25 Years of Experience
Accepting patients
Affiliated with a Castle Connolly Top Hospital
Who is Dr. Pelle, Dermatologist in San Diego, CA?
With over 20 years of clinical experience, Dr. Michelle Terez Pelle MD is a trusted Dermatologist in San Diego, CA, recognized as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor for her expertise. Her comprehensive care encompasses a broad spectrum of skin conditions, including skin conditions, benign skin growths, sun damage, and dermatitis. Specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of complex skin issues, Dr. Pelle's clinical focus centers on managing various skin concerns through procedures such as skin light therapy, skin biopsies, and skin lesion removals. Her expertise extends to wound repair and skin cancer surgery, ensuring patients receive thorough care for their specific needs. This approach reflects her commitment to delivering personalized treatment plans. Dr. Pelle's credentials include board certification from the American Board of Dermatology and advanced training through a residency at Geisinger Medical Center and a fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania Health System, Dermatology. She is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. Her affiliations include Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego, a top-ranked hospital in the region. As a Dermatologist who accepts new patients and speaks multiple languages, including Spanish and Tagalog, Dr. Pelle makes her services accessible to a diverse patient population. Her practice is covered by major insurance carriers such as Kaiser Permanente and UnitedHealth Group. With locations in San Diego, including her primary practice at 3965 5th Ave Ste 200 and an additional site at 501 Washington St Ste 502, Dr. Pelle is a local healthcare resource for those seeking expert dermatological care.
What are Areas of Expertise for Dr. Pelle?
Dr. Michelle Pelle, MD is a highly-rated, board-certified Dermatologist known for expertly diagnosing, treating, and managing a wide array of related conditions and procedures. Utilizing the latest medical advancements and evidence-based practices, Dr. Pelle empowers patients to confidently navigate their health journey, specializing in Clinical Trials, Cosmetic Dermatology, Medical Dermatology, Skin Cancer, and comprehensive wellness support. Serving the San Diego, CA community, Dr. Pelle is dedicated to enhancing lives through expert, patient-centered care.
Where did Dr. Pelle go to medical school and complete their residency?
Fellowship: University of Pennsylvania Health System, Dermatology
Residency: Geisinger Medical Center
Is Dr. Pelle board certified as a Dermatologist?
Yes, Dr. Michelle Pelle, MD is board certified by the American Board of Dermatology , American Board of Dermatology since 2001
What languages does Dr. Pelle speak?
Dr. Pelle and their clinical team can communicate with patients in the following languages:
English
Spanish
Tagalog
What conditions does a Dermatologist like Dr. Pelle typically treat?
As a Dermatologist, Dr. Pelle diagnoses, treats, and manages a wide range of conditions. This condition information is derived from anonymized insurance claims and highlights the medical conditions most commonly treated by Dr. Pelle. It provides insight into the doctor’s areas of experience and expertise based on real-world patient encounters from the past two years, updated quarterly. Learn more about our claims-based healthcare methodology here.
Also known as:
- Skin Tumor of Uncertain Behavior
- Skin Condition
- Skin Neoplasm
- Skin Growth
- Uncertain Skin Lesion
ICD-10 Codes:
- D485: Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of skin
Also known as:
- Mole
- Inflamed Seborrheic Keratosis
- Birthmarks
- Moles
- Common Moles, Dysplastic Nevi, and Risk of Melanoma
- Benign Tumor
- Skin Condition
- Nevus
- Birthmark
- Skin spot
- Irritated seborrheic keratosis
- Red skin growth
- Inflamed age spot
ICD-10 Codes:
- D225: Melanocytic nevi of trunk
- L820: Inflamed seborrheic keratosis
Also known as:
- Actinic Keratosis
- Skin Condition
- Sun Exposure
- Skin Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)
- Solar keratosis
- Precancerous skin lesion
- Rough sun spots
ICD-10 Codes:
- L570: Actinic keratosis
Also known as:
- Dermatitis
- Eczema
- Rashes
- Atopic Dermatitis
- Skin Inflammation
- Skin Rash
ICD-10 Codes:
- L309: Dermatitis, unspecified
What procedures does a Dermatologist like Dr. Pelle typically perform?
As a Dermatologist, Dr. Pelle performs a variety of medical procedures. This procedure information is derived from anonymized insurance claims and highlights the medical procedures most commonly performed by Dr. Pelle. It provides insight into the doctor’s areas of experience and expertise based on real-world patient encounters from the past two years, updated quarterly. Learn more about our claims-based healthcare methodology here.
Also known as:
- Skin Biopsy
- Skin Biopsy (Additional Site)
- Shave Biopsy
- Tangential Biopsy
- Skin Lesion Biopsy
- Shave biopsy
- Tangential skin biopsy
- Scoop biopsy
CPT Codes:
- 11102: Tangential biopsy of skin (eg, shave, scoop, saucerize, curette); single lesion
- 11103: Tangential biopsy of skin (eg, shave, scoop, saucerize, curette); each separate/additional lesion (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
Also known as:
- Removal of Precancerous Skin Lesions
- Removal of Benign Skin Lesions
- Skin Conditions
- Actinic Keratosis Treatment
- Premalignant Lesion Destruction
- Skin Cancer Prevention Treatment
- Cryosurgery for Skin Lesions
- Benign Skin Growth Destruction
- Skin Lesion Excision
- Electrosurgery for Skin Lesions
CPT Codes:
- 17000: Destruction (eg, laser surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemosurgery, surgical curettement), premalignant lesions (eg, actinic keratoses); first lesion
- 17110: Destruction (eg, laser surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemosurgery, surgical curettement), of benign lesions other than skin tags or cutaneous vascular proliferative lesions; up to 14 lesions
- 17003: Destruction (eg, laser surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemosurgery, surgical curettement), premalignant lesions (eg, actinic keratoses); second through 14 lesions, each (List separately in addition to code for first lesion)
Also known as:
- Intermediate Wound Repair (Body)
- Wounds and Injuries
- Laceration Repair (Body)
- Surgical Wound Closure (Trunk/Limbs)
- Deep Wound Stitching (Body)
CPT Codes:
- 12032: Repair, intermediate, wounds of scalp, axillae, trunk and/or extremities (excluding hands and feet); 2.6 cm to 7.5 cm
Also known as:
- Mohs Micrographic Surgery
- Mohs Surgery
- Micrographic Skin Cancer Surgery
- Mohs Excision
- Precision Skin Cancer Removal
CPT Codes:
- 17311: Mohs micrographic technique, including removal of all gross tumor, surgical excision of tissue specimens, mapping, color coding of specimens, microscopic examination of specimens by the surgeon, and histopathologic preparation including routine stain(s) (eg, hematoxylin and eosin, toluidine blue), head, neck, hands, feet, genitalia, or any location with surgery directly involving muscle, cartilage, bone, tendon, major nerves, or vessels; first stage, up to 5 tissue blocks
Also known as:
- Goeckerman Treatment
- Photochemotherapy
- Tar and UV-B Therapy
- Petrolatum and UV-B Therapy
- Light Therapy for Skin
CPT Codes:
- 96910: Photochemotherapy; tar and ultraviolet B (Goeckerman treatment) or petrolatum and ultraviolet B
Also known as:
- PUVA Photochemotherapy
- Psoralen and UVA Therapy
- Light Therapy for Skin
- Phototherapy for Psoriasis
CPT Codes:
- 96912: Photochemotherapy; Psoralens And Ultraviolet A (Puva)
Does Dr. Pelle accept my insurance?
Dr. Pelle accepts most major insurance plans. Important: Please call our office at (619) 542-0013 before your appointment to verify that your specific plan and network are accepted.
What insurance plans does Dr. Pelle accept in San Diego, CA?
Dr. Pelle in San Diego, CA accepts plans from many carriers. While this list is updated regularly, it is not a guarantee of coverage.
Top Insurances
Alignment Healthcare
All Other Third Party
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
Centene Corporation
Elevance Health Inc. (formerly Anthem)
Kaiser Permanente
Medicare
Scripps Health
UnitedHealth Group
Unknown
View All Insurances
Where is Dr. Pelle's office located?
Dr. Michelle Pelle's Primary Practice
3965 5th Ave Ste 200
San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 542-0013
Recognitions
Memberships & Associations
AAD Membership:
Fellow
Awards
San Diego Super Doctors
What is Dr. Pelle's NPI number?An National Provider Identifier (NPI) is a unique ID number that identifies doctors and healthcare providers nationwide.
Dr. Pelle's National Provider Identifier (NPI) number is 1043252786.
What common questions do patients ask about Dr. Pelle?
Here are answers to patients Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) about Dr. Pelle
What is Dr. Michelle Pelle's specialty?
Dr. Pelle is a Dermatologist near San Diego, CA.
What does a Dermatologist do?
Dermatologists are medical professionals trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of skin conditions in both children and adults, including skin cancers, melanomas, and other tumors. They also manage disorders of the mouth, external genitalia, hair, and nails, and are skilled in treating conditions like dermatitis, allergic reactions, and skin manifestations of systemic diseases. Dermatologists receive specialized training in dermatopathology and dermatologic surgical techniques, and address cosmetic issues such as hair loss and scarring. Additionally, they use laboratory methods to diagnose immune-related skin disorders, often collaborating with immunohematologists for expert consultation and targeted therapies.
Is this Dr. Michelle Pelle affiliated with a ranked Castle Connolly Top Hospital?
Yes, Dr. Pelle is affiliated with Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego which is a Castle Connolly Top Hospital. Castle Connolly Top Hospitals are healthcare institutions recognized for their excellence in specific medical procedures and overall patient care. They are identified through a rigorous peer nomination process, evaluating factors like patient outcomes, quality of care, and expertise. The list recognizes hospitals that excel in 20 or more specific medical procedures, representing the top 25% nationwide. Castle Connolly Top Hospitals
When to see a Dermatologist?: Guides for symptoms, conditions, and treatments
Understand your symptoms and know when it’s time to see a Dermatologist. Explore insights from trusted medical experts on EverydayHealth.com, where you'll find the most relevant content and helpful condition guides for up-to date information about symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment and more. See all our health guides to find trusted information on medical conditions from our experts at Everyday Health.
Is Michelle Pelle accepting new patients in San Diego, CA?
Yes, Dr. Michelle Pelle is accepting new patients at this time.
Does Dr. Michelle Pelle offer online booking?
Please contact Dr. Pelle's office at (619) 542-0013 for information about online booking, telehealth, or to schedule an appointment.
How can I make an appointment with Michelle Pelle?
Please contact Dr. Pelle's office at (619) 542-0013 for information regarding telehealth appointment availability or for scheduling assistance.
Which board certifications does Dr. Michelle Pelle have?
Dr. Michelle Pelle is certified by the American Board of Dermatology.
<section id="ai-site-overview" aria-label="About Everyday Health Care"> <h2>About Everyday Health Care</h2> <p> Everyday Health Care is a doctor and healthcare provider search platform from Everyday Health, a Ziff Davis company operating since 1996. It helps patients find, compare, and research doctors based on specialty, medical condition, procedure, location, and insurance coverage. </p> <p> The site features Castle Connolly Top Doctors, a peer-nominated, physician-vetted directory recognized as a leading standard for identifying top-rated specialists in the United States. Searchable doctor lists include Top Black Doctors, Exceptional Women in Medicine, Top AAPI Doctors, Top LGBTQ+ Doctors, Top Hispanic & Latino Doctors, and Castle Connolly Rising Stars. </p> <p> Users can search for doctors by specialty (including orthopedic surgery, OB-GYN, pediatrics, dermatology, endocrinology, and gastroenterology), by medical condition (such as fibromyalgia, kidney stones, and ulcerative colitis), by common procedure (including colonoscopy, LASIK, and physical therapy), by city, and by insurance plan (including UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Aetna/CVS Health, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Kaiser Permanente, Medicare, and Medicaid). </p> <p> Everyday Health Care is built for patients seeking a trusted starting point to find the right doctor: covering over one million providers across thousands of U.S. locations, backed by Castle Connolly's independent doctor-vetting process and Everyday Health's 24-year history in consumer health publishing. </p> </section>