responsibility falls directly on them, necessitating careful planning for out-of-pocket costs. The initial consultation fee at Skin Physicians & Surgeons is approximately $120. This initial fee is often credited toward the cost of a procedure if one is performed at the time of the consultation.
The cost for removing a non-medically necessary lesion, such as a cyst or lipoma, starts in the range of $500 to $600 for a single, straightforward extraction. The final price for any procedure is highly variable, depending on the lesion’s size, location, and the complexity of the excision. More intricate surgical cases carry substantially higher fees.
As a self-pay patient, the practice is legally required to provide a “Good Faith Estimate” detailing the expected total cost of care upon request. The clinic accepts standard forms of payment, including cash and credit cards. Many dermatology clinics partner with third-party financing options like CareCredit, which offers a dedicated healthcare credit card to help patients pay for procedures not covered by insurance, including cosmetic treatments, through short-term, interest-free payment plans.
The Patient Intake and Consultation Process
Securing an appointment begins with contacting the office directly, as the process varies depending on the type of service requested. For general medical dermatology appointments, same-day or next-day scheduling may be available. However, for cosmetic, surgical appointments, or patients traveling from out of state, a phone call is required to arrange the visit due to the specialized nature of the consultation.
Patients should anticipate a significant wait time for an appointment specifically with Dr. Sandra Lee due to her high demand and global following. Upon arrival, new patients are required to complete a comprehensive set of forms, including a financial policy agreement and a consent to clinical procedures. The initial consultation involves a thorough assessment and diagnosis, where the doctor develops a treatment plan and determines whether the procedure is medically necessary or elective.
The treatment plan is discussed in detail, and the patient is given the opportunity to ask questions about the recommended course of action. For those hoping to have their procedure filmed, the application process for the show is separate and requires submitting photos and participating in an audition process. The focus of the clinical consultation remains on the medical assessment and planning for safe and effective treatment.
Comprehensive Scope of Practice
While Dr. Lee is most famous for her excisions, Skin Physicians & Surgeons operates as a full-service dermatology center offering a wide array of medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatments. Medical dermatology services include diagnosis and management of chronic skin conditions such as acne, eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis. The clinic also provides preventative care, including comprehensive skin cancer screenings and advanced treatment options like Mohs micrographic surgery.
Beyond the medical realm, the practice specializes in cosmetic dermatology, utilizing various technologies to improve skin appearance. This includes a range of injectable treatments, such as dermal fillers and neuromodulators for wrinkle reduction. The practice offers laser treatments for issues like hair removal, sun damage, and acne scarring, alongside cosmetic surgical procedures like liposuction and eyelid lifts.