Dermatology Outreach is a nurse practitioner-owned business dedicated to improving access to high-quality dermatology services across West Virginia. With clinics strategically located in several counties, including Bridgeport, Weston, Buckhannon, Elkins, and Summersville, the practice prioritizes outstanding personal care for all patients.
Our Mission and Approach
The primary goal at Dermatology Outreach is to ensure that every patient receives exceptional care. The team takes the time to listen to individual concerns, thoroughly inform patients about their treatment options, and collaboratively assist them in making the best treatment decisions tailored to their unique circumstances.
Kristi Lafferty, the driving force behind Dermatology Outreach, travels throughout West Virginia to serve patients from all walks of life. Her commitment extends to making follow-up phone calls when necessary, demonstrating a dedication that goes beyond typical patient-provider interactions.
Business Operations and Accessibility
The central business office for Dermatology Outreach is located in Bridgeport, West Virginia. This office operates Monday through Friday, providing clients with convenient options to schedule appointments, manage billing inquiries, or obtain further information about the services offered.
The practice proudly serves a diverse clientele through its five distinct locations, ensuring that residents across various regions of West Virginia have access to specialized dermatological care.
Understanding Dermatology
Dermatology is the medical specialty focused on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the skin, hair, and nails. The skin, being the largest organ of the body, is susceptible to a wide array of medical disorders. At Dermatology Outreach, patients are treated as individuals, not merely as customers, reinforcing the practice's commitment to personalized care.
Meet the Founder: Kristi Lafferty, MSN, FNP-BC
Kristi Lafferty's educational journey began at the WVU School of Nursing, where she earned her Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN) in May 2005. She furthered her education at WVU, completing her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in December 2000. Following her board certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner, Kristi gained valuable experience in nephrology from 2002 to 2005.
Her specialization in dermatology commenced in October 2005 with training at Central West Virginia Dermatology. With over fifteen years of dedicated experience in the field, Kristi established Dermatology Outreach, LLC in October 2010, driven by a vision to expand accessible dermatological care.
The Role of Nurse Practitioners
Nurse Practitioners are registered nurses who possess advanced education and clinical expertise, enabling them to provide comprehensive health and medical care to diverse populations in various settings. They practice both independently and collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to diagnose, treat, and manage patient health issues.
The autonomous nature of their advanced clinical practice necessitates accountability for healthcare outcomes. Ensuring the highest quality of care involves certification, regular peer review, clinical outcome evaluations, adherence to a code of ethical practice, and ongoing professional development to maintain clinical skills.
Common Dermatological Conditions Treated
Dermatology Outreach addresses a wide range of common skin concerns, including:
Acne
Acne treatment is a frequent concern, particularly among teenagers and young adults. Successful management often involves a combination of treatment modalities tailored to the individual.
Rosacea
Adults experiencing facial flushing or blushing may be dealing with rosacea. This condition can sometimes present with symptoms resembling inflammatory acne. Triggers can include sun exposure, hot beverages, and spicy foods.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic, genetic condition characterized by scaling red patches on the skin, which becomes inflamed with silvery scales.
Eczema
Eczema is an itchy, chronic skin irritation that can affect individuals of all ages, often beginning in childhood. While some children may outgrow it, many experience recurring flare-ups into adulthood.
Moles
Moles are benign growths originating from the body's pigmented cells. They commonly appear during childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood. Changes in color or border, increasing size, or irritation may necessitate professional evaluation and potential removal, especially if abnormal cells are suspected.
Warts
Warts are benign tumors, typically skin-colored with a rippled surface, often appearing on the hands and feet. Plantar warts, located on the soles of the feet, can cause pain. As warts are viral in nature, they have the potential to spread.
Sun-Damaged Skin
Prolonged exposure to UVA and UVB rays can lead to sun-damaged skin, most commonly appearing on the face, chest, neck, hands, and arms. This damage can manifest as brown spots, dilated blood vessels, fine lines, and wrinkles. A comprehensive skincare routine should incorporate both prevention and repair strategies.
Dry Skin
Dry skin is often diagnosed clinically by observing fine scaling, cracking, or fissuring. In some cases, dryness can be a symptom of underlying inflammation, potentially requiring a biopsy for further diagnosis. Treatment focuses on replenishing the skin's moisture content.
Dermatological Procedures
Dermatology Outreach utilizes various procedures to treat a range of skin conditions:
Cryosurgery
Cryosurgery involves the application of extreme cold temperatures, typically using liquid nitrogen, to treat skin lesions and conditions. This method is effective for treating pre-cancerous cells, warts, and skin tags.
Skin Cancer Treatment
Skin cancer is characterized by the uncontrollable growth of skin cells. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the most common forms, usually growing slowly and rarely spreading. Melanoma, while less common, is more dangerous and develops in the deeper layers of the skin, often appearing as a darkly pigmented lesion.
Skin Cancer, Causes, Signs and Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment.
Insurance and Payment
Dermatology Outreach accepts most major insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, to ensure broader accessibility to their services.
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