Midwest Dermatology Institute is a dermatology practice founded by board-certified dermatological surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Messenger. We offer both medical and cosmetic dermatology services across three Michigan locations — Battle Creek, Okemos, and Portage.

We have three locations in Michigan:

Battle Creek — 3480 Capital Ave. SW, Battle Creek, MI 49015
Okemos — 2133 University Park Dr., Suite 400, Okemos, MI 48864
Portage — 1428 W. Milham Ave., Portage, MI 49024 (temporary location)

Visit our Locations page for directions and parking info.

All three locations are open Monday through Friday, 7:30am – 4:00pm.

Battle Creek: 269-224-6554
Okemos: 517-349-9777
Portage: 269-202-8767

You can also reach us through Klara, our secure messaging platform available via app, web browser, or text thread on your smartphone. If you have a textable phone number on file with us, you already have access — just text us at 517-514-4951 to get started.

You're always welcome to call us during business hours, or reach us through Klara, our secure messaging platform accessible via app, web browser, or text thread on your smartphone. If you have a textable phone number on file with us, you already have access — just text us at 517-514-4951 or send a message through the app any time and our team will follow up during office hours.

We treat all skin conditions — from common concerns like acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis to more complex diagnoses like skin cancer, autoimmune conditions, and everything in between. If it involves your skin, we can help. Visit our Skin Conditions page to browse what we treat.

If you have a skin-specific concern — a new or changing spot, a rash that won't go away, a condition affecting your skin, hair, or nails — a dermatologist is the right call. Your primary care provider is a great first stop for general health concerns, and they can refer you to us when needed. When in doubt, give us a call and we'll help point you in the right direction.

Don't wait — give us a call and schedule an appointment. Changes in size, shape, color, or texture, or a spot that bleeds or won't heal, should always be evaluated promptly. Early detection makes a significant difference in outcomes for skin cancer.

MOHS surgery is a specialized, highly precise technique for removing certain types of skin cancer — most commonly basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. The procedure removes cancerous tissue one layer at a time and examines each layer under a microscope until only cancer-free tissue remains. It has the highest cure rate of any skin cancer treatment and is particularly effective for cancers on the face, neck, hands, and other sensitive areas. Dr. Messenger is a board-certified MOHS surgeon and performs this procedure at MDI.

Yes — dermatology covers the skin, hair, and nails. If you're experiencing hair loss, scalp conditions, nail changes, or other concerns in those areas, we can help evaluate and treat them.

A medical dermatology visit focuses on diagnosing and treating skin conditions — things like acne, eczema, psoriasis, skin cancer screenings, biopsies, and MOHS surgery. These visits are typically covered by insurance. A cosmetic visit focuses on aesthetic treatments — Botox, fillers, laser services, chemical peels, and similar procedures. Cosmetic services are generally not covered by insurance and are due at the time of service. If you're unsure which type of visit you need, just give us a call and we'll help figure it out.

Yes — we see patients of all ages. Whether your child is dealing with eczema, warts, acne, or another skin concern, our team is experienced in caring for younger patients and will make sure they feel comfortable during their visit.

You can schedule with our PA-Cs online through our Klara scheduling link. If you'd like to schedule with Dr. Messenger, please call any of our locations or submit an appointment request form and our team will follow up with you. You can always call any of our offices during normal business hours as well. Battle Creek: 269-224-6554 · Okemos: 517-349-9777 · Portage: 269-202-8767.

It depends on your insurance plan and the type of visit. Some insurance plans — particularly HMO plans — require a referral from your primary care provider before seeing a specialist. If your plan requires one, we'll let you know when you schedule and we recommend contacting your insurance provider to confirm your benefits ahead of time.

For certain visit types, our office also requires a referral regardless of insurance — our team will advise you at the time of scheduling if this applies to your appointment.

If your plan uses a global authorization, this allows us to provide ongoing in-office diagnosis and treatment without needing a new referral for every visit. However, please be aware that a global authorization may not cover all services — your provider may still need to submit a separate prior authorization for certain procedures or surgical services.

If you have questions about whether your plan requires a referral, we always recommend calling your insurance provider directly to verify before your appointment. You can also visit our Insurance Information page for more help.

Please bring the following to your first visit:

· A valid photo ID
· Your current insurance card and prescription insurance card if applicable
· An updated list of your current medications and any known allergies
· Any referral paperwork from your primary care provider, if applicable

If you're transferring care from another dermatologist, please ask your previous provider to fax your records to our office before your appointment.

We know it's not the most exciting part of your visit, but it's really important — both to protect you and our practice. Keeping your health history, medications, allergies, and insurance information accurate and up to date helps your provider make the safest, most informed decisions about your care. It also ensures we're billing correctly and staying compliant with privacy and regulatory requirements. New patients will complete a full registration, and all patients are asked to review and update their information annually. We appreciate your patience — it really does make a difference.

Yes — all new patient forms are available on our Forms page. You're welcome to complete them ahead of time and bring them with you to your appointment. If you'd rather wait, our team will provide everything you need at check-in.

Please plan to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment to allow time to update your information. If you arrive more than 10 minutes late, we may need to reschedule your appointment to avoid delays for other patients.

Our front desk team will check you in, verify your insurance, and collect any applicable co-pays. Your provider will review your skin history, listen to your concerns, and perform a thorough exam. Depending on your visit, they may recommend a treatment plan, prescribe medication, or perform a procedure that day. We'll always walk you through the plan before anything happens.

We do offer telehealth visits on a case-by-case basis. Not every appointment type is suited for a virtual visit, but we are happy to make accommodations when appropriate. Give us a call and our team can help determine if a telehealth visit is an option for your specific situation.

Yes — you are always welcome to request a specific provider when scheduling. Please keep in mind that availability varies by location and appointment type, and wait times may differ depending on your preferred provider. Our team will do their best to accommodate your request.

Yes — we offer interpreter services through Language Line, a virtual interpreter service that supports a wide range of languages. Please let us know when scheduling if you will need language assistance and we will make arrangements ahead of your visit.

If we called you to schedule, we already have your referral on file from your provider — no need to bring that. Just bring a valid photo ID, your current insurance card, your prescription insurance card if you have one, and an updated list of your current medications and any known allergies. If you have any relevant records or prior treatment history, we welcome those as well and encourage your previous provider to fax them to our office ahead of your appointment.

We make the referral process as easy as possible. Visit our Referring Providers page for everything you need, including our referral form and fax information.

It depends on your reason for visiting. Some conditions can be addressed the same day, while others may require a follow-up appointment. Your provider will always explain the plan before proceeding — you'll never be surprised.

Forus (formerly known as Tandem) is a platform our Biologics Coordinator Katie uses to help get your biologic medications approved and accessible as quickly as possible. It works behind the scenes to support the prior authorization process and coordinate with specialty pharmacies on your behalf. You may see the name on paperwork or communications related to your biologic medication — it's a trusted part of how we manage that process for you. If you have questions, Katie is your go-to at 517-349-9777 ext. 2206.

Not all dermatology medications go through a specialty pharmacy or require prior authorization. Many common prescriptions — topical creams, oral medications, and other standard treatments — are sent directly to your regular pharmacy and are typically ready quickly. If you have questions about a specific medication or aren't sure what to expect, give us a call or reach out through Klara and we'll walk you through it.

Please keep in mind that we can only process refills if you have been seen in our office within the last year. If it has been longer than that, you will need to schedule an appointment before we are able to refill your medication.

If your medication is a biologic, there are several steps between your prescription and it arriving at your door — prior authorization, specialty pharmacy processing, and shipping. We plan for a 30-day window from start to finish. Our team will reach out once your prior authorization is approved and your prescription is headed to the specialty pharmacy. If it's been more than a few weeks and you haven't heard from us, give Katie a call at 517-349-9777 ext. 2206.

Important: If you are waiting on a biologic medication, please make sure to answer calls from unknown numbers. These may be your insurance company or specialty pharmacy calling to verify information or confirm delivery — missing these calls can cause delays in getting your medication.

Prior authorization is your insurance company's requirement that your provider document medical necessity before they'll cover certain medications. We handle this entirely on your behalf — you don't need to do anything unless we reach out for additional information. We plan for up to 30 days, though it can come through sooner depending on your insurance plan. Katie, our Biologics Coordinator, is the expert on all things prior auth. Reach her at 517-349-9777 ext. 2206.

A denial isn't the end. We pursue every option available — appeals, letters of medical necessity, peer-to-peer reviews — to fight for your coverage. If you receive a denial notice, contact us right away. Katie, our Biologics Coordinator, will take it from there. Reach her at 517-349-9777 ext. 2206.

Yes — we offer medication storage as a courtesy. Please note that MDI cannot be held responsible for any loss, damage, or issues with stored medications.

Specialty pharmacies handle medications that require special storage or handling — like biologic injections. They ship directly to your home, which is why the process looks different from a standard prescription. Katie knows all the details — reach her at 517-349-9777 ext. 2206.

We completely understand the question — it can feel repetitive, but verifying your insurance at every visit protects you. Insurance plans can change mid-year without patients always realizing it — employers update plans, coverage lapses, or plan details shift. If we bill the wrong insurance or an outdated plan, you could end up responsible for charges that should have been covered. Taking a quick look at your card each visit is the easiest way to make sure everything goes smoothly on the billing side. We appreciate your patience with this one!

We know it's not the most exciting part of your visit, but keeping your information current is really important — both to protect you and our practice. Your health history, medications, allergies, and insurance information can change from year to year, and having accurate records helps your provider make the safest, most informed decisions about your care. It also ensures we're billing correctly and staying compliant with privacy and regulatory requirements. We appreciate your patience — it really does make a difference.

We generally recommend annual skin exams for most patients. If you have a personal or family history of skin cancer, your provider may recommend more frequent checks — typically every 6 months — to stay on top of any changes. If you have a preferred schedule or specific concerns, we take that into account and work with you to find a cadence that makes sense for your skin health.

Contact us by phone during office hours or reach us through Klara, our secure messaging platform available via app, web browser, or text thread on your smartphone. If you have a textable phone number on file with us, you already have access — just text us at 517-514-4951. Please allow 24–48 hours for refill requests to be processed — try not to wait until your last dose to reach out.

Please keep in mind that we can only process refills if you have been seen in our office within the last year. If it has been longer than that, you will need to schedule an appointment before we are able to refill your medication.

Biopsy results are typically available within 2 weeks. You will receive a call from our office with your results regardless of the outcome. Results will also be uploaded to your patient portal within 72 hours of us receiving them — please note that results appearing in your portal does not necessarily mean your provider has reviewed them yet. We will always reach out to discuss next steps.

Your medical records are available through your patient portal. If you need records sent to another provider, just contact our office and let us know where to send them — we can fax records directly on your behalf. If you prefer a printed copy, we can arrange that as well. Please be aware that a fee may apply if a large volume of records needs to be printed.

We accept most major commercial insurance plans, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, and Medicare. Coverage varies by plan and visit type — being on our accepted list doesn't guarantee every service will be covered or that there's no cost to you. We recommend contacting your insurance provider before your appointment to confirm your benefits and whether a referral is required. Our team is also happy to help verify your coverage — just give us a call.

Cosmetic services are generally not covered by insurance and are due at the time of service. If you have questions about what's considered cosmetic vs. medical, our team can help clarify before your appointment.

Yes — if a biopsy is taken during your visit, the tissue is sent to an outside lab for evaluation. That lab fee is billed separately from your office visit charge.

We accept check and all major credit cards. Please make checks payable to Midwest Dermatology Institute. Please note that a 3% convenience fee may apply to card transactions.

Because every insurance plan has its own reimbursement rates, deductible rules, and co-insurance structure, it's not possible to give an accurate cost estimate until after your visit has been billed and your insurance has processed the claim. If you'd like to know what a specific procedure might cost, we can provide the procedure codes so you can call your insurance company directly — they can tell you your exact expected cost based on your specific plan. We're happy to help with any information we have.

Copay — A fixed amount your insurance requires you to pay at the time of your visit, collected at check-in.

Deductible — The amount you must pay out of pocket before your insurance begins to contribute. Until your deductible is met, you may be responsible for the full cost of covered services.

Co-Insurance — After your deductible is met, co-insurance is the percentage split between you and your insurance. For example, 80/20 means your insurance pays 80% and you pay 20%.

Out-of-Pocket Maximum — The most you'll pay in a given year. Once you hit this number, your insurance covers 100% of covered services for the rest of the year.

Visit our Understanding Your Insurance page for a full glossary of terms.

Insurance claim processing can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months depending on your plan. It is not unusual to receive a statement 2–4 months after your visit. If you were expecting a balance and haven't received anything, contact our billing department at 800-290-5282 and we can send you a statement. Please make sure your contact information and address are current with our office so statements reach you without delay.

We accept check and all major credit cards. Please make checks payable to Midwest Dermatology Institute. A 3% convenience fee may apply to card transactions. For billing questions, contact our billing department at 800-290-5282.

No problem — we see self-pay patients at all three locations. Payment is due at the time of service and a non-refundable deposit is required when scheduling. Deposit amounts are as follows:

· New Patient Office Visit: $180
· Established Patient Office Visit: $150
· Surgical Visit: $800
· MOHS Surgery: $1,000

These are estimated amounts — final charges are determined after your visit based on the services provided. Lab fees are billed separately.

Most likely yes. If a biopsy or specimen was taken during your visit, it is sent to an outside lab for analysis. That lab bills you separately from MDI and may or may not be in your insurance network. If you have questions about a lab bill, contact the lab directly using the information on your invoice. If you're unsure, give us a call and we can help clarify.

Contact our billing department at 800-290-5282 and they will be happy to provide you with a detailed receipt for your visit.

Yes — we accept FSA (Flexible Spending Account) and HSA (Health Savings Account) payments for applicable services.

We understand that unexpected medical costs can be stressful. If you have concerns about your balance, please contact our billing department at 800-290-5282 and we will do our best to work with you on a solution.

For billing questions, please contact our billing department at 800-290-5282.

We ask that you contact us at least 24 hours in advance if you need to cancel or reschedule. This allows us to offer that time to another patient who may be waiting.

To cancel or reschedule, you can:
· Call our office during business hours
· Reply to your appointment reminder text
· Leave a voicemail after hours

Late cancellations (less than 24 hours notice) may be subject to a fee — $50 for office visits and $100 for surgical visits. We understand that emergencies happen and handle those situations on a case-by-case basis.

We have a three-strike no-show policy.

· First no-show: You will receive a warning letter — no fee assessed.
· Second no-show: A fee is assessed — $50 for office visits, $100 for surgical visits.
· Third no-show: A fee is assessed — $50 for office visits, $100 for surgical visits — and your chart is reviewed by our leadership team.

If you need to dispute a no-show charge, please contact our office and we'll be happy to help.

Routine visits are typically available within 1–2 weeks. We always recommend reaching out to our office as early as possible to find a time that works for you.

For urgent concerns, we do everything we can to get you in same-day or next-day. For routine visits, availability is typically within 1–2 weeks. You can always call any of our offices during normal business hours and we will do our best to accommodate you as quickly as possible.

We offer a full range of cosmetic treatments including Botox, Juvéderm fillers (Voluma XC, Ultra XC, Volbella XC), laser hair removal, laser tattoo removal, RF microneedling (Pixel 8), PCA chemical peels, PCA facials, and EltaMD skincare products. Visit our Cosmetics page to learn more.

Yes — cosmetic appointments require payment at the time of booking. For filler appointments, a non-refundable $100 deposit is required to reserve your appointment and will be applied toward your treatment. For all other cosmetic services, payment is due in full at the time of service.

Prepayments are non-refundable but transferable. If you need to cancel, your prepayment remains on file as a credit toward any other MDI cosmetic service or product of equal or lesser value. Transfers must be requested before your scheduled appointment date. Patients who no-show without contacting the office will forfeit their prepayment in full.

Not sure where to start? Try our Cosmetic Treatment Finder to browse options by concern, or give us a call and our team can help point you in the right direction.

Yes! We regularly offer specials and promotions on cosmetic services. Visit our Cosmetic Specials page to see what's currently available.

Typically yes — cosmetic consultations are scheduled as a separate appointment so your provider has time to understand your goals and recommend the right treatment plan. In some cases, if scheduling allows, we may be able to accommodate same-day services following your consultation. Our team can advise you on this when you call to book.

Preparation varies depending on the treatment you're having done — your provider will give you specific instructions at your cosmetic consultation and we ask that you follow those closely. In general, for most cosmetic appointments: come with a clean face free of makeup, arrive well hydrated, make sure you've eaten beforehand, and wear something comfortable. If you have questions about prep for your specific treatment, give us a call and we'll walk you through it.

The best way to find out is to schedule a consultation with one of our cosmetic providers. You can always call any of our offices during normal business hours and our team will help point you in the right direction. You can also use our Cosmetic Treatment Finder to browse options by concern before your visit.

Cosmetic and medical visits are kept separate, but in some cases they can be scheduled on the same day depending on provider availability and schedules. Call any of our offices during normal business hours and our team can give you a more specific answer based on what you're looking to have done.

Post-procedure care instructions are available on our Medications & Post-Procedure Care page. If you have questions specific to your procedure, don't hesitate to call us.

If you are an established patient with a question or concern, reach out to us during business hours or leave a voicemail after hours and we will follow up with you. If you are a recent surgical patient, please refer to the phone number listed on your post-procedure handout for after-hours guidance. For true medical emergencies, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

3480 Capital Ave. SW, Battle Creek, MI 49015
Phone: 269-224-6554

Free surface parking is available on site. The building features handicap accessible entrances.

View our Battle Creek location page for a map and directions.

2133 University Park Dr., Suite 400, Okemos, MI 48864
Phone: 517-349-9777

Our building is located in a drive at the southeast corner of Jolly and Okemos Roads. Look for our purple flag to find us — it helps differentiate us from the other buildings in the area.

Free surface parking is available on site. The building features handicap accessible entrances.

View our Okemos location page for a map and directions.

We are currently located at 1428 W. Milham Ave., Portage, MI 49024. This is a temporary location — stay tuned for updates on our permanent home.

Phone: 269-202-8767

Free surface parking is available on site. The building features handicap accessible entrances.

View our Portage location page for a map and directions.