Sunny Walia, MD, FAAD in Baltimore: Medical Dermatology with Mohs Surgery in-House

Sunny Walia operates a medical dermatology practice in Baltimore focused on skin cancer detection and treatment, distinguished by on-site Mohs micrographic surgery rather than referral. The practice handles both the routine (acne, eczema, psoriasis, fungal infections) and the surgical (basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma), reducing the number of appointments many patients need across different locations.

What the practice actually is

Walia holds board certification by the American Academy of Dermatology (FAAD credential) and operates as a solo practitioner offering general medical dermatology alongside surgical services. This dual setup is significant in Baltimore's dermatology landscape: most practices in the city separate medical dermatology from surgical skin cancer treatment, meaning a patient diagnosed with a basal cell carcinoma at one appointment travels to another clinic or hospital-based center for Mohs surgery. Walia's in-house capability compresses that pipeline. The practice operates in a clinical setting, not a spa, and accepts commercial insurance, Medicare, and cash pay.

Services and pricing

The practice handles acne (including treatment-resistant cases), eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, fungal infections, and nail disorders. Skin cancer screening and biopsy are standard services. Mohs surgery for basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma is performed in-office, as is reconstruction of surgical defects. Cryotherapy and electrocautery for smaller lesions are available.

Specific out-of-pocket costs depend on insurance and the service: a new-patient visit typically ranges from $150 to $250 after insurance, though uninsured rates are higher. Mohs surgery costs vary by lesion size, location, and number of stages required; ask for an estimate before scheduling. Most plans cover skin cancer diagnosis and treatment, but cosmetic services (like mole removal for aesthetic reasons alone) are not covered. Insurance verification before your appointment eliminates surprises at check-in.

How this practice compares to other Baltimore dermatologists

Baltimore hosts dermatology practices that are medical-only (no surgery) or surgery-focused but part of larger health systems. Walia's model sits between those poles. A patient with eczema and a suspicious mole can see the same provider across multiple visits without coordination overhead. University of Maryland Medical Center's dermatology department handles both medical and surgical care but operates with longer average wait times for routine appointments (4 to 6 weeks) and requires navigation through a health system infrastructure. A solo practice like Walia's typically moves faster for new appointments; expect 1 to 3 weeks in most cases, faster for urgent concerns like possible melanoma.

For patients whose insurance is regional HMOs (CareFirst, Aetna's local plans), verify in-network status before booking; not all Baltimore dermatologists participate in every plan, and Walia's participation status varies by plan year.

Who this practice suits and who it does not

This practice is right for patients who need skin cancer evaluation and have medical skin conditions, especially those frustrated by traveling between clinics. It is also suitable for anyone with insurance or the ability to pay out-of-pocket; Walia does not advertise financial assistance programs.

It is not a cosmetic dermatology practice. Patients seeking Botox, fillers, laser skin resurfacing, or purely cosmetic mole removal should look elsewhere; practices like the Center for Dermatologic Surgery or independent cosmetic dermatologists handle that demand. It is also not a first choice for patients without insurance seeking low-cost care; community health centers and hospital-based clinics in Baltimore often offer sliding-scale fees.

What the first visit involves

New patients should plan for 45 minutes to an hour. Bring photo ID, insurance card, a list of current medications, and notes on any skin concerns (rashes, moles that changed, family history of skin cancer). The appointment starts with a focused history, then a full-body skin check using dermoscopy (a magnifying lens). Any biopsy is done in-office with local anesthetic and takes 10 to 15 minutes; results come back in 5 to 7 days. If Mohs surgery is needed, it is usually scheduled within 2 weeks.

Hours, parking, and logistics

Walia's practice operates by appointment only; walk-in visits are not available. Hours and parking details require confirmation directly with the office, as these change. Call or check the office website before your first visit to verify current hours and location. Parking is typically street parking in the surrounding area, though confirm specifics with the office.

Baltimore's dermatology market has room for both high-volume health system clinics and focused solo practices. Walia's in-house Mohs surgery eliminates a common pain point for skin cancer patients in the city: the referral shuffle.