Where can I find a good dermatologist?

[T__C]

I am 50 years old and very healthy. I have never had any dermatology work done. Over time, I've developed a few lipomas and several angiomas. This year, I decided to do something about them. Unfortunately, I'm having a hard time finding a dermatologist. Every one I've talked to has seemed busy and uninterested. They haven't helped me to formulate a treatment plan. They haven't been forthcoming with their prices. They haven't inspired trust.

I think maybe I'm just not talking to the right dermatologists.

Can anyone here offer advice on how to find a good dermatologist? Better yet, is anyone willing to recommend a specific dermatologist, based on the treatment you received? I'm in Southern California, but I'm willing to travel if necessary.

[purple1234567]

Unfortunately, dermatologists can be very hard to get into and they do tend to be very busy as a nature of their profession- but have you tried asking your primary care doctor for a recommendation?  If you trust your primary care, I'd start there and see what they can do to get you pointed in the right direction.    

[T__C]

Thanks for the suggestion. I don't have a primary care doctor (I'm very healthy), so I can't ask my primary care doctor for a recommendation.

I've asked my friends and family if any of them can recommend their dermatologists, and all say no.

I've found that I can't make reasonable assessments of dermatologists with the information they make public, or information their staff is willing to discuss on the phone; it is necessary to make an office appointment. Yet all dermatologists in my area are either taking no new patients or are booked 3 to 5 months in advance. I've expanded my search to nearby counties, but there is still a long wait time to see doctors there.

Perhaps I am misinformed, but I've heard that dermatology care in other countries is quite good. Given the dysfunction of the dermatology system here, I am considering making a trip to Mexico or Asia for my care. Does anyone have experience with medical tourism, and if so, can you recommend an overseas doctor or facility for the specific type of treatment I need (lipoma surgery and removal of angiomas)?