Dr. Todd M. Colonna in Baltimore: Medical Dermatology with Surgical Expertise
Dr. Todd M. Colonna is a board-certified dermatologist in Baltimore whose practice emphasizes both medical skin conditions and surgical procedures, bridging the gap between patients seeking treatment for acne, eczema, and psoriasis and those requiring mole removal, skin cancer screening, or lesion excision in a single practice setting.
What Dr. Colonna's practice actually is
Dr. Colonna operates as a general dermatologist handling the full spectrum of dermatologic care rather than specializing exclusively in cosmetic procedures. This dual-focus model means the practice accommodates patients with insurance coverage for medical concerns (insurance typically covers treatment of diagnosed conditions like melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and inflammatory skin diseases) as well as patients interested in cosmetic services like laser treatment or advanced resurfacing, where insurance does not apply. The practice is not a large multi-provider clinic but a focused office, limiting the range of specialists under one roof compared to hospital-affiliated dermatology departments.
Services and what to expect for appointment lead times
Medical dermatology services include diagnosis and treatment of acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, fungal infections, and skin cancer screening. Surgical services include excision of benign and malignant lesions, cryotherapy, curettage, and laser treatment. Cosmetic services such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and injectable fillers are available, though specific pricing for cosmetic work varies and should be confirmed directly; insurance does not cover cosmetic procedures. For medical concerns, appointments typically have a wait of 2 to 6 weeks depending on urgency. Skin cancer screenings are generally prioritized if a concerning lesion is reported, shortening the wait. There is no walk-in availability; all visits are by appointment only.
How Dr. Colonna's practice compares to other Baltimore dermatologists
Baltimore's dermatology landscape divides roughly into two camps: large hospital-affiliated practices (such as those within the University of Maryland Medical Center or Johns Hopkins network) and independent practitioners. Hospital-affiliated practices offer continuity with specialists and faster access to advanced imaging or biopsies on-site, but typically have longer wait times (6 to 12 weeks) and may require navigation through residency-based care models where residents participate in visits. Dr. Colonna's independent practice offers shorter appointment wait times for routine visits and direct provider continuity but does not offer in-office advanced imaging or pathology services on the same campus; samples are sent to external labs, which extends diagnostic turnaround. Patients seeking routine skin cancer surveillance who value quick access and consistent provider relationships often prefer independent practitioners; those with complex cases or those already embedded in a hospital system for other medical care may benefit from integrated hospital dermatology.
Who this practice suits and who it does not
Dr. Colonna's practice works well for patients with active skin conditions (acne, eczema) who need ongoing management, those with pigmented lesions or suspicious moles who want screening and removal in one office, and patients seeking cosmetic refinement without the overhead of a large clinic system. It is less suitable for patients who cannot wait 2 to 6 weeks for routine appointments, those needing same-day urgent dermatologic care (for which urgent care centers or hospital emergency departments are faster), or those with severe systemic skin disease requiring inpatient management or intensive multidisciplinary support. Patients with multiple insurance questions or those needing extensive prior-authorization review may find the small-practice model less equipped to handle complex insurance logistics than larger offices with dedicated billing staff.
What the first visit involves
New patients should bring photo identification, insurance card, and a list of current medications. The visit begins with a nurse intake covering skin history, family history of skin cancer, and current concerns. Dr. Colonna performs a full-body skin examination, noting any lesions of concern. For suspected skin cancer or atypical moles, a biopsy is often performed on the same day; results return in 5 to 10 business days. For medical conditions like acne or eczema, treatment options are discussed and may begin immediately. For cosmetic consultations, photographs are taken and options are explained, with a separate booking for the procedure if the patient chooses to proceed.
Hours, parking, and logistics
Verify hours directly with the office, as dermatology practices occasionally shift scheduling seasonally. Street parking is available in the immediate area; the office is not located in a dedicated parking garage. The practice is accessible by public transportation via the MTA light rail and bus routes serving central Baltimore. Arrive 15 minutes early for new-patient visits to complete paperwork.
Dr. Colonna fills a specific niche in Baltimore's dermatology market: efficient, appointment-based care for both medical and surgical skin concerns without the wait times of hospital-affiliated practices or the cosmetic-only focus of aesthetic-only clinics.
