How often should I get a skin check?

There is no single rule. People with many moles, a history of skin cancer or heavy sun exposure, common in coastal Southern California, are often advised to have an annual full-body exam. Ask your dermatologist.

Do I need a referral to see a dermatologist?

It depends on your insurance. PPO plans usually allow self-referral, while HMO plans often need a primary-care referral.

What is Mohs surgery?

A skin-cancer surgery in which thin layers of tissue are removed and examined under a microscope during the procedure until no cancer remains, sparing healthy skin. It is performed by specially trained dermatologic surgeons.

Are cosmetic treatments covered by insurance?

Usually not. Medical dermatology, such as rashes, acne and skin cancer, is typically covered, while Botox for wrinkles, fillers and cosmetic lasers are usually self-pay.

Best dermatologists in Encinitas, CA

At a glance

Dermatologists

Listings	5
Inside city limits	5
Combined reviews	2,163
Data source	Google Maps^[1]
Boundary	Census place 0622678^[2]
Checked	November 9, 2026

Map: Coastal Pacific Dermatology (listing 1) (map data: Google)

This page lists five dermatologists in Encinitas, California, chosen by a published method from public Google Maps data checked on November 9, 2026.^[1] 5 of the five have addresses inside the city limits.^[2] Ratings and review counts are shown as published on Google; this wiki does not write or edit reviews.

Selection rule: Businesses needed an address inside the Encinitas city boundary, a Google rating of 4.5 or higher from at least 25 reviews, and a matching business category. They are ordered by a review-weighted score that balances rating against the number of reviews. Full details are in the methodology.

Listings

1. Coastal Pacific Dermatology

Medical and surgical dermatology practice led by a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon, per its website.

Address: 345 Saxony Rd #201, Encinitas, CA
Phone: (760) 783-5502
Website: coastalpacificdermatology.com
Google rating: 4.9 from 283 reviews^[1]
Map: Google Maps listing

2. West Dermatology Encinitas

Encinitas office of the West Dermatology group (Google category: dermatologist).

Address: 477 N El Camino Real Ste D-308, Encinitas, CA
Phone: (760) 230-0028
Website: westdermatology.com
Google rating: 4.8 from 1,170 reviews^[1]
Map: Google Maps listing

3. Schweiger Dermatology - Encinitas

Encinitas office of the Schweiger Dermatology group offering medical and cosmetic dermatology.

Address: 285 N El Camino Real Suite 117, Encinitas, CA
Phone: (760) 633-1000
Website: schweigerderm.com
Google rating: 4.8 from 578 reviews^[1]
Map: Google Maps listing

4. Dr Saami Khalifian

Cosmetic dermatology practice (SOM Aesthetics) offering injectables and laser treatments, per its website.

Address: 25 East E Street, Encinitas, CA
Phone: (760) 766-7546
Website: som.md
Google rating: 4.9 from 78 reviews^[1]
Map: Google Maps listing

5. Skin & Vein Institute

Dermatology and vein-care practice on North El Camino Real.

Address: 477 N El Camino Real d304, Encinitas, CA
Phone: (760) 642-6674
Website: saviderm.com
Google rating: 4.9 from 54 reviews^[1]
Map: Google Maps listing

Comparison

At-a-glance comparison
Business	Located in	Rating	Reviews	Phone
Coastal Pacific Dermatology	Encinitas	4.9	283	(760) 783-5502
West Dermatology Encinitas	Encinitas	4.8	1,170	(760) 230-0028
Schweiger Dermatology - Encinitas	Encinitas	4.8	578	(760) 633-1000
Dr Saami Khalifian	Encinitas	4.9	78	(760) 766-7546
Skin & Vein Institute	Encinitas	4.9	54	(760) 642-6674

Together the five listings have 2,163 Google reviews, with an average rating of 4.86.^[1]

Of the five listings, 5 have Encinitas addresses.^[3] Listed addresses cluster on El Camino Real, Saxony Rd. The most-reviewed listing is West Dermatology Encinitas, with 1,170 Google reviews; the least-reviewed has 54.^[1] Review counts reflect how long a business has been listed and how actively it asks customers for reviews, as well as customer satisfaction. Treat them as one signal among several.

Choosing a dermatology practice in Encinitas

Encinitas dermatology practices range from medical and surgical dermatology, including Mohs surgery for skin cancer, to cosmetic practices. When choosing:

Check the licence. Physicians are licensed by the Medical Board of California, searchable through the Department of Consumer Affairs licence search.^[4]
Board certification. Ask whether the physician is board-certified in dermatology and whether visits are with the physician or a physician assistant or nurse practitioner.
Skin checks. In a sunny coastal city, annual full-body skin exams are common for people with risk factors.
Insurance. Medical visits are usually covered; cosmetic procedures usually are not.

Common questions

How often should I get a skin check?: There is no single rule. People with many moles, a history of skin cancer or heavy sun exposure, common in coastal Southern California, are often advised to have an annual full-body exam. Ask your dermatologist.
Do I need a referral to see a dermatologist?: It depends on your insurance. PPO plans usually allow self-referral, while HMO plans often need a primary-care referral.
What is Mohs surgery?: A skin-cancer surgery in which thin layers of tissue are removed and examined under a microscope during the procedure until no cancer remains, sparing healthy skin. It is performed by specially trained dermatologic surgeons.
Are cosmetic treatments covered by insurance?: Usually not. Medical dermatology, such as rashes, acne and skin cancer, is typically covered, while Botox for wrinkles, fillers and cosmetic lasers are usually self-pay.

Notes and sources

Google Maps business profiles (ratings, review counts, addresses, phones). Google Maps, retrieved November 9, 2026.
TIGERweb: Encinitas city (GEOID 0622678). U.S. Census Bureau.
Census Geocoder (coordinates to incorporated place). U.S. Census Bureau.
License Search. California Department of Consumer Affairs.