Dermatologists of Central States

What Dermatologists of Central States does

Dermatologists of Central States (DOCS) is a physician-led dermatology practice management platform that operates 120+ clinic locations across 10 states with more than 336 providers (including 127 board-certified dermatologists, 170 nurse practitioners and physician assistants, and 22 fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons) and 1,500+ total employees. The company delivers medical, surgical, cosmetic, and plastic/reconstructive dermatology services under a partner-practice model in which acquired independent dermatology practices retain clinical autonomy while receiving centralized administrative, billing, HR, compliance, IT, revenue cycle management, and payer contracting support. The platform also operates the largest multisite dermatology clinical research network in the United States, with 12 research sites across 4 states conducting trials for eczema, psoriasis, acne, hair loss, and other conditions.

DOCS generates revenue primarily through fee-for-service patient care billed to major insurance payors (Aetna, Anthem, BlueCross, Cigna, Humana, Medicare, MultiPlan, Tricare, UnitedHealthcare) for medical dermatology and through self-pay for cosmetic procedures such as injectables, laser treatments, body contouring, and medical-grade facials, with a Sunbit partnership offering patient payment plans. A secondary revenue stream comes from pharmaceutical and biotech sponsors funding clinical trials at the research sites, and a third revenue dimension comes from operational support services provided to partner practices. The go-to-market model is a hybrid of programmatic practice acquisitions (seven completed during 2025 alone) and de novo clinic development, exemplified by the Blue Ash, Ohio flagship that achieved profitability shortly after launch.

The company was founded in 1983 in Cincinnati, Ohio as a management services organization and has expanded progressively from Ohio into Michigan, West Virginia, Illinois, North Carolina, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Louisiana, and Texas. In March 2026, DOCS completed a comprehensive refinancing transaction anchored by Penfund with participation from Antares Capital and New Mountain, and appointed Chad Lanning as President and CFO to support continued platform growth.

Name

Dermatologists of Central States

Legal name

Dermatologists of Central States, LLC

Website

https://docsdermgroup.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1983

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

DOCS Dermatology Group is a physician-led dermatology practice management platform operating 120+ clinics across 10 states with 336+ providers, delivering medical, surgical, cosmetic, and clinical research dermatology services through a partner-practice model.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Dermatology Services

NAICS

Offices of Physicians (except Mental Health Specialists) (621111), Offices of Physicians (62111), Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories (6215)

SIC

Services-Offices & Clinics Of Doctors Of Medicine (8011), Services-Specialty Outpatient Facilities, Nec (8093)

akta.pro primary industry

General & Medical Dermatology (HLAKACAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Plastics / Cosmetic & Dermatologic Surgery Centers (HLAFAIAK), Procedural Dermatology (Office-Based Surgery) (HLAKACAG)

Keywords

• Dermatology practice management
• Medical dermatology services
• Mohs micrographic surgery
• Clinical research network
• Cosmetic dermatology treatments

Headquarters

HQ city

Dayton

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices11 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Patient Care Services: Fee-for-service healthcare delivery through a network of dermatology clinics offering medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology services. Revenue generated from patient visits, procedures, and treatments billed to insurance or paid out-of-pocket.
2. Insurance Billing: DOCS Dermatology partners with most major insurance plans including Aetna, Anthem, BlueCross, Cigna, Humana, Medicare, MultiPlan, Tricare, and UnitedHealthcare. Medical dermatology services are typically covered by insurance.
3. Self-Pay/Cosmetic Services: Cosmetic dermatology procedures such as injectables, laser treatments, and medical-grade facials are typically self-pay and not covered by insurance.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Dermatologists of Central States, operating as DOCS Dermatology Group, delivers patient-facing dermatology care through a network of 118+ clinics across 10 states staffed by 336+ providers. Its services span medical dermatology, Mohs surgery and skin cancer treatment, cosmetic dermatology, plastic and reconstructive surgery, and a clinical research program operating the largest multisite dermatology research network in the United States. The company also supports independent dermatology practices via a partner network offering administrative, billing, HR, compliance, IT, and revenue cycle services.

Product overview

DOCS Dermatology Group is a multi-state dermatology platform operating 118+ locations across 10 states with 336+ providers. The platform offers four core service lines: Medical Dermatology (diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions for all ages), Skin Cancer Treatment & Mohs Surgery (specialized skin cancer prevention, diagnosis, and Mohs micrographic surgery), Cosmetic Dermatology (injectables, laser treatments, body contouring, and skin rejuvenation), and Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. The organization also operates a Clinical Research Program with 12 sites conducting trials in eczema, psoriasis, acne, and other conditions. The platform supports independent dermatology practices through a Partner Practice Network offering administrative, billing, HR, compliance, and revenue cycle management. Patient-facing tools include a Patient Portal for scheduling and bill pay with flexible payment options through Sunbit.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Medical Dermatology Services Expert diagnosis and treatment of chronic and acute skin, hair, and nail conditions for all ages — including acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, rashes, hives, hair loss, nail disorders, pigmentation concerns, and skin cancers — delivered by board-certified dermatologists across the clinic network.
• Skin Cancer Treatment and Mohs Surgery Specialized skin cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment including Mohs micrographic surgery (the gold standard for basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma), plus treatment for actinic keratoses, atypical moles, melanoma, and rare skin cancers, delivered by 22 fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons.
• Cosmetic Dermatology Services Advanced aesthetic treatments including injectables (BOTOX, Juvéderm, Kybella), laser and light-based treatments, medical-grade facials, non-surgical body contouring (CoolSculpting, CoolTone), skin rejuvenation, and vein treatments delivered by board-certified providers on a self-pay basis.
• Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Comprehensive cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery performed by board-certified plastic surgeons, including body contouring, breast procedures, facial rejuvenation, rhinoplasty, scar revision, and reconstructive surgery after trauma or cancer.
• Clinical Research Program World-class dermatology clinical research operations with 12 sites across 4 states, conducting trials for eczema, psoriasis, acne, hair loss, hidradenitis suppurativa, and other dermatological conditions, with centralized oversight across all trial locations. Offered to pharmaceutical and biotech sponsors.
• Partner Practice Network Physician-led partnership offering for independent dermatology practices providing administrative support, billing, HR, compliance, IT, revenue cycle management, payer contracting, and capital for expansion while partner practices maintain clinical autonomy.

Quantifiable outcome

• 95% provider retention rate demonstrates strong alignment and satisfaction among dermatology providers
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

29 partnerships are on record, tiered minor.

• SunbitminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDOCS Dermatology has partnered with Sunbit to offer flexible payment plans so patients can pay over time for dermatology services. This partnership helps make treatments more accessible to patients who may not be able to pay the full amount upfront.
• Advanced Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery CenterminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner dermatology practice in Twinsburg, OH providing expert medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology care.
• Associated DermatologistsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner dermatology practice with 5 locations in Michigan (Berkley, Commerce, Farmington Hills, Novi, West Bloomfield) providing expert medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology care.
• Beavercreek DermatologyminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner dermatology practice in Beavercreek, OH providing expert medical and cosmetic dermatology care.
• Bexley DermatologyminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner dermatology practice in Bexley, OH providing expert medical dermatology care and conducting cutting-edge research.
• Buckeye DermatologyminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner dermatology practice with 4 locations in Ohio (Dublin, Grove City, Springfield) providing expert medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology care and conducting cutting-edge research.
• Chapel Hill DermatologyminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner dermatology practice in Chapel Hill, NC providing expert medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology care.
• Charlotte DermatologyminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner dermatology practice with 4 locations in North Carolina and South Carolina (Charlotte, Cornelius, Matthews, Myrtle Beach) providing expert medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology care.
• Clarkston DermatologyminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner dermatology practice in Clarkston and Oxford, MI providing expert medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology care.
• Dermatologists of Greater ColumbusminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner dermatology practice with 6 locations in Ohio (Canal Winchester, Circleville, Columbus, Marysville, New Albany, Urbana) providing expert medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology care.
• Dermatologists of Southwest OhiominorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner dermatology practice with 11 locations in Ohio (Batavia, Blue Ash, Cincinnati, Dayton, Fairborn, Greenville, Mason, Oxford, Troy, West Chester, Wilmington) providing expert medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology care and conducting cutting-edge research.
• Dermatology & Skin Surgery CenterminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner dermatology practice with 13 locations across Indiana and Michigan (Angola, Elkhart, Goshen, Plymouth in IN; Adrian, Battle Creek, Hillsdale, Jackson, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, Sturgis in MI) providing expert medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology care.
• Dermatology Associates of Mid OhiominorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner dermatology practice with 3 locations in Ohio (Mansfield, Marion, Upper Sandusky) providing expert medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology care.
• Dermatology PartnersminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner dermatology practice with 6 locations in Ohio (Avon, Broadview Heights, Medina, Port Clinton, Sandusky, Strongsville) providing expert medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology care and conducting cutting-edge research.
• Fairlawn DermatologyminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner dermatology practice in Fairlawn and Uniontown, OH providing expert medical and cosmetic dermatology care and conducting cutting-edge research.
• Huntington DermatologyminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner dermatology practice in Huntington, WV providing expert medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology care.
• Metrolina DermatologyminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner dermatology practice in Charlotte, NC providing expert medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology care.
• Miami Valley Plastic SurgeonsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner practice in Dayton, Springfield, and Vandalia, OH providing expert medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology care.
• Midwest Center For Dermatology and Cosmetic SurgeryminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner dermatology practice with 4 locations in Michigan (Clinton Township, Shelby Township, St. Clair Shores, Warren) providing expert medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology care.
• Mountain State Medical SpecialtiesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner dermatology practice with 11 locations across West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio (Marietta, Uniontown PA, Waynesburg PA, Bridgeport, Elkins, Hurricane, Morgantown, South Charleston, Triadelphia, Vienna, Wheeling WV) providing expert medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology care.
• SanovaminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner dermatology practice with 5 locations in Louisiana and Texas (Metairie LA; Austin, Bee Cave, Dripping Springs, Pflugerville TX) providing expert medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology care.
• Southwest Michigan Plastic Surgery & Med SpaminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner cosmetic dermatology care and plastic surgery practice in Kalamazoo, MI and surrounding areas.
• Spa43minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner advanced medical spa and cosmetic skincare treatments practice in Clinton Township and Shelby Township, MI.
• Steele Creek DermatologyminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner dermatology practice in Charlotte, NC providing expert medical and cosmetic dermatology care.
• The Center for Medical Dermatology Immunology ResearchminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner medical dermatology care and research practice in Chicago, IL.
• The Skin Care CenterminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner dermatology practice with 2 locations in Illinois (Glenview, Lake Forest) providing expert medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology care.
• Timeless Skin SolutionsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner dermatology practice in Ohio providing expert medical and cosmetic dermatology care.
• Twin Oaks Dermatology & Eye SurgeryminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner dermatology and eye surgery practice in Wooster, OH.
• Wheatland DermatologyminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner dermatology practice in St. Marys, OH providing expert medical and cosmetic dermatology care.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Forefront Dermatology: One of the largest dermatology networks in the U.S., operating across dozens of states with a similar mix of medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology services. A direct competitor in the multi-state dermatology platform space.
• QualDerm Partners: PE-backed dermatology practice management platform operating across multiple U.S. states with a similar model of acquiring independent dermatology practices and offering medical, surgical, and cosmetic services. Directly comparable in business model, scale, and target acquisition market.
• Advanced Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery: Large dermatology platform operating in Florida and other states with full medical, surgical, Mohs, and cosmetic service offerings. Comparable business model and service mix to DOCS.
• Pinnacle Dermatology: Multi-state dermatology platform with locations across the Midwest, including Michigan and Illinois where DOCS also operates. A regional competitor pursuing similar acquisition strategy.
• Anne Arundel Dermatology: Large multi-state dermatology practice management group operating across the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast. PE-backed and pursues the same independent-practice acquisition strategy as DOCS.
• Epiphany Dermatology: PE-backed dermatology platform with locations across multiple states offering medical, surgical, and aesthetic dermatology services. Directly comparable in acquisition-led growth strategy.
• U.S. Dermatology Partners: Nationwide dermatology platform operating over 100 locations across multiple states. A direct peer in scale, geographic strategy, and acquisition-led growth model.
• Schweiger Dermatology Group: Large multi-state dermatology practice group concentrated in the Northeast, offering medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. Directly comparable in service mix and physician partnership model.

Emerging players

• Optima Dermatology: Emerging multi-state dermatology platform pursuing a similar acquisition-led strategy across the Midwest and Northeast. Smaller in scale than DOCS but a relevant emerging peer in the same space.
• Sun Dermatology: Multi-state dermatology group offering medical, Mohs, and cosmetic services. Comparable service mix though smaller in scale than DOCS.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/docsderm
• Xx.com/dermswohio

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Subsidiaries29 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds7 records

Investors6 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A7 records

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Dermatologists of Central States