Business Details
41 Years
experience
Your Trusted Online Dermatology Partner
Tongass Dermatology has been a trusted provider of dermatological care since 1985, combining cutting-edge technology with decades of clinical expertise. Our board-certified dermatologist, Dr. John Bocachica, brings over 37 years of experience in medical and cosmetic dermatology, including pioneering work in teledermatology since 1999. We specialize in diagnosing and treating skin, hair, and nail conditions through both virtual and in-person consultations, ensuring accessibility for patients in remote areas. Our practice emphasizes personalized care, utilizing secure, high-resolution telemedicine platforms to deliver accurate diagnoses and tailored treatment plans. With a focus on both health and aesthetic outcomes, we offer comprehensive services ranging from skin cancer screenings to cosmetic procedures.Backed by affiliations with leading dermatology organizations, we maintain rigorous standards of care while prioritizing patient education and satisfaction. Our commitment to innovation is matched by our dedication to ethical practice, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with all medical regulations. Serving Alaska and beyond, we bridge geographical barriers to provide expert dermatological care when and where it's needed most. Our team's extensive background in public health and academic medicine further strengthens our ability to address complex dermatological challenges. Whether through virtual consultations or in-office procedures, we strive to make high-quality dermatological care accessible, efficient, and patient-centered.
Services
Teledermatology Consultations
Skin Cancer Treatment
Acne Management
Cosmetic Procedures
Psoriasis Care
Mole Evaluation
Hair Loss Treatment
Nail Disorder Diagnosis
Chemical Peels
Juvederm Fillers
Details
- Year established: 1985
Highlights and features
- We offer 23+ years of teledermatology expertise with board-certified specialists.
- Our virtual consultations are covered by most major insurance plans.
- We provide HIPAA-compliant secure, high-resolution diagnostic platforms.
- Our dermatologist pioneered online consultations in Alaska since 1999.
- We ensure seamless transitions between virtual and in-person care when needed.
Associations and certifications
- American Board of Dermatology
- American Academy of Dermatology
Services
Teledermatology Consultations
Our teledermatology service enables comprehensive skin evaluations through secure video consultations. Patients receive expert diagnoses for conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and skin cancer using high-resolution imaging technology. This convenient option eliminates travel requirements while maintaining diagnostic accuracy comparable to in-person exams. The service includes follow-up care coordination and prescription management when needed.
Skin Cancer Treatment
We specialize in skin cancer detection and management through both virtual assessments and in-office procedures. Our services include mole evaluations, biopsy recommendations, and treatment planning for basal cell, squamous cell carcinomas, and melanoma. Patients receive personalized care plans with access to specialist referrals when necessary.
Cosmetic Procedures
Our cosmetic dermatology services address aging signs and skin imperfections through treatments like chemical peels and Juvederm fillers. These procedures target sun damage effects and facial volume loss while maintaining natural appearance. Treatments are performed in-office by our board-certified dermatologist with pre-consultation virtual assessments available.
Acne Management
We offer comprehensive acne treatment plans combining virtual consultations with targeted interventions. Services include hormonal acne evaluation, prescription medication management, and skincare regimen development. Our approach addresses both immediate breakouts and long-term skin health through personalized treatment strategies.
Hair Loss Treatment
Our hair loss evaluation service identifies underlying causes through virtual consultations and in-person diagnostics. We develop customized treatment plans addressing genetic, hormonal, and nutritional factors affecting hair health. Treatments include topical solutions, lifestyle modifications, and advanced therapeutic options.
People
John H. Bocachica
Board-Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Bocachica is a board-certified dermatologist with 37+ years of experience, including 23 years pioneering teledermatology in Alaska. He serves as a former Chair of the American Telemedicine Association's Teledermatology SIG and maintains active roles in dermatology education and research.
Questions
What teledermatology services do you offer?
We provide comprehensive skin, hair, and nail evaluations through secure video consultations, including diagnosis of eczema, psoriasis, acne, skin cancer, and cosmetic concerns.
Are virtual consultations covered by insurance?
Yes, most major insurance plans cover our teledermatology services similarly to in-person visits. We provide documentation for reimbursement.
How do I schedule an online appointment?
Call or text us at 907-622-4433 to schedule a virtual consultation. Our team will guide you through the secure telemedicine platform setup.
What technology do I need for a consultation?
You need a WiFi-connected device with camera and microphone capabilities, such as a smartphone, tablet, or computer with Zoom or similar software.
Can you prescribe medications during virtual visits?
Yes, our board-certified dermatologist can electronically send prescriptions to your preferred pharmacy when medically appropriate.
What if I need an in-person procedure?
If a biopsy or procedure is required, we'll coordinate timely in-person care at our Alaska clinic while maintaining continuity of treatment.
Reviews (2)
Winston Smith
Dec 19, 2020
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I am updating my previous review because I learned new information today from the provider and my insurance. I want to acknowledge that the provider has been communicating with me by email and reached out to my insurance in an effort to help resolve the conflict (hence the higher rating), sharing information that clarified why I am having difficulty getting a refund for payment of services. Rather than formally opting out of working with Medicare, he simply refuses to file claims to Medicare for eligible patients. Had this been made clear to me I would have filed a claim to Medicare rather than
Winston Smith
Nov 02, 2020
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My poor rating is based on the lack of common courtesy in communicating to me that they received payment twice for services rendered: by me on the front end; and by my insurance company after I filed a claim (rather than reimbursing me). In speaking with the office this morning, I was told that it was my problem that I had to resolve with my insurance company. The office person said they shredded the check, not even opening the envelope, but failed to communicate that to me or the insurance company. I sent an email to the doctor describing the circumstances and asking that my credit card be reimbursed
