How much does a private dermatologist cost in the UK — and what is included?
If you are considering private help for acne, it is sensible to ask about the full cost before booking. The consultation fee is only one part of the picture: prescriptions, medicines, blood tests and follow-up appointments may be charged separately.
Quick answer
There is no single UK price for a private dermatology appointment. Fees vary with the clinician, appointment format, location and complexity of the problem. Independent UK sources commonly describe an initial private consultant appointment as a separate fee, with investigations, treatment and follow-up potentially added afterwards. The GMC says doctors who charge fees must explain what you need to pay, including additional provider charges where known, before investigation or treatment begins. [1–3]
For mySkinDoc, the current website lists a video consultation at £120 and a remote photographic assessment at £75. These prices were checked on 9 October 2026, but you should always confirm the current fee and what it includes on the booking page. [4–6]
What should an initial acne consultation include?
A useful acne assessment is more than a quick look at your skin. The clinician should normally take a medical history, ask how long the acne has been present, assess its severity and distribution, and look for scarring or pigment changes. They should also review treatments you have already tried, other medicines, allergies and relevant health conditions.
The appointment should explain the likely diagnosis, reasonable treatment choices and the next step. This may include skincare, topical or oral treatment, or referral for an in-person examination. Not every patient needs tests or prescription treatment.
Before booking, ask whether the stated fee covers:
review of your history and photographs;
a live video appointment, if relevant;
a written diagnosis or clinical impression;
a personalised treatment plan;
a clinic letter or report; and
safety-netting advice.
Which costs may be separate?
Follow-up appointments
Acne treatment often needs review. A follow-up may assess response, side effects and adherence, or decide whether the plan should change. Ask how soon review is usually recommended, whether it is included, and the fee for each further appointment.
Prescriptions and medicines
A prescription is not the same as the medicine itself. If a private clinician issues a private prescription, the dispensing pharmacy can charge for the medicine and a dispensing fee. The total can vary between pharmacies. Do not assume that a GP will automatically convert a private recommendation into an NHS prescription; the GP must decide whether they can safely accept prescribing responsibility and whether the medicine fits local NHS arrangements. [7]
Ask whether the clinic charges for issuing or reissuing a prescription, whether delivery is optional, and who will deal with questions or side effects.
Blood tests and monitoring
Some treatments need blood tests, pregnancy testing or other monitoring. These may be billed by the clinic, laboratory or another provider. Ask which tests may be needed, how often, where they can be done, who reviews the results and whether a results discussion is included. PHIN advises patients to check both clinician and provider fees when diagnostic charges may come from different organisations. [2]
Procedures and face-to-face assessment
An online appointment may not be enough if close examination, a swab, biopsy or procedure is required. Ask how in-person referral works and what additional fees could apply.
Online versus in-person: is the cheaper option good value?
Online care can reduce travel and may be appropriate for acne when the history and photographs are clear. A remote review may be asynchronous, with a clinician assessing a form and images, while a video consultation lets you speak live. These are different services, so compare what you receive rather than price alone.
In-person care may be preferable when the diagnosis is uncertain, the skin needs to be felt or examined closely, there are worrying lesions, or a procedure is likely. The least expensive appointment is not good value if it cannot safely answer your question.
Seven questions to ask before booking
Who will assess me, and what is their professional registration and role?
Is the appointment remote, video or face to face, and how long is it?
What written information will I receive afterwards?
Are prescriptions, medicines, tests or follow-ups included?
If the clinician cannot assess me remotely, what happens next?
Who monitors treatment and answers questions between reviews?
What is the cancellation or refund policy?
Ask for the fee and likely extras in writing. GMC guidance requires doctors to be open about charges, while PHIN advises self-paying patients to establish whether they are buying a package or paying separately for each service. [1,2]
What does this mean for acne care?
Acne costs can build over time because improvement is assessed over weeks rather than days. A clear plan should separate the initial assessment from reviews, medicine costs and monitoring. If your acne is painful, scarring, persistent despite appropriate treatment, or affecting your wellbeing, a clinical assessment may be worthwhile.
For severe or scarring acne, a clinician may discuss referral or specialist-supervised options after reviewing previous treatment and individual risks. Suitability is decided clinically; paying for an appointment does not guarantee a prescription.
How mySkinDoc sets out its consultation options
mySkinDoc currently offers video and remote consultation routes. The remote service reviews your history and photographs and provides clinical guidance and a personalised plan where appropriate; its page states that the report is sent within three working days. Check the current service page before payment because fees and inclusions can change. [4–6]
If you would like help deciding what your acne may need, you can review the mySkinDoc video consultation and remote consultation options. The purpose of the consultation is to assess your skin and agree a suitable plan; it is not a promise of any particular prescription.
Frequently asked questions
Does the consultation price usually include medication?
Often it does not. Confirm whether a prescription fee, medicine cost and pharmacy dispensing charge are separate.
Will I need to pay for follow-up?
Possibly. Acne treatment commonly needs review, so ask how many follow-ups are expected and what each costs.
Can my GP take over a private prescription?
Not automatically. Your GP must be satisfied that prescribing is clinically appropriate and compatible with NHS and local arrangements. Until responsibility is formally accepted, assume private prescribing and monitoring remain private.
Is online acne assessment suitable for everyone?
No. Clear photographs and a detailed history can support many acne assessments, but uncertainty, severe illness or the need for examination or a procedure may require in-person care.
References
General Medical Council. Identifying and managing conflicts of interest: fees and charges.
Private Healthcare Information Network. What you should know about fees and other costs.
Private Healthcare Information Network. Understanding private healthcare consultant costs.
mySkinDoc. Online dermatology consultation options.
mySkinDoc. Video consultation.
mySkinDoc. Remote consultation.
South West London Integrated Care Board. Patient information on prescriptions after a private consultation.
Sources and service details checked 9 October 2026.
