In 2024, millions of patients turned to Zocdoc to find healthcare providers across every state and specialty, booking appointments instantly online. Every click revealed patient preferences, including for dermatology care — one of the most sought-after specialties. In fact, dermatology ranked number two among the top 10 most booked specialists in 2024.
By analyzing these patient behaviors, we uncovered powerful insights to help practices better support their patients. Here’s what Zocdoc data revealed about dermatology patients in 2024.
Who was looking for new dermatology providers?
Zocdoc dermatology patients were young and skewed female
In 2024, nearly half (48%) of Zocdoc dermatology patients were Millennials (ages 27-42). 22% were young adults ages 18-29 and 3 out of 5 dermatology bookers were female. Capturing these patients early in their care journey proved crucial, especially as many looked for advice on skin care routines and cosmetic procedures.
They sought long-term relationships
Patients seeking dermatology care in 2024 valued trust and continuity, especially during big life events. Over 80% of Zocdoc’s dermatology patients rebooked with the same provider, making them one of the most loyal patient groups. This loyalty translated to higher lifetime revenue, as patients consistently returned for visit reasons such as acne, annual skin checks, and cosmetic procedures like Botox and fillers.
When did they want to see dermatology providers?
Patients prioritized speed to care
In 2024, 3 out of 5 dermatology appointments occurred within 8 days of booking –– far sooner than the national average wait time of 31.4 days.*
*According to the 2022 Survey of Physician Appointment Wait Times
Booking flexibility was essential
Half of patients booked dermatology appointments from 5 p.m. to 9 a.m. when the office is typically closed. This highlighted the importance of offering online self-scheduling to remain competitive and meet patient needs.
They wanted to get in early
The busiest booking days were Tuesdays and Wednesdays, with 10 a.m. being the most popular time slot.
They prioritized visits in summer
Summer skincare was top of mind in 2024. July and August were the busiest months for both bookings with 14% and 12% more appointments respectively vs. the average month.
How did they choose dermatology providers?
Insurance drove decisions
In 2024, 4 out of 5 dermatology patients booked with a commercial insurance plan, and 9 out of 10 chose in-network providers. For those booking out-of-network or without insurance, the top visit reasons were all for cosmetic services including Botox, fillers, and micro needling.
Mobile led the way
64% of dermatology appointments were booked via mobile device, a number that continues to increase year-over-year, and underscores the importance of meeting patients where and how they’re searching.
Reviews and office photos mattered
Patients consistently favored providers with more positive reviews and professional office photos. Relative to dermatology providers with one to nine reviews, those with 10 to 29 reviews saw 3.3x as many bookings on average. While many platforms allow anyone to write a review, Zocdoc promotes trust by only publishing reviews from verified patients.
Similarly, providers with four or more office photos got 3.3x as many bookings compared to providers who didn’t show off their office space.
Listing hospital affiliation (when applicable) boosted bookings
Dermatology providers who included their hospital affiliation on Zocdoc saw 1.2x more bookings than those who did not.
Why were they looking for new dermatology providers?
Routine needs and common concerns were top of mind
The most booked visit reasons included annual skin visits, acne, skin cancer screening, mole screening/treatment, hair loss, eczema, and cyst(s).
Where did they want to see dermatology providers?
Patients wanted to stay close to home, regardless of visit type
In 2024, 4 out of 5 in-person visits took place within 20 miles. For virtual visits, just over half were within 20 miles. However, patients strongly preferred in-person visits, with just 3% opting for virtual dermatology appointments.
Looking back at 2024
From prioritizing quick access and long-term relationships to favoring providers with trustworthy reviews, dermatology patients made their expectations clear. Understanding these trends and how you can meet patients’ unique needs can position your practice for further growth in 2025. Consult with an enterprise sales representative to learn more about how Zocdoc can grow your business.