What patients are saying
Overall rating
4.81
Average wait time
4.86
Bedside manner
4.94
“The doctor was patient. She listened to all my symptoms and discussed if they were related.
She elaborately explained how to use the prescribed medication.”
Initials hiddenMarch 23, 2026
“I had a great first appointment! Dr. Atwater and her medical assistant were very friendly, professional, and efficient. The front desk was kind and helpful regarding my appointments and insurance. I highly recommend Dr. Atwater and her practice!”
Isabel N.Less than 1 month ago
About Dr. Amber Atwater
Dr. Amber Atwater is a highly skilled dermatologist who sees patients in person at Distinctive Dermatology in Vienna, VA. She offers virtual consultations as well.
As part of her formal education, Dr. Atwater acquired a medical degree from the University of Illinois Chicago and completed a residency in dermatology at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. She holds a certification from the American Board of Dermatology and a membership to the American Academy of Dermatology.
Patients trust Dr. Atwater's expertise because she consistently ensures positive and lasting health outcomes through high-quality care.
We see patients age 12 and up for all skin conditions, and see patients age 2 and up for atopic dermatitis (eczema), allergic contact dermatitis and patch testing.
Please note our office policies:
1) We have a credit card on file policy.
2) There is a $50 charge for no-shows.
3) Deposit is required for self-pay visits.
4) You must be located in Virginia; Washington, DC; or North Carolina for Virtual Visits. We cannot see you virtually if you are located in Maryland. We also cannot see Medicare patients virtually.
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In-network insurances
99% of patients have successfully booked with these insurances
Aetna
BlueCross BlueShield
Cigna
Medicare
UnitedHealthcare
Office location
Dr. Amber Atwater, MD also offers online video visits for patients
Education and background
Practice names
Hospital affiliations
- Inova Fairfax Hospital
Board certifications
- American Board of Dermatology
Education and training
- Medical School - University of Illinois Chicago, Doctor of Medicine
- University of Wisconsin–Madison, Residency in Dermatology
- Duke University Hospital, Residency in Internal Medicine
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Bachelor's)
Professional memberships
- American Academy of Dermatology
Awards and publications
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=amber+atwater&sort=date
- Clinical Professor of Dermatology, George Washington University
- Past President, American Contact Dermatitis Society
- Associate Member, International Eczema Council
Languages spoken
- English
Provider's gender
Female
NPI number
1548222151
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
4.81
Wait time
4.86
Bedside manner
4.94
Your trust is our top concern, so providers can't pay to alter or remove reviews. We also don't publish reviews that contain any private patient health information. Learn more here
123 reviews
Most relevant
Dr. Atwater is super professional, helpful and thorough. She walked me through details of my case and explained everything.
Less than 3 months agoInitials hidden
The experience was great!!!! The dermatologist was very knowledgeable, and i have a follow-up appointment with her..
January 14, 2026Sara B.Verified patient
Excellent appointment. I was seen quickly and thoughtfully. She answered all my questions and took action. Highly recommend.
August 28, 2025Jennifer H.Verified patient
Clean office, very good front desk and was seen right away. Doctor was very professional and caring
December 11, 2025Initials hidden
I thought Dr Atwater was very friendly and she made me feel comfortable. I would see her again.
November 22, 2025Jennifer M.Verified patient
She was extremely helpful and a very good listener. Very dedicates and explained everything clearly.
July 17, 2025Emma A.Verified patient
I really liked this doctor. She was knowledgeable, compassionate and delivered excellent care.
Less than 1 year agoDouglas N.Verified patient
Staff was wonderful. Doctor was available, not rushed, listen , provided suggestions and plan.
July 20, 2025Cecilia H.Verified patient
Dr. Atwater's kind and professional demeanor put me at ease. Highly recommend.
October 1, 2025Initials hidden
Profession environment. Knowledgeable and caring doctor with solutions.
Less than 6 months agoJK
Great experience. All my questions were answered, appointment was on time and efficient.
May 8, 2025Craig P.Verified patient
I went in for a skin check and Dr. Atwater was very professional. Would recommend.
Less than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Highly recommend—visit was easy, efficient, on time. Very informative.
October 3, 2025Keri L.Verified patient
The doctor was patient. She listened to all my symptoms and discussed if they were related.
She elaborately explained how to use the prescribed medication.
March 23, 2026Initials hidden
I had a great first appointment! Dr. Atwater and her medical assistant were very friendly, professional, and efficient. The front desk was kind and helpful regarding my appointments and insurance. I highly recommend Dr. Atwater and her practice!
Less than 1 month agoIsabel N.Verified patient
An excellent experience from start to finish. The office staff was friendly and efficient and Dr. Atwater was knowledgeable, caring, and happy to answer all of my questions. It was a pleasure to see a Doctor who is not in a rush and who genuinely cares about me as a person. I highly recommend this office and Dr. Atwater.
March 6, 2026Michael R.Verified patient
Dr. Atwater was very attentive, friendly, and thorough. She listened to my concerns and addresses each of them. Great doctor! I highly recommend her.
February 25, 2026Alison S.Verified patient
I booked this appointment with an immediate need and I was able to get an appointment the next day; it was very easy to schedule online. The clinic is modern and clean and easy to find. The parking was easy in the parking garage behind the building. The staff that greeted me was friendly and efficient. Dr. Atwater was very professional and attentive and kind. She thoroughly explained everything and patiently answered my questions. I would highly recommend her!
February 4, 2026Suzanne P.Verified patient
Nice office and nice friendly people
December 24, 2025Hussein H.Verified patient
Dr. Atwater is an exceptional physician who truly cares about her patients. She takes the time to listen carefully, explains everything clearly, and makes sure you feel comfortable and confident with your care plan. Her professionalism, knowledge, and compassionate approach set her apart. The office staff is also courteous and efficient, making the entire experience smooth and pleasant. I highly recommend Dr. Atwater to anyone looking for a knowledgeable and caring doctor.
Less than 6 months agoAP
I came across Dr. Atwater on ZocDoc while preparing for our move to Virginia. I have been very pleased with the care she has provided for my wife and me. She is experienced, knowledgeable, and thorough.
Her staff is friendly, welcoming, and efficient, and scheduling appointments has been straightforward.
December 13, 2025Sivand L.Verified patient
Dr Atwater is highly knowledgeable and genuine. I originally saw another doctor who was about to over treat me with unnecessary and even harmful pills and tests. I am glad I came to Dr Atwater for second opinion and subsequent consultations. Her staff are organized, which made all my visits efficient! The office is also conveniently located near the metro, route 7, and Walmart, etc. I would highly recommend Dr Atwater’s office!
Less than 6 months agoJF
Dr Atwood is phenomenal! Great listener and thorough doctor. Not ever condescending like many doctors can be and made it clear she had time for me and that her mind was not elsewhere as we talked. I am recommending her to all my friends and family
December 9, 2025Initials hidden
Dr. Atwater was very knowledgeable about eczema and provided clear answers to all my questions! She also helped me understand the timeline to recover from cystic acne and gave me the needed reassurance.
November 25, 2025Chris Y.Verified patient
I recently had a minor surgery to remove a cyst, and it was a breeze! The procedure was smooth and painless, and my recovery has been a breeze too. I highly recommend Dr. Atwater!
Less than 1 year agoNN
Great doctor// super knowledgeable and trustworthy. I had concerns about certain moles and birthmarks while pregnant. Helped assuage my anxiety- felt very thorough. Looking forward to having one consistent Derm Dx for my skin checkups and monitoring.
Great and friendly staff/office/super clean as well.
I was running over 25 mins late and they still kept my appointment —which as a 34 week pregnant working mom —I very much appreciated the grace.
Definitely recommend.
September 8, 2025Valerie B.Verified patient
Dr. Atwater was outstanding. She listened to my concerns and had straightforward answers and recommendations. She did not try to push me towards unnecessary procedures or add-ons (which sometimes happens in my experience with certain dermatologists). I'll be going back and would recommend her highly.
September 3, 2025Andrew S.Verified patient
Dr. Atwater is the consummate professional. Her personable manner put me at ease immediately. After discussing my issues, her examination addressed all my conditions and astutely discovered three others of potential concern, which we also discussed. She proposed several means of treating my primary problem. We agreed on a path forward, an initial treatment that day, and convenient additional appointments. She also referred two other doctors to treat a condition she does not treat. My problem that Dr. Atwater treated has been resolved after only three more treatments, and I couldn’t be more pleased. I highly recommend her.
Less than 1 year agoRM
Great experience and felt genuinely heard and cared for with regards to my health. Communicated clearly her thoughts and gave me great options. Will continue to go for my skin care needs
Less than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Experience was good and I would go back.
July 23, 2025Audra M.Verified patient
Very competent and friendly doctor who immediately understood my situation and asked questions reflecting that understanding. Explained everything she was doing and deciding and provided clear next steps. I was very happy with the appointment.
July 21, 2025Christina E.Verified patient
Dr. Atwood was wonderful! Professional and kind, and I appreciate that she focused on my skin health rather than try to sell me something.
July 15, 2025Monica W.Verified patient
Solve my skin problem , love it!
Less than 1 year agoSS
I had been seeing the same dermatologist for almost 15 years. It was a high volume practice and you always felt like you were rushed in and out. I decided to look around to see if I could find a different experience, one where you felt like more than a number. Coming to Dr. Atwater was my first attempt to look elsewhere, and I feel very fortunate to have found that different experience on my first try. The office is on the small side, but very nicely decorated and quiet. Again, it’s quiet, nothing like my last dermatologist’s office that was more like a livestock auction. Dr. Atwater is relaxed, friendly and came across (to me) as interested and caring. I’m thankful to have found her practice. Give it a try, I think you’ll be pleased.
July 8, 2025John H.Verified patient
Great experience! Dr. Atwater was thorough and listened carefully to my concerns. She took the time to explain everything and was very informative. I would highly recommend her.
July 7, 2025Anne L.Verified patient
Very good experience on every front.
July 7, 2025Patryk L.Verified patient
Very professional and thorough
Less than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Dr. Atwater was professional and made me feel at ease when asking questions and advice. I would recommend her services to my family and friends.
June 18, 2025Alice L.Verified patient
Dr. Atwater made me feel at ease/comfortable even when I was feeling embarrassed. Staff was very polite. I would definitely recommend her to anyone who needs a dermatologist. Thank you!
June 17, 2025Biatrís G.Verified patient
The office was very clean and I was checked in immediately. I really liked this doctor. She was attentive, took time to explain treatment options, and had prior authorization done for my medication quickly. I also appreciated that she did not push any cosmetic services like I have encountered with other dermatologist offices. This was a positive experience and it is rare to find a doctor that listens and does not rush through an appointment.
May 7, 2025Melinda P.Verified patient
Dr Atwater makes her patient feel comfortable and reassured with her expertise, demeanor and professionalism. She takes the time to ensure instructions and discharge plan, follow up is properly communicated to the patient and/or the significant other.
May 3, 2025James O.Verified patient
Highly efficient staff. They helped me get all my info into their file. Easy location and parking. Dr Atwater was so knowledgable and comforting. She spent time chatting with me and offering solutions and I left with lots of samples to try 10/10!
Less than 1 year agoSC
My visit was excellent and I was really impressed. Dr. Atwater is an exceptional doctor who truly cares. She was very patient and very attentive. She actively listened to my concerns. She was highly knowledgeable and provided me with clear explanations. Dr. Atwater goes above and beyond to care for me. I am really grateful. Dr. Atwater’s office was clean and very well organized. The office staff were very friendly and very helpful also. Thank you.
More than 1 year agoLC
Dr. Atwater was caring and really listened to my concerns. She was able to help get resolution for my issues and ran several diagnostics to make sure we are treating everything as appropriate. I would highly recommend this provider as a knowledgeable and experienced practitioner.
February 12, 2025Julie L.Verified patient
Less than 1 month agoInitials hidden
March 17, 2026Salime M.Verified patient
March 10, 2026Gabrielle S.Verified patient
March 10, 2026Alexandra R.Verified patient
Less than 3 months agoInitials hidden
February 7, 2026Initials hidden
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How soon can I make an appointment with Dr. Amber Atwater?
Generally, Dr. Amber Atwater has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Dr. Atwater's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Dr. Amber Atwater accepting new patients?
Dr. Amber Atwater generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Dr. Atwater's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Dr. Amber Atwater accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Dr. Atwater is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Dr. Amber Atwater online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Dr. Atwater using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
Which hospital is Dr. Amber Atwater affiliated with?
Dr. Amber Atwater is affiliated with Inova Fairfax Hospital.
What practice does Dr. Amber Atwater work with?
Dr. Amber Atwater works with Distinctive Dermatology.
Where is Dr. Amber Atwater's office located?
Dr. Amber Atwater has 3 office locations, including in Vienna and Watha, view full addresses on Dr. Atwater's profile.
Which board certifications does Dr. Amber Atwater have?
Dr. Amber Atwater is certified by American Board of Dermatology.
What are common reasons for patients to see Dr. Amber Atwater?
Dr. Amber Atwater frequently sees patients for Acne, Allergy Consultation, Annual Skin Screening, Hair Loss, and Prescription / Refill. You can see other visit reasons for Dr. Amber Atwater on their profile.
What languages does Dr. Amber Atwater speak?
Dr. Amber Atwater speaks English.
How do patients rate Dr. Amber Atwater in reviews?
123 patients have reviewed Dr. Amber Atwater. The overall rating for this doctor is 4.81/5. They have a 4.94/5 rating for bedside manner and a 4.86/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.