FAQ
How do I make an appointment to be seen at Palo Alto Dermatology Institute?
Please call 650-969-5600 and press 1 to make an appointment. Palo Alto Dermatology Institute staff are committed to the goal of picking up the phone every time you call for prompt service. Currently with our recent opening, we are experiencing a very high demand for our services and you may need to leave a voicemail message. We will promptly call you back. You may also schedule on-line via the links on the website.
Is this a concierge practice and is there a membership fee?
This is a full-service dermatology, dermatologic surgery and cosmetic surgery practice accepting Medicare, most PPO and many HMO plans. Although our availability, responsiveness and hospitality exceed that of typical concierge practices, there are no membership fees.
Do you take Medicare, PPO and HMO insurance plans?
We are proud to accept Medicare, most PPO and many HMO insurance plans. As a new office location, we may not be listed in your insurance booklet. Please contact the office to confirm our participation in your insurance plan.
For HMO patients, please be aware that some of our dermatology specialists will not be a covered provider. Please note it is your responsibility to obtain a valid referral from your primary care physician’s office before making an appointment.
What was the genesis of the unique and high touch personal service provided at Palo Alto Dermatology Institute?
The Institute’s four board-certified dermatologists and two dermatology extender specialists and over two dozen staff are also patients with their own doctors and health concerns. We make our own doctor appointments and experience the same healthcare issues as you. Today, it is difficult to find the right doctor, get a prompt appointment or even get a return call. Many patients feel like they are just a number in a big corporate business. We believe that patients who entrust us with their care deserve to have the best global experience in our practice. Since we pride ourselves as one of the most advanced and highest caliber dermatology practices in the country, we aim to provide the highest quality personal service and responsiveness for our patients. We aim to create an extraordinary experience by continuing our culture of excellence with the addition of five star hospitality.
Is this a new dermatology, Mohs and cosmetic dermatology practice?
Palo Alto Dermatology Institute is a 30-year-old practice that used to be the former Mountain View location of a large multi-location practice with locations throughout California previously founded and owned by Dr. Morganroth. The Palo Alto location is new but all of the dermatology specialists and staff have been working together for many years. In fact, many of the senior staff have worked with our dermatologists for over 10 and up to 28 years.
How soon can I be seen at Palo Alto Dermatology Institute?
Our practice is committed to seeing patients in a timely manner and seeing all urgent concerns and referrals the same day or within 24 hours. A number of our highly sought after dermatology specialists have been in practice for over 20 years, however their daily schedules contain multiple appointment times reserved for new patients. Our building was designed to accommodate significant growth to ensure ongoing ease of scheduling for the long term.
Do I need a referral to see a dermatologist and who should I see?
Cash paying patients and patients covered by Medicare or PPO insurance may call and make a direct appointment. Patients covered by HMO insurance will need a referral from their primary care physician. It is the responsibility of the patient to confirm we have received the HMO authorization prior to their appointment.
Dr. Morganroth’s practice is limited to dermatologic surgery, cosmetic injectables, laser surgery, Mohs surgery, reconstructive surgery, and cosmetic surgery. He and his team also follow patients with a history of skin cancer or at risk for skin cancer with routine full body skin exams and skin cancer prevention strategies. Patients referred for Mohs or skin cancer surgery will need to bring a copy of their pathology report, photo documentation of the skin cancer site, and medical records. Patients referred for the revision of scars or cosmetic surgery performed elsewhere will need to bring a copy of their medical record and operative reports.
Drs. Sheu, Chen and Hoffman and Michelle Quinn, NP and Chandni Patel, PA see the full spectrum of medical and surgical dermatology. Patients self-referred or referred by their physician should bring all relevant medical records including biopsy reports and current list of medications to their visit (if not already sent to the office ahead of time by fax at 650-969-0360).
Why is a credit card on file required to be a patient?
Credit card on file is commonplace in medical practices today has been our practice standard for over 10 years. By leaving an authorized credit card payment on file, we can ensure that timely payment for services is completed.
What is unique about our building at 301 High Street?
Our nearly 7000 square foot, two-story, free-standing building was designed by Dr. Morganroth to enable us to continue our nationally-recognized history of innovating and advancing the field of procedural dermatology. Our building contains a Medicare-approved outpatient surgery center, 17 exam rooms, a large Mohs laboratory located in a glass-lined collaboration center, laser center, photodynamic therapy center, acne laser center, cosmetic consultation and skin care product suite and multiple waiting areas.
What is the parking situation at Palo Alto Dermatology Institute at 301 High Street in downtown Palo Alto?
We have adequate dedicated patient parking on the property and will offer valet parking, if necessary. In addition, there are typically 10-20+ open parking spots (2-hour time limit) on High and Everett Streets within view of the office. Parking should never be an issue at our office. If a 2-hour spot is available on the street in front of the building when you arrive, we encourage you to park there to ensure our parking lot is always available.
What is Orchard Creek Surgery Center?
Orchard Creek Surgery Center is the Institute’s Medicare-approved outpatient surgery center. This facility is located on the first floor and offers maximum safety and convenience for many excisional, reconstructive and cosmetic surgeries. Most procedures are performed under local anesthesia and optional intravenous sedation is available.
What is Palo Alto Dermatology Institute’s connection to California Skin Institute (CSI)?
Palo Alto Dermatology Institute and CSI are completely separate practices. Dr. Morganroth was the founder and CEO of California Skin Institute (CSI) until early 2025. The Palo Alto Dermatology Institute dermatology team and staff practiced at the CSI Mountain View practice for the past 30 years. Dr. Morganroth sold CSI in early 2025 under the condition that he and his Mountain View team would remain independent and set up a new dermatology practice in Palo Alto.
Do you offer marketing events and in office educational events?
Yes. Please sign up for our email newsletter so that you are the first to know about our events and new services.
Our Unique Patient Care
What is unique and different about the dermatology care at Palo Alto Dermatology Institute?
The 6 dermatology specialists work as an integrated team with each offering a unique skill set. Unlike other dermatology practices where the dermatologist is your only skin care provider and occasionally utilizes outside dermatology specialists for consultation, at Palo Alto Dermatology Institute you are co-managed by up to three dermatology specialists at the same time. For example, you may have your annual skin checks by one of our dermatologists, but your surgical procedures and evaluation for a complicated skin rash are managed by two other dermatology specialists with expertise in those disciplines. Dr. Morganroth’s patients are seen by him and one or two other dermatology specialists on the same visit so that there is a team for uninterrupted care even when he is out of the office.
Which dermatology provider should I make an appointment to see?
All of our dermatologists, nurse practitioner and physician assistant are well versed in the full spectrum of dermatology. The entire team works collaboratively together and will consult and involve each other in your care to optimize your skin management.
Dr. Morganroth’s practice focuses on Mohs surgery and cosmetic, laser and reconstructive surgery, as well as cosmetic injectables. The medical dermatology component of his practice focuses on routine skin checks for patients with a history of skin cancer or those that have an increased risk for skin cancer and seek preventative strategies. If you see Dr. Morganroth for a skin check and have a medical dermatology issue, one of his dermatology colleagues will evaluate and treat you on the same visit. Our reception staff will help match you to the best provider for your skin concerns.
How do I make a cosmetic consultation or aesthetician appointment?
All cosmetic and esthetician consultation appointments can be made by calling the office or contacting us via the website appointment links. Cosmetic surgery consultations will begin with a patient care coordinator to understand your concerns prior to meeting with a doctor. All injectable and laser procedures are performed by a board-certified dermatologist with the exception of TheraClearX acne laser which is performed by a physician assistant.
What is Palo Alto Dermatology Institute’s perspective on skin care products?
The dermatologists at Palo Alto Dermatology Institute agree that skin care products are important to treat photodamage, acne conditions and as an anti-aging strategy. Our approach is more simplistic than most cosmetic practices and focuses on a limited number of products and product combinations. We do not believe in overly complex and expensive skin care regimen. Our products are selected by our dermatology team for the treatment of acne, rosacea, photo damage, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, and other conditions with prescription strength products combined with effective physician dispensed over-the-counter products. Our philosophy is to keep the regimen simple and focus a small variety of pre-selected products that address specific skin types and conditions. Our sport sunscreen formulated by Dr. Morganroth is our most popular product.
What is important to know about the innovative acne program at Palo Alto Dermatology Institute?
We are seeing trends where wait lists for teenage acne dermatology appointments are getting longer and there is a tendency to place teenage acne patients on oral medications as first line therapy. Some of these oral medications have a significant side effect profile versus topical medications. Our teenage acne protocol utilizes a first line therapy combining topical medications, a new and effective laser treatment called TheraClearX, and aesthetician services to optimize acne treatment and delay the use of oral medications and potential side effects. If patients fail our comprehensive laser and topical therapy approach, our board-certified dermatologists will discuss the options for oral medications as a second line therapy.
What does Palo Alto Dermatology Institute offer for skin cancer prevention?
The dermatologists at Palo Alto Dermatology Institute offer a very broad repertoire for skin cancer prevention including: prescription topical therapies; photodynamic therapy; laser resurfacing (fully ablative and fractional); TCA chemical peels; cryosurgery; and non-prescription topical skin care products.
What is distinguishing about the Mohs surgery practice at Palo Alto Dermatology Institute?
Dr. Morganroth is a nationally recognized Mohs surgeon who has performed over 37,400 Mohs surgeries and a similar number of skin reconstructions under local anesthesia (as of January 2025). He has trained over 20 Mohs surgeons through his one-year Mohs fellowship training program who currently work in both academic and private practices across the country. Dr. Morganroth performs the most complex reconstruction techniques under local anesthesia on the same day immediately following completion of the Mohs surgery and rarely sends his patients out for repair by other surgeons. Most of the reconstructions take place in our on-site Medicare approved outpatient surgery center under local anesthesia for maximum safety. Repairing skin defects immediately following Mohs surgery eliminates the need for patients having to wait one or more days with an open wound and then receive procedures under sedation by a reconstructive surgeon. Another significant and unique feature of Palo Alto Dermatology Institute is our ability to biopsy, diagnose and treat a clinically obvious, non-melanoma skin cancer with Mohs surgery on the same day as a skin check. The “Mohs on demand” technique is only available to a limited number patients per day during the mornings and early afternoon.
Palo Alto Dermatology Institute also performs Mohs surgery on melanoma in situ located on the head and neck areas.
Which skin cancers qualify for Mohs surgery? What if I want Mohs surgery and my skin cancer does not qualify?
Palo Alto Dermatology Institute strictly follows the Mohs Appropriate Use Guidelines Mohs AUC) published in 2012. Medicare and many insurance companies closely follow these guidelines in their coverage guidelines. For those skin cancers that do not meet the Mohs AUC criteria, standard excision and standard excision with frozen sections are excisional alternatives that offer high cure rates that are slightly lower than Mohs surgery. Palo Alto Dermatology Institute is unique in our offering of frozen tissue excisions using bread loafing and en face tissue sectioning. This approach allows patients the option to have certainty of the skin cancer cure prior to repairing the skin and eliminates the need for follow-up surgeries to remove additional skin cancer. Our patients do not need to wait days or weeks to find out their skin cancer is cured – they know within minutes of the excision. Other skin cancer treatment options are available and can be reviewed at your appointment with your dermatology specialist.
For patients who seek Mohs surgery for a skin cancer that does not meet the Mohs AUC, Mohs surgery can be provided as a cash procedure that will not be submitted for insurance reimbursement.
What is Palo Alto Dermatology Institute’s innovative “skin cancer treatment on demand” program?
Palo Alto Dermatology Institute is uniquely equipped to offer skin cancer treatment and Mohs surgery spontaneously on the same day as a Mohs consultation or full body skin check. Clinically obvious non-melanoma skin cancers can be diagnosed at the full body skin check and treated immediately so that biopsy, diagnosis and treatment occur on the same day. Same day treatment options include Mohs surgery, excision with frozen sections, excision with en face frozen sections, and electrodessication and curettage. This service is completely at the discretion of the physician and is not a guaranteed treatment option for every patient and skin cancer.
What is distinguishing about the neurotoxin and filler services at Palo Alto Dermatology Institute?
All injectables are performed by our board-certified cosmetic dermatologists following a same day or prior visit consultation.
Dr. Morganroth is a nationally recognized cosmetic dermatologist as was recognized by Newsweek in 2022 as the 36th best cosmetic dermatologist in the country and in 2023 as one of the top 150 cosmetic dermatologists in the country. He performs all injections personally and is known for his skillful injection technique and natural results. He is often consulted to manage filler complications and to correct undesirable outcomes created by other physician and non-physician injectors. If you are a new patient, please bring any injection medical records with you for your consultation visit.
What is distinguishing about the cosmetic surgery techniques at Palo Alto Dermatology Institute?
Dr. Morganroth is a nationally-recognized cosmetic dermatologic surgeon who has been an innovator and educator for over three decades. For maximum safety, he performs eyelid, face, neck and body cosmetic procedures under local anesthesia that are typically performed by other surgeons under heavy sedation and general anesthesia. As a dermatologic surgery fellow 30 years ago, he uniquely trained with a laser and dermatologic surgeon, ophthalmic plastic surgeon, and a facial plastic surgeon over a one-year fellowship. Dr. Morganroth’s unique and time-tested techniques combine the best features from these different specialties to provide a dramatic and natural outcome under local anesthesia. Hallmarks of his techniques are natural results without distortion, minimal to no scarring, short operatve times, minimal downtime and the safety of local anesthesia.
What is distinguishing about the laser and light-based procedures offered at Palo Alto Dermatology Institute?
We offer a very broad range of effective laser and energy-based treatments for sun damage, skin texture, wrinkles, child and adult acne, acne rosacea, acne scars, surgical and traumatic scars, skin discoloration (vascular and pigmentation), cosmetic and traumatic tattoos, precancerous lesions, neck and body sculpting, skin tightening, and skin cancer prevention. All procedures are performed by board certified cosmetic dermatologists with the exception of our acne laser that is performed by our dermatology physician assistant Chandni Patel, PA-C. Our laser procedures encompass a broad range of techniques ranging from no downtime to surgical procedures with downtime. We are not early adopters of new, trendy and unproven technologies and focus on procedures and techniques that have stood the test of time.
Laser skin resurfacing is one of our areas of laser expertise. Dr. Morganroth was one of the first board certified dermatologists in Northern California to perform a fully ablative carbon dioxide laser facial resurfacing procedure in 1995 (Coherent Ultrapulse 5000c carbon dioxide laser) and fractional carbon dioxide laser in 2007 (Reliant Fraxel re:pair) and was the first physician to combine fractional carbon dioxide laser with face lifts in 2007. Palo Alto Dermatology Institute uniquely possesses and routinely operates two of the original and fully operational Coherent Ultrapulse 5000c lasers. These lasers are the original ground breaking technology offering the most aggressive fully ablative (100% of facial skin surface) laser technology known for dramatic facial skin texture improvement versus the currently manufactured fractional carbon dioxide laser systems that treat less than 60% of the facial skin surface.