Providing high quality care that is both convenient and cutting edge has helped Associates in Dermatology become a pioneer in the field of skin care.

Central Florida is blessed with a dermatology practice committed to offering experienced providers, cutting-edge treatment and the latest technologies. For over three decades, Associates in Dermatology has been synonymous with high quality dermatological care in the local community. As the president and medical director of Associates in Dermatology, Dr. Steppie has built a strong reputation thanks to his unrivaled passion for serving the community through clinical, general and cosmetic dermatology.

A board-certified physician who has completed residencies in dermatology and dermatologic surgery, he is renowned for his years of service in the field and is a skilled surgeon with vast experience in the highly specialized treatment known as Mohs surgery, which is used for the removal of skin cancer tumors.

Thanks to his extensive training and expertise, Dr. Steppie has been able to keep his practice at the forefront of skincare services. Besides being a widely recognized leader in skin cancer treatment, Associates in Dermatology provides an array of dermatological services, including treatment of common conditions such as allergic dermatitis, psoriasis, acne, eczema and disease of the hair and nails. Many rejuvenating cosmetic procedures ranging from Botox to dermal fillers are also offered in addition to chemical peels, electrocautery, acne treatments and more.

“Our Orlando dermatology practices have helped countless patients thanks to a calculated approach to identify the problem and make sure treatment is focused on the individual, rather than a one-size-fits-all diagnosis,” he says.

That dedication to providing the utmost care has not gone unnoticed as Dr. Steppie has been voted a Top Physician by the readers of Orlando Family Magazine several times over, a recognition he is grateful to have received.

“This award matters a great deal to me because it is a reflection of the loyalty and love that our patients have for our dedicated team of health care providers,” he says.

Additionally, Associates in Dermatology was ranked as a super performer in the Medicare Quality Payment Program’s Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS).

Under MIPS, clinicians receive a composite score based on quality, promoting interoperability, improvement activities and cost. The practice was in the top percentile and Dr. Steppie credits the high marks—scoring above 90% for the past several consecutive years—to the practice’s unwavering commitment to its patients.

“Our focus is on promoting a healthy lifestyle and raising awareness and prevention because our most important goal is to help patients in any way we can. That means going the extra mile to ensure our core values are being met while also progressing and advancing the convenience of care we provide,” he says.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, just as the world has shifted, that approach has been key in helping Associates in Dermatology modify its approach to prioritize safety while helping redefine the patient experience in a series of ways, not the least of which has been expediting the actual amount of time spent in the office.

“We are excited to have recently introduced a new paperless and contactless option which allows patients to use their cell phone in the comfort of their own home to be able to do complete their check-in paperwork as well as make payments remotely. Therefore, it allows families to manage appointments and medical costs in an easy and user-friendly fashion,” says Dr. Steppie. “With COVID-19 safety concerns still very present in 2021 and the amount of paperwork that comes with annual insurance updates at the beginning of the year, I felt like implementing such a convenient and time-saving platform for our patients was a must.”

Another example of how Associates in Dermatology has strived to lead the way has been its use of telehealth consultations for its high-risk patients and those who care for them.

“The advancement of telemedicine as a viable technological tool has made it possible to stay connected with our patients during these uncertain times. We think of them as if they are extended family members and we always treat them as such, doing whatever we can to continue to earn their trust,” Dr. Steppie says.

Another safety measure being taken, if it makes patients feel more comfortable, is they are offered the opportunity to wait inside their vehicle until the provider is ready to see them and the exam room has been cleaned, disinfected and prepped for their visit.

And while that patient-focused approach dates back to the foundation that was established back in 1989, it has also paved the way for the practice to increase its presence as a leading dermatology clinic in the Greater Orlando area now with 17 locations, including its most recent location in Winter Garden.

The legacy Dr. Steppie hopes to create is one of health and wellness for future generations of Floridians. “For each generation of Associates in Dermatology patients from the grandparent to the grandchild, the knowledge gained through their life experiences offers great value for posterity,” he says. “When you share with your loved ones the healthy lifestyle habits that you developed to ensure your good health, you are leaving behind a medical legacy that establishes the importance of wellness for generations to come.”

As the calendar flips to 2021 and the advancements of COVID-19 vaccines provide renewed hope and optimism, the expert team at Associates in Dermatology look forward to the new year and being able to provide patients with the top-notch care they have grown accustomed to.

“Our patients are loyal and love the dedicated care they receive from our highly skilled providers, several of whom have been with us for more than a decade and in some cases more than two,” says Dr. Steppie. “That familiarity with one another allow us to not only pinpoint a patient’s issues and treat them properly, but also helps them regain a sense of confidence. To make such an impact in a patient’s life is one of the most rewarding aspects of the profession and it never gets old.”

This article originally appeared in Orlando Family Magazine’s January 2021 issue.