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Home > SC Providers > Surgical Dermatologists

Dr. Dirk Michael Elston, MD

Accepting New Patients

(404 Ratings)

Specializes in: Surgical Dermatology and Dermatopathology

Professional interests include: skin issues, cutaneous lymphoma, melanoma, and more.

171 Ashley Avenue
Charleston, SC 29425

(843) 792-1414

Dr. Dirk Michael Elston, MD is a surgical dermatologist in Charleston, SC specializing in surgical dermatology and dermatopathology. Dr. Dirk Michael Elston, MD is affiliated with MUSC Health.

Office Locations

171 Ashley Avenue
Charleston, SC 29425

(843) 792-1414

open_in_new

MUSC Health

2060 Sam Rittenberg Boulevard 2nd Floor
Charleston, SC 29407

(843) 792-3021

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Some issues Dr. Dirk Michael Elston, MD can help you with:

Skin Issues

The skin is the largest organ in the body, protecting and covering the more sensitive inner organs. Considering its size and that it is constantly exposed to the elements, the skin is usually relatively problem-free. However that doesn't mean that issues don't come up from time to time that might need the help of a professional. The most common skin issues that people seek medical help with are cosmetic issues, acne, eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, and skin growths.

Professional cosmetic skin treatments exist to treat wrinkles, scars, dark spots, remove excess hair, tone and tighten skin, and otherwise improve the appearance of the skin. They may use lasers, light therapy, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or many other forms of skin treatment.

Acne occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, most commonly on the face or back. The clogged follicles can then become infected and inflamed. Treatments include antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and retinoid creams.

Eczema is dry, sensitive skin that causes an itchy red rash, often in response to specific triggers. It is common in childhood but can sometimes last into adulthood. The main treatment involves keeping skin well moisturized.

Dermatitis is the medical name for any kind of skin inflammation or rash. Rashes can happen because of an allergy or contact with an irritating substance. They may be red, itchy, or even painful. They are often treated with antihistamines or moisturizing creams containing cortisone.

Psoriasis is patches of thick, red skin that is covered in silvery scales. It is often itchy and sore. Psoriasis is thought to be caused by an immune disorder, and it runs in families. Psoriasis is not contagious. There is no cure, but there are medicated creams available to treat the symptoms.

Skin growths, including warts and moles, are usually not serious. However, some skin growths should be examined by a doctor to make sure they don't cause problems in the future. Warts are harmless, rough, bumpy growths caused by a viral infection. They occur most often on the hands and feet. Because they are caused by a virus, they are contagious. Moles are brown or black spots that are sometimes raised slightly from the surface of the skin. They happen when clumps of pigment cells form in a cluster instead of spread out. Moles are harmless except that they are more vulnerable to cancer than other parts of the skin. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, and its risk increases with sun exposure and fair skin tone.

Skin issues can be embarrassing or irritating, but most are minor and can be treated without serious problems. Some, however, can be a sign of a more significant issue, so it is important to see a doctor for anything out of the ordinary.

In The News

“Dr. Dirk Elston, the journal's editor, said in an email that he replaced the article with a notice of "temporary removal" after receiving multiple calls and emails "expressing concerns about the...”—"Why Private Equity Is Furious Over a Paper in a Dermatology Journal (Published 2018)", New York Times, October 2018

“Dr. Dirk Elston, president of the American Academy of Dermatology, wrote a letter to the editor that appeared in the Times.”—"Mohs surgery is vilified, physicians again fail to respond effectively", KevinMD, January 2014

Noteworthy Medicare Patient Procedures Performed by Dr. Dirk Michael Elston, MD in 2023

Click on any procedure below to see further details on volume and pricing among Medicare patients.

Top 5%

By Volume:

intralesional injection

photodynamic skin therapy

slide consultation

Unna boot application

By Affordability:

photodynamic skin therapy

In 2023, among providers in related specialties within South Carolina, Dr. Dirk Michael Elston, MD performed more intralesional injection, photodynamic skin therapy, slide consultation, and Unna boot application procedures for Medicare patients than 95% of them and he also had a list price for photodynamic skin therapy that was lower than the list prices billed to Medicare by 95% of them. Actual amounts paid by patients can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including insurance coverage. A lower list price, however, might mean lower fees when paying without insurance.

Top 25%

By Volume:

removal of lesion

By Affordability:

intralesional injection

photodynamic therapy

topical photodynamic therapy

In 2012, among providers in related specialties within South Carolina, Dr. Dirk Michael Elston, MD performed more removal of lesion (e.g. growth) procedures for Medicare patients than 75% of them and he also had a list price for intralesional injection, photodynamic therapy (PDT), and topical photodynamic therapy that was lower than the list prices billed to Medicare by 75% of them. Actual amounts paid by patients can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including insurance coverage. A lower list price, however, might mean lower fees when paying without insurance.

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2015 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Dirk Michael Elston, MD treated as a surgical dermatologist in Charleston, SC during 2015 were skin procedures, removal of lesion (e.g. growth), diagnostic procedures and phototherapy (light therapy).

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Dirk Michael Elston, MD for Medicare patients.

diagnostic procedures	83
doctor visit	254
lab tests	22
phototherapy (light therapy)	25
removal of lesion (e.g. growth)	88
second opinions	15
skin procedures	113

2015 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Dirk Michael Elston, MD.

**Gender**
Male	728
Female	622

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	1162
Black	136
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	24
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	722
From 75 to 84	360
85 and over	116
Less than 65	152

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Dirk Michael Elston, MD in 2015

Hypertension	60
High Cholesterol	56
Stroke	4
Ischemic Heart Disease	25
Depression	17
Chronic Kidney Disease	17
Asthma	10
Osteoperosis	7
Atrial Fibrilation	10
Heart Failure	11
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	11
Diabetes	22
Dementia	4
Cancer	11

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2016 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Dirk Michael Elston, MD treated as a surgical dermatologist in Charleston, SC during 2016 were skin procedures, removal of lesion (e.g. growth), diagnostic procedures and lab tests.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Dirk Michael Elston, MD for Medicare patients.

diagnostic procedures	174
doctor visit	692
injections	18
lab tests	99
phototherapy (light therapy)	86
removal of lesion (e.g. growth)	235
second opinions	41
skin procedures	321

2016 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Dirk Michael Elston, MD.

**Gender**
Male	827
Female	647

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	1334
Black	113
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	14
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	742
From 75 to 84	463
85 and over	120
Less than 65	149

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Dirk Michael Elston, MD in 2016

Hypertension	64
High Cholesterol	59
Stroke	3
Ischemic Heart Disease	26
Depression	16
Chronic Kidney Disease	20
Asthma	12
Osteoperosis	8
Atrial Fibrilation	10
Heart Failure	11
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	11
Diabetes	23
Dementia	5
Cancer	12

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2017 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Dirk Michael Elston, MD treated as a surgical dermatologist in Charleston, SC during 2017 were skin procedures, removal of lesion (e.g. growth), diagnostic procedures and lab tests.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Dirk Michael Elston, MD for Medicare patients.

diagnostic procedures	191
doctor visit	774
injections	21
lab tests	145
phototherapy (light therapy)	76
removal of lesion (e.g. growth)	229
second opinions	58
skin procedures	305

2017 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Dirk Michael Elston, MD.

**Gender**
Male	1051
Female	928

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	1811
Black	100
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	41
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	1049
From 75 to 84	609
85 and over	174
Less than 65	147

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Dirk Michael Elston, MD in 2017

Hypertension	63
High Cholesterol	48
Stroke	3
Ischemic Heart Disease	27
Depression	17
Chronic Kidney Disease	21
Asthma	5
Osteoperosis	8
Atrial Fibrilation	10
Heart Failure	12
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	11
Diabetes	23
Dementia	6
Cancer	10

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2018 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Dirk Michael Elston, MD treated as a surgical dermatologist in Charleston, SC during 2018 were skin procedures, removal of lesion (e.g. growth), diagnostic procedures and lab tests.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Dirk Michael Elston, MD for Medicare patients.

diagnostic procedures	272
doctor visit	959
injections	52
lab tests	158
phototherapy (light therapy)	65
removal of lesion (e.g. growth)	307
second opinions	66
skin procedures	372

2018 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Dirk Michael Elston, MD.

**Gender**
Male	1158
Female	1074

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	2036
Black	103
Hispanic	15
Asian	11
Other	67
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	1143
From 75 to 84	743
85 and over	216
Less than 65	130

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Dirk Michael Elston, MD in 2018

Hypertension	63
High Cholesterol	59
Stroke	4
Ischemic Heart Disease	27
Depression	18
Chronic Kidney Disease	21
Asthma	6
Osteoperosis	8
Atrial Fibrilation	11
Heart Failure	12
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	11
Diabetes	23
Dementia	6
Cancer	13

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2019 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Dirk Michael Elston, MD treated as a surgical dermatologist in Charleston, SC during 2019 were skin procedures, removal of lesion (e.g. growth), lab tests and phototherapy (light therapy).

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Dirk Michael Elston, MD for Medicare patients.

compression therapy	22
doctor visit	1105
immobilization	22
injections	44
lab tests	89
phototherapy (light therapy)	63
removal of lesion (e.g. growth)	395
second opinions	51
skin procedures	458

2019 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Dirk Michael Elston, MD.

**Gender**
Male	1119
Female	1021

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	1960
Black	80
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	75
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	1077
From 75 to 84	771
85 and over	190
Less than 65	102

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Dirk Michael Elston, MD in 2019

Hypertension	63
High Cholesterol	61
Stroke	3
Ischemic Heart Disease	27
Depression	20
Chronic Kidney Disease	21
Asthma	6
Osteoperosis	11
Atrial Fibrilation	12
Heart Failure	12
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	11
Diabetes	22
Dementia	6
Cancer	14

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2020 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Dirk Michael Elston, MD treated as a surgical dermatologist in Charleston, SC during 2020 were skin procedures, removal of lesion (e.g. growth), lab tests and second opinions.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Dirk Michael Elston, MD for Medicare patients.

compression therapy	16
doctor visit	1160
immobilization	16
injections	40
lab tests	124
phototherapy (light therapy)	11
removal of lesion (e.g. growth)	435
second opinions	50
skin procedures	446

2020 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Dirk Michael Elston, MD.

**Gender**
Male	1099
Female	1056

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	1958
Black	79
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	85
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	1088
From 75 to 84	779
85 and over	195
Less than 65	93

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Dirk Michael Elston, MD in 2020

Hypertension	56
High Cholesterol	57
Stroke	2
Ischemic Heart Disease	28
Depression	18
Chronic Kidney Disease	19
Asthma	5
Osteoperosis	10
Atrial Fibrilation	11
Heart Failure	10
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	9
Diabetes	18
Dementia	5
Cancer	13

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2021 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Dirk Michael Elston, MD treated as a surgical dermatologist in Charleston, SC during 2021 were removal of lesion (e.g. growth), skin procedures, lab tests and second opinions.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Dirk Michael Elston, MD for Medicare patients.

compression therapy	26
doctor visit	1440
immobilization	26
injections	54
lab tests	101
phototherapy (light therapy)	63
removal of lesion (e.g. growth)	458
second opinions	82
skin procedures	458

2021 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Dirk Michael Elston, MD.

**Gender**
Male	1007
Female	1070

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	1902
Black	69
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	84
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	1052
From 75 to 84	764
85 and over	182
Less than 65	79

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Dirk Michael Elston, MD in 2021

Hypertension	59
High Cholesterol	61
Stroke	3
Ischemic Heart Disease	25
Depression	16
Chronic Kidney Disease	18
Asthma	7
Osteoperosis	10
Atrial Fibrilation	10
Heart Failure	10
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	8
Diabetes	19
Dementia	6
Cancer	13

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2022 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Dirk Michael Elston, MD treated as a surgical dermatologist in Charleston, SC during 2022 were skin procedures, removal of lesion (e.g. growth), lab tests and second opinions.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Dirk Michael Elston, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	1392
injections	34
lab tests	140
phototherapy (light therapy)	18
removal of lesion (e.g. growth)	440
second opinions	70
skin procedures	458

2022 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Dirk Michael Elston, MD.

**Gender**
Male	1039
Female	1049

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	1917
Black	79
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	66
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	1028
From 75 to 84	814
85 and over	167
Less than 65	79

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Dirk Michael Elston, MD in 2022

Hypertension	69
High Cholesterol	75
Stroke	6
Ischemic Heart Disease	20
Depression	15
Chronic Kidney Disease	14
Asthma	9
Osteoperosis	14
Atrial Fibrilation	16
Heart Failure	9
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	11
Diabetes	19
Dementia	3
Cancer	17

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2015 - 2022

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Dirk Michael Elston, MD for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Dirk Michael Elston, MD treated as a surgical dermatologist in Charleston, SC were skin procedures, removal of lesion (e.g. growth), diagnostic procedures and lab tests.

compression therapy	21
diagnostic procedures	180
doctor visit	972
immobilization	21
injections	37
lab tests	109
phototherapy (light therapy)	50
removal of lesion (e.g. growth)	323
second opinions	54
skin procedures	366

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2015 - 2022

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Dirk Michael Elston, MD.

**Gender**
Male	1003
Female	933

**Ethnicity**
Black / African American	94
Asian / Pacific Islander	1
Non-Hispanic White	1760
Native American / Alaskan Native	0
Hispanic	1
Other	57

**Age**
75 to 84	662
85 and over	170
Less than 65	116
65 to 74	987

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Dirk Michael Elston, MD From 2015 - 2022

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Dirk Michael Elston, MD treated were hypertension, high cholesterol, ischemic heart disease and diabetes.

Hypertension	62
High Cholesterol	59
Stroke	3
Ischemic Heart Disease	25
Depression	17
Chronic Kidney Disease	18
Asthma	7
Osteoporosis	9
Heart Failure	10
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	10
Diabetes	21
Atrial Fibrillation	11
Dementia	5
Cancer	12

Education & Training

He has a state license in New York.

Residency: (1986)

Licensed In: New York

Affiliations & Hospitals

Dr. Dirk Michael Elston, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

MUSC Health

Insurance Information

Please note: Insurance information may change at any time, and the provider may accept your insurance plan even if it is not listed below. Please contact the provider's office to confirm that your insurance is accepted.

Dr. Dirk Michael Elston, MD appears to accept the following insurance providers: CIGNA Medicare, Aetna Medicare, Great-West Healthcare, WellCare, Community Care Network (CCN), United Healthcare, TRICARE, Employers Health Network, Medicaid, Humana, Cigna, Coventry, Blue Choice, First Health, MedCost, Molina Healthcare, Group Health Plan (GHP), Medicare A & B (Traditional Medicare), Blue Cross Blue Shield State Health Plan for South Carolina, Blue Cross Blue Shield Preferred Blue (PPC), BCBS Blue Essentials (Marketplace), Aetna (Preferred Provider Organization), Blue Cross Blue Shield Planned Administrators, First Choice/Select Health (NEIC), Absolute Total Care (NEIC), Clover Health, Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare, Aetna (Open Choice), AllWell by Absolute Total Care, Aetna (Managed Choice), Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal (FEP), Ambetter from Absolute Total Care (Marketplace), First Choice Next and Aetna (Exclusive Choice).

Insurance Accepted by Provider includes:

According to our sources, Dr. Dirk Michael Elston, MD accepts the following insurance providers:

CIGNA Medicare

Aetna Medicare

Great-West Healthcare

WellCare

Community Care Network (CCN)

United Healthcare

TRICARE

Employers Health Network

Medicaid

Humana

Cigna

Coventry

Blue Choice

First Health

MedCost

Molina Healthcare

Group Health Plan (GHP)

Medicare A & B (Traditional Medicare)

Blue Cross Blue Shield State Health Plan for South Carolina

Blue Cross Blue Shield Preferred Blue (PPC)

BCBS Blue Essentials (Marketplace)

Aetna (Preferred Provider Organization)

Blue Cross Blue Shield Planned Administrators

First Choice/Select Health (NEIC)

Absolute Total Care (NEIC)

Clover Health

Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare

Aetna (Open Choice)

AllWell by Absolute Total Care

Aetna (Managed Choice)

Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal (FEP)

Ambetter from Absolute Total Care (Marketplace)

First Choice Next

Aetna (Exclusive Choice)

Ratings & Reviews

Dr. Dirk Michael Elston, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars based on 404 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Dirk Michael Elston, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in Charleston, SC.

4.8

Overall Rating

(404 Ratings)

Leave a Review

General Payments

These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Dirk Michael Elston, MD. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.

**Payments by Company**
Pfizer Inc.	$105 $105
Janssen Biotech, Inc.	$74 STELARA $74
Amgen Inc.	$50 Otezla $50
Valeant Pharmaceuticals North America LLC	$24 TARGRETIN $24

**Types of Payments**
Food and Beverage	$253

Biography

Dr. Dirk Elston is a dermatopathology and surgical dermatology specialist in Charleston, SC. Dr. Elston has a 5.0 out of 5 star average patient rating. In his practice, he is particularly interested in soft tissue infection, cutaneous lymphoma, and skin infection. He is professionally affiliated with MUSC Health. Dr. Elston seems to be an in-network provider for Blue California, Coventry, and Employers Health Network, as well as other insurance carriers. His practice in Charleston, SC is open to new patients as reported by MUSC Health. He is a graduate of Thomas Jefferson University, Jefferson Medical College.