A federal investigation has revealed that a clerical error has directed patients looking for dermatology services to airport lines, severely backlogging Transportation Security Administration checkpoints. This sounds confusing, but we're here to help. Keep reading to learn what this means for your skin and your travel plans.

How We Got Here

During the partial federal shutdown, a scheduling error merged the TSA's traveler screening database with a national dermatology appointment system. The error was not detected. Officials now believe that every person who has waited in a TSA line since then was actually waiting to be seen for a skin concern.

"We noticed that wait times kept increasing despite funding for TSA coming back online," said a TSA spokesperson. "It turns out people weren't waiting to go through security. They were waiting to get their acne checked."

Dermatologists have confirmed that the backlog is significant.

What Dermatologists Are Saying

We spoke with several board-certified dermatologists about the situation. Their guidance was consistent.

"This explains a lot," said Dr. Rebecca Torres, a dermatologist in Phoenix. "I've had patients tell me they waited two hours to be seen, and I thought they meant in our lobby. Apparently they meant at LaGuardia."

When asked what patients should do if they have a flight to catch, Dr. Torres recommended arriving early.

"The important thing is to keep your appointment," she said.

Dr. Michael Chen, a dermatologist in Boston, offered similar advice.

"If you're in a TSA line, you're technically checked in for a dermatology visit," he said. "Leaving the line would be a missed appointment. You could be charged a cancellation fee."

Dr. Chen acknowledged that patients may not have intended to schedule a dermatology appointment. He recommended staying in line anyway.

"You're already here," he said. "You might as well get that spot looked at."

What the TSA Is Saying

TSA officials have adapted quickly to the findings.

"Our screening procedures remain unchanged," said the spokesperson. "You will still remove your shoes. You will still place your laptop in a separate bin. You will also receive a brief visual skin assessment."

When asked whether the skin assessment was optional, the spokesperson clarified that all TSA procedures are mandatory.

"Compliance is key," she said.

Questions Travelers are Asking

I just want to catch my flight. Do I have to receive a skin assessment?

Yes. You joined the line. The appointment was scheduled automatically.

What if I don't have any skin concerns?

A dermatologist will determine that.

Can I opt out of the full-body scanner if I’ve already received an acne evaluation?

No. These are separate systems. The acne evaluation is medical. The full-body scanner is security. You will complete both.

Will my insurance cover this?

Your airline may have included dermatology coverage in your ticket price. Check your boarding pass for a CPT code.

I missed my flight because the dermatologist found something suspicious and referred me for additional testing.

That is not a question. But we recommend following up with the specialist.

Is there anything else I can do?

Our only recommendation is to arrive at the airport early. Stay in line. Remove your shoes. Confirm your skin concerns.

The flight may board without you. But your skin health is important.

One Last Note

Today is April 1st.

TSA lines are not dermatology appointments. 

Your flight is on time. Probably. Check the app.

Here's what is real: the average wait time for a dermatology appointment in the United States is 35 days. Some patients wait 4 - 6 months. That part isn't a joke.

With Honeydew, you can see a dermatology provider online in hours, not weeks. 

Just personalized, ongoing care that fits into your life, on your terms 😌