Frequently Asked Questions

Dermatologists are doctors who have completed 3 years of specialized training (a dermatology residency) in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and conditions of the hair, nails, and skin.

To find out more, visit the American Academy of Dermatologists.

Cookeville Dermatology is primarily a general dermatology practice. Dr. Whiteaker and her physician assistants, Kristi and McKenzie, perform careful skin exams and biopsy of suspicious moles or skin lesions. We also diagnose and treat a wide variety of skin issues (for example: acne, eczema, and psoriasis), skin lesions (including but not limited to: skin cancers of all types and abnormal moles, as well as benign moles, benign skin lesions, and skin tags), and hair and nail abnormalities (hair loss, abnormal nails).

Dermatology has a number of even more narrow specialties, such as Mohs micrographic surgery, pediatric dermatology, and dermatopathology. Dr. Whiteaker has researched and hand-picked physicians in these specialties to optimize the care of her patients. For example, all biopsy specimens are sent to Nashville to be looked at under the microscope by dermatologists who are also trained pathologists (dermatopathologists). Although Dr. Whiteaker does some skin surgeries in her office, she may refer patients (such as patients who have biopsy-proven skin cancers that are large, or in cosmetically sensitive areas such as the face) to a highly trained and certified skin surgery specialists called Mohs surgeons. Dr. Whiteaker takes this very seriously and refers only when necessary, and only to the best doctors for her patient’s needs.

As a patient at Cookeville Dermatology, you are never assigned solely to Dr. Whiteaker or one of her physician assistants. We appreciate the value of teamwork, and Dr. Whiteaker believes this policy provides the best care for our patients. Dr. Whiteaker directly supervises and reviews the charts of her physician assistants. Dr. Whiteaker and her physician assistants all provide general dermatology care. It is rare for Dr. Whiteaker not to be present and available for immediate consultation by a physician assistant, if needed, at the time of a patient’s appointment.

It is possible that a patient’s appointment may be moved from a physician assistant's schedule to Dr. Whiteaker’s schedule, or vice versa, if needed, to reduce a long wait or rescheduling of an appointment due to unforeseen circumstances.

Call our office at 931-528-0002 and choose extension 1 for the receptionist/front desk to schedule an appointment.

For up-to-date information please call (931) 528-0002 and ask a receptionist. We make every effort to see new patients in a timely fashion. We maintain a wait list to fill unexpected openings in our schedule. Referrals from other medical offices are prioritized partly based on the urgency of the referral indicated on the referral form (although a referral is not necessary to make an appointment).

We have mechanisms in place for established patients to have streamlined access for an urgent dermatology appointment. We ask that our established patients call and speak with a phone call nurse to be given an expedited appointment time and date. To minimize long patient wait times we do not provide “walk-in” appointments.

Referrals are only required in our office if specified by your insurance company. However, most insurances for which Dr. Whiteaker and her physician assistants are providers do not require a referral. If you have a question about your insurance, contact us at 931-528-0002.

We welcome referrals from primary care providers and other medical offices and expedite these appointments based on the information provided and the urgency indicated on the referral. If you are referred, we will send a letter about your visit and information such as pathology reports to the referring health care provider.

We accept a number of the most common insurances. Here is a complete list of accepted insurances.

We require 24-hour cancellation notice. You can call 931-528-0002 during business hours and we also have a voicemail set up if you call after office hours.

All co-pays, deductibles, and coinsurance fees are due at the time of service in accordance with your contract with your insurance.

We generally tell patients to allow at least one hour. Sometimes medical emergencies occur, which may affect your wait time.

We ask for a photo ID to protect your identity. Since many patients use credit cards to pay, it prevents us from having to ask you for ID every time you come into the office.

Only new patients are required to arrive 15 minutes before their scheduled appointment time. This gives the patient time to complete paperwork and staff time to enter all necessary information.

No, we are by appointment only to ensure all of our patients are properly cared for and have adequate time for their appointment. If you walk in we would be more than happy to set up an appointment for you.

No. The parent or guardian must accompany minor children (under the age of 18) to the office. In order for another adult to accompany the patient, the parent/legal guardian must complete a Minor Consent Form ahead of time.