PBN BUSINESS WOMEN AWARDS 2020 WOMAN TO WATCH, HEALTH CARE SERVICES: Dr. Caroline Chang | R.I. Dermatology Institute
IN JUST TWO YEARS, Dr. Caroline Chang has gone from practicing in an insurance-based office to founding the Rhode Island Dermatology Institute in East Greenwich, the first direct-care dermatology practice in Rhode Island, treating more than 500 patients currently.
While part of an insurance-based practice, Chang said increasing rules and regulations have created massive amounts of administrators for patients, physicians and office staff. She said she felt “powerless” and was becoming “part of the system,” and not a physician making medical choices.
“I wanted to be able to spend more time with my patients and treat them, regardless of what issues they have, regardless of what is covered or not covered,” Chang said.
Chang began exploring other options and learned about direct-care medicine, which allows patients access to a board-certified physician without the usual restrictions that insurance companies might impose. Because of this, Chang sees fewer patients but it allows for more-personalized care, she said.
No referrals are needed, and Chang said patients can often get into the office sooner than planned. She said she expects lots of doctors, including primary care physicians, will follow this model more and more in the future.
As a business owner, part of the direct-care model means Chang not only sees patients but is responsible for all aspects of the micro-practice.
“She wears every hat in her office, from bookkeeper to janitor to receptionist to doctor,” said Mark C. Doorley of Doorley Insurance Agency in East Greenwich. “She does it all. It’s a lot to juggle.”
Chang said what she enjoys most in her business is working with patients, particularly diagnosing, and removing, cancer and seeing patients through the entire treatment. In fact, Chang spent two years conducting melanoma research at New York University Medical Center during her training.
“I’m passionate about helping my patients look good and feel their best and feel comfortable. Sometimes people come in for non-medical concerns and I find skin cancer,” Chang said. “That’s a skill that I have honed over the years and is something I’m proud of.”
Outside of the office, Chang serves on the advisory board of MomDocFamily at Rhode Island Hospital, and is a member of the Rhode Island Dermatological Society and the Rhode Island Medical Women’s Association.
