About Us
FAQ
What is a Dermatopathologist (DER-MA-TOE-PATH-OL –OGIST)?
Dermatopathology is the study of the structure and function of the skin in health and disease. A Dermatopathologist is a highly- trained physician specializing in diagnosing disorders of the skin, hair and nail under a microscope. Unlike most laboratory tests, analyzing skin tissue is not just another automated lab test. Dermatopathologists provide a personal, consultative service in working closely with dermatologists in analyzing a patient’s medical information in conjunction with observations through the microscope. Our goal is to assist and support clinicians in providing the best possible care to their patients.
Do Dermatopathologists see patients?
No, not typically. A dermatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing skin conditions through physical examinations, while a dermatopathologist (also a physician), collaborates and provides support to dermatologists in utilizing microscopes to analyze skin samples. Rabkin Dermatopathologists perform microscopic analysis of skin disorders and do not see patients, take biopsies, or treat patients at our lab.
Does Rabkin lab perform other lab tests?
No. We are a specialty dermatopathology laboratory and perform testing exclusively on skin, hair and nail specimens only.
When can I expect to get my lab results?
In most cases, lab reports will be available to the referring physician in approximately three working days from the date our lab receives a biopsy (Monday through Friday excluding holidays). In some cases, additional testing may necessary to assist the dermatopathologist with making a diagnosis whereby a preliminary report will be issued in the interim to ensure information is communicated to your clinician in a timely manner.
Can I Get a Copy of My Pathology Report?
Yes. While we cannot give results over the phone or by email, we can send you a copy of your pathology report to your address of record or to another physician’s office at your request. If the patient is under eighteen, we can send the report to the patient’s parent or guardian. There is no additional charge for the copy.
Can you explain my lab report to me?
While we are happy to send you a copy of your report, the physician who took your biopsy is in the best position to answer questions about your report. Your pathology report should be combined with your doctor’s clinical expertise and his or her clinical observations of your skin and your overall health history before reaching any conclusions about your condition, treatment or prognosis. If your physician has any questions about our report, he or she is welcome to call our Dermatopathologists, however, you and your physician should discuss your lab report in addressing any questions you may have about the results of your biopsy.
Why is There a Separate Bill from Rabkin Lab?
Your lab analysis is completely independent from any physician’s office or hospital visit therefore, our billing is completely separate. Rabkin Dermatopathology Laboratory will submit the charges for your lab services to your primary and secondary insurance companies using the insurance and billing information provided by you to your physician’s office. Any deductible, co-pay, or co-insurance charges related to our lab services are independent from your physician office visit. We accept checks, money orders or credit cards for any balances due and payments can also be made through our web site at www.rabkindermpath.com. Please contact one of our billing specialists at (412) 786-3054 or (412) 968-9266 with any additional billing questions you may have.
What Insurances Do You Participate With?
Rabkin Dermatopathology Lab is contracted with most major managed care insurers We continually update our list of participating managed care providers. Please feel free to contact our billing department at (412) 786-3054 or 412-968-9266 if you have questions about managed care insurances or your specific managed care provider.
Our work begins when we receive your skin biopsy, but at Rabkin Dermatopathology Laboratory, P.C., our team has spent years preparing to give your specimen the care it deserves.
We provide prepaid overnight delivery services for biopsies, and our Histology Department, under close physician supervision, starts the process immediately upon receipt. Each biopsy is carefully examined under a microscope by a Board-Certified Dermatopathologist, who dictates a detailed report of the findings.
Our physicians specialize exclusively in skin pathology and are Board Certified in Dermatopathology, having undergone advanced training and national examinations. Each dermatologist uses state-of-the-art techniques to deliver the most accurate diagnosis.
If additional testing is needed, it is typically conducted in-house, minimizing any delays in reporting results. We ensure constant communication with referring physicians throughout the diagnostic process.
Reports are dictated and transcribed in-house by our dedicated clerical staff, then reviewed and signed by the physician before being
Dermatopathologists
Why A Board-Certified Dermatopathologist?
A Board-Certified Dermatopathologist has completed a fellowship in skin pathology following a residency in Dermatology or Pathology, and has passed a national board examination in skin pathology. Of perhaps greater importance, Dermatopathologists who devote their practice entirely to the interpretation of skin specimens are uniquely attuned to rare as well as common manifestations of every process that can affect the skin. Such individuals are able to offer reliable clinical-pathological correlation and give up-to-date and detailed suggestions for diagnostic testing and follow-up of patients, thereby saving the patients and their insurers the cost of many unnecessary diagnostic procedures and unnecessary treatments. Some examples of situations where special expertise in skin pathology is of particular value are:
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- Biologically benign pigmented lesions which can simulate melanoma both clinically and histologically.
- Nevoid malignant melanomas which have a deceptively banal clinical and histological appearance.
- Clinically atypical nevi which may be totally benign, potentially premalignant (dysplastic or congenital), or malignant.
- Benign tumors of the follicles or sweat glands which can closely resemble basal cell carcinoma both clinically and histologically.
- Benign vascular lesions that can closely simulate Kaposi’s sarcoma or angiosarcoma.
- Distinguishing among rashes such as eczema, psoriasis, lichen planus, and drug eruptions.
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Our Board Certified Dermatopathologists
John Cangelosi, M.D.
Board Certification: Dermatopathology
Fellowship: MD Anderson Cancer Center – Houston, TX
Residency: University of Texas Medical Branch – Galveston, TX
Medical School: University of Texas McGovern Medical School – Houston, TX
Saba M. Ali, M.D.
Board Certification: Dermatology, Dermatopathology
Fellowship: Wake Forest University – Winston-Salem, NC Residency: Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center – Winston-Salem, NC Medical School: Northeast Ohio University – Rootstown, OH
Milena E. Kozovska, M.D., Ph.D.
Board Certification: Anatomic and Clinical Pathology, Dermatopathology Fellowship: Wake Forest University – Winston-Salem, NC
Residency: Baylor College of Medicine – Houston, TX
Medical School: Institute of Cell and Morphology, Bulgaria Academy of Sciences – Sofia, Bulgaria
John P. Miller, M.D.
Board Certification: Dermatology, Dermatopathology
Fellowship: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA
Residency: Louisiana State University Health Science Center, New Orleans, LA Medical School: Louisiana State University Health Science Center, New Orleans, LA
Histologists
Our histology team brings extensive experience in the precise dissection, processing, and staining of skin specimens. This specialized expertise allows us to carefully examine the intricate anatomic features of each specimen with meticulous attention to detail. Our commitment to accuracy and quality ensures that each specimen is handled with the highest level of care.
Our histologists collaborate closely with our Dermatopathologists daily, working together to deliver comprehensive, accurate diagnostic results. This close partnership between histology and pathology plays a crucial role in ensuring that each specimen receives the specialized attention it deserves, contributing to the best possible outcomes for patients.
Administration & Billing
At Rabkin Dermatopathology Laboratory, P.C., our Administrative Department is committed to delivering the highest level of accuracy and attention to detail for our referring physicians, their staff, and patients. Our dedicated Billing Specialist Team is available to assist with any insurance or billing questions from both physicians and patients.
Rabkin Dermatopathology Laboratory charges are solely for the analysis and review of your specimen and are separate from any charges related to physician office visits or hospital services. We submit charges for lab services to your primary and secondary insurance providers, using the insurance and billing information provided by your physician’s office.
Please note that patients may be responsible for deductibles, co-pays, or co-insurance amounts related to our lab services, independent of fees from your physician’s office. We thoroughly review all patient claims and work with insurance providers to resolve any misprocessed or denied claims.
Payments can be made by check, money order, credit card, or online through our website at www.rabkindermpath.com. For additional billing inquiries, please contact our Billing Specialists at (412) 786-3054 or (412) 968-9266.
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