LC
Accepting patients
Affiliated with a Castle Connolly Top Hospital
Who is Dr. Christenson, Dermatologist in Ames, IA?
Specializing in skin cancer surgery for patients with basal cell carcinoma, offering focused clinical care. Dr. Leslie J. Christenson MD, a dermatologist in Ames, Iowa, provides comprehensive skin health services to her local community. With multiple practice locations across Iowa, including Ames and Carroll, she ensures accessibility and continuity of care for her patients. Patients often seek Dr. Christenson for conditions such as basal cell carcinoma, various skin conditions, sun damage skin conditions, and wound care needs. Her expertise encompasses a range of procedures, including skin cancer surgery, skin cancer treatment, wound repair, and reconstructive surgery, all aimed at addressing the specific skin health challenges of her patients. This broad yet focused clinical capability allows her to manage complex dermatological cases effectively. Dr. Christenson's medical training includes education at the University of Iowa College of Medicine and Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, where she earned her medical degree. She completed residencies in dermatology and internal medicine at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Board-certified by the American Board of Dermatology, Dr. Christenson demonstrates a commitment to high standards in dermatological care. New patients can schedule a visit with Dr. Christenson, who accepts a wide range of insurance carriers, including major providers like Medicare, UnitedHealth Group, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. She is fluent in English and Spanish, making her services more accessible to a diverse patient population. Appointments are available for those seeking expert dermatological care.
Where did Dr. Christenson go to medical school and complete their residency?
Residency: Univ Iowa Hosps & Clinics, Dermatology; Univ Iowa Hosps & Clinics, Internal Medicine
Medical School: University Of Ia Coll Of Med- Iowa City Ia | Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas
Is Dr. Christenson board certified as a Dermatologist?
Yes, Dr. Leslie Christenson, MD is board certified by the American Board of Dermatology
What languages does Dr. Christenson speak?
Dr. Christenson and their clinical team can communicate with patients in the following languages:
English
Spanish
What conditions does a Dermatologist like Dr. Christenson typically treat?
As a Dermatologist, Dr. Christenson 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. Christenson. 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.
Also known as:
- Basal Cell Skin Cancer of the Face
- Basal Cell Skin Cancer of the Nose
- Skin Cancer
- Skin Cancer Treatment (PDQ)
- Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
- Rodent Ulcer
- BCC
- Basal Cell Carcinoma
ICD-10 Codes:
- C44319: Basal cell carcinoma of skin of other parts of face
- C44311: Basal cell carcinoma of skin of nose
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:
- 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:
- Suture Removal
- Wounds and Injuries
- Stitch removal
- Taking out stitches
- Post-surgery suture care
ICD-10 Codes:
- Z4802: Encounter for removal of sutures
What procedures does a Dermatologist like Dr. Christenson typically perform?
As a Dermatologist, Dr. Christenson 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. Christenson. 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.
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:
- Mohs Surgery
- Mohs Micrographic Surgery
- Skin Cancer Removal
- Precise Skin Cancer Surgery
CPT Codes:
- 17312: 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; each additional stage after the first stage, up to 5 tissue blocks (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
Also known as:
- Intermediate Face/Head Wound Repair (2.6-5.0 cm)
- Facial Wound Repair
- Intermediate Wound Repair (Body)
- Intermediate Wound Repair (Neck, Hands, Feet, Genitalia)
- Wounds and Injuries
- Facial Laceration Repair
- Head Wound Stitching
- Complex Facial Cut Repair
- Stitches for facial cut
- Intermediate wound closure
- Repair of facial laceration
- Laceration Repair (Body)
- Surgical Wound Closure (Trunk/Limbs)
- Deep Wound Stitching (Body)
- Laceration Repair
- Complex Wound Closure
- Surgical Wound Repair
- Injury Stitching
CPT Codes:
- 12052: Repair, intermediate, wounds of face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips and/or mucous membranes; 2.6 cm to 5.0 cm
- 12051: Repair, intermediate, wounds of face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips and/or mucous membranes; 2.5 cm or less
- 12032: Repair, intermediate, wounds of scalp, axillae, trunk and/or extremities (excluding hands and feet); 2.6 cm to 7.5 cm
- 12042: Repair, intermediate, wounds of neck, hands, feet and/or external genitalia; 2.6 cm to 7.5 cm
Also known as:
- Facial Tissue Transfer (Eyelids, Nose, Ears, Lips)
- Local Flap Surgery
- Adjacent Tissue Rearrangement
- Facial Reconstruction
CPT Codes:
- 14060: Adjacent tissue transfer or rearrangement, eyelids, nose, ears and/or lips; defect 10 sq cm or less
Also known as:
- Skin Biopsy
- Shave Biopsy
- Tangential Biopsy
- Skin Lesion Biopsy
CPT Codes:
- 11102: Tangential biopsy of skin (eg, shave, scoop, saucerize, curette); single lesion
Does Dr. Christenson accept my insurance?
Dr. Christenson accepts most major insurance plans. Important: Please call our office at before your appointment to verify that your specific plan and network are accepted.
What insurance plans does Dr. Christenson accept in Ames, IA?
Dr. Christenson in Ames, IA accepts plans from many carriers. While this list is updated regularly, it is not a guarantee of coverage.
Top Insurances
All Other Third Party
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
CVS Health (formerly Aetna)
Federal government of the United States
Humana
Medica Group
Medicare
State of Minnesota
UnitedHealth Group
Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield
View All Insurances
Where is Dr. Christenson's office located?
What is Dr. Christenson's NPI number?An National Provider Identifier (NPI) is a unique ID number that identifies doctors and healthcare providers nationwide.
Dr. Christenson's National Provider Identifier (NPI) number is 1871571794.
What common questions do patients ask about Dr. Christenson?
Here are answers to patients Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) about Dr. Christenson
What is Dr. Leslie Christenson's specialty?
Dr. Christenson is a Dermatologist near Ames, IA.
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. Leslie Christenson affiliated with a ranked Castle Connolly Top Hospital?
Yes, Dr. Christenson is affiliated with University Of Iowa Hospitals And Clinics 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 Leslie Christenson accepting new patients in Ames, IA?
Yes, Dr. Leslie Christenson is accepting new patients at this time.
Does Dr. Leslie Christenson offer online booking?
Please contact Dr. Christenson's office for information about online booking, telehealth, or to schedule an appointment.
How can I make an appointment with Leslie Christenson?
Please contact Dr. Christenson's office for information regarding telehealth appointment availability or for scheduling assistance.
Which board certifications does Dr. Leslie Christenson have?
Dr. Leslie Christenson is certified by the American Board of Dermatology.
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