Thomas C. Yu, MD in Baltimore: Medical Dermatology with Mohs Surgery Access
Thomas C. Yu, MD operates a medical dermatology practice in Baltimore focused on diagnosis and treatment of skin cancers, inflammatory conditions, and pre-cancerous lesions, with in-office Mohs micrographic surgery capabilities. The practice sits within Baltimore's dermatology landscape where many general dermatologists refer Mohs cases outside the office; Yu's integrated approach reduces referral steps for skin cancer patients.
What the practice actually is
Yu's practice is a single-physician office operating within the Johns Hopkins Health System network. The clinical scope centers on medical dermatology rather than cosmetic services. Mohs surgery, a layer-by-layer tissue-removal technique used for high-risk skin cancers and tumors in cosmetically sensitive areas, is performed in-office. This capability distinguishes the practice from general dermatology clinics in Baltimore that handle routine biopsies but send Mohs cases to surgical centers or hospital-based providers.
Services and pricing
The practice handles actinic keratosis treatment, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma evaluation, and other skin malignancies. Preoperative Mohs cases typically begin with an evaluation visit; pricing for Mohs surgery itself varies by lesion size, complexity, and number of layers removed. Patient cost depends heavily on insurance coverage; verification of out-of-pocket responsibility with your insurer is necessary before scheduling because Mohs fees change based on procedural coding and your specific plan's deductible and coinsurance. General dermatology visits (without surgery) are billed at standard office visit rates, again variable by insurance.
How it compares to other Baltimore dermatologists
Baltimore dermatology divides broadly between cosmetic practices (offering Botox, fillers, laser resurfacing) and medical-focused offices. Yu's practice is explicitly medical. For skin cancer diagnosis and routine inflammatory skin conditions, primary-care doctors and urgent care clinics can identify obvious cases, but definitive diagnosis and safe removal require dermatology. Larger Johns Hopkins dermatology departments at their main campus and Bayview location offer Mohs as well, with longer scheduling lead times due to higher volume. Community health centers across Baltimore provide dermatology on a sliding-fee basis for uninsured and underinsured patients, though wait times run 2 to 4 months. If you need cosmetic dermatology (laser hair removal, acne scarring correction via laser), Yu's practice does not offer it; cosmetic-focused practices like those in Canton and Federal Hill are alternatives. If you have a suspicious lesion and want evaluation and same-facility Mohs surgery without an external referral, Yu's office reduces friction compared to the referral pathway many general dermatology offices require.
Who it suits and who it does not suit
This practice is suited for people with diagnosed or suspected skin cancers, actinic keratosis, or other medical skin conditions who value having evaluation and surgical removal in one location. New to Baltimore and need a dermatologist for ongoing management of rosacea, eczema, or psoriasis? Yu's office handles these but does not offer narrowband UVB therapy or other specialized equipment-intensive treatments available at larger health systems. If your priority is cosmetic improvement (wrinkle reduction, skin tightening, tattoo removal), this is not the right practice. Patients requiring very urgent care (same-day lesion removal) may face standard scheduling constraints; true dermatologic emergencies (severe drug reactions, rapidly spreading infections) are better handled in a hospital setting.
What the first visit involves
Initial appointments require a complete skin examination and medical history. Bring photos of any lesions that have changed over time if you have them. The visit may include dermoscopy (magnified examination of pigmented lesions) or a skin biopsy if a lesion's nature is unclear. If Mohs surgery is indicated, that procedure typically happens at a separate appointment, not same-day, though scheduling is faster than external referral. Insurance information and a valid ID are standard paperwork.
Hours, parking, and logistics
Specific hours and the exact office location within Johns Hopkins' Baltimore infrastructure require confirmation directly with the practice, as both shift seasonally and with staffing changes. Johns Hopkins offices in downtown Baltimore and East Baltimore generally offer street parking and some dedicated lots; call ahead to confirm parking options at your scheduled location. The practice participates in most major Baltimore-area insurance plans; verify your coverage before the appointment to avoid surprise out-of-pocket costs.
Yu's integration into Johns Hopkins means referrals to medical oncology, radiation oncology, or reconstructive surgery are straightforward if a case requires multidisciplinary care, a practical advantage for complex skin cancer management. The practice represents the efficient model: dermatology diagnosis, surgical treatment, and follow-up without clinic-hopping.
