The Dermatopathology Service at Columbia University Medical Center provides gross examination and microscopic interpretation of skin biopsies. Under the direction of Dr. David N. Silvers, the laboratory processes over 150,000 specimens annually for CUMC and various dermatology and plastic surgery private practices in the tri-state area. The Columbia Dermatopathology Service is comprised of five highly experienced board certified dermatopathologists who provide referring physicians with clinical-pathologic correlation and patient management.

Services Provided

• Verbal report available within 24 hours of receipt of biopsy
• FAX copy of report available within 48 hours of receipt of biopsy
• Paperless reporting to your office
• Courier service provides specimen pick up and report delivery at no additional cost
  

Submitting Specimens

Submit one specimen per vial unless it is multiple parts of the same lesion or multiple biopsies of a generalized eruption. One requisition form is required for the submission of multiple specimens from the same patient.  However, it is very important that each specimen vial is labeled with the patient’s name, specimen letter (A, B, C etc.) and anatomic site.  Please secure, preferably in a plastic zip lock bag, the requisition form and vials together. This ensures items stay together during transit.  Please include a copy of your patient's insurance card (front and back).

On occasion we need to employ immunoperoxidase techniques to diagnose tumors which are not readily diagnosable with conventional stains. These studies are performed for us by the Department of Surgical Pathology at Columbia. We also refer tissue for PCR studies to detect clonal T or B cell gene rearrangements to the    Department of Surgical Pathology at Columbia and HPV DNA typing to Genzyme. The major portion or all of the charge is generally covered by most insurances.

Medical Education

In addition to providing primary and consultative services to dermatologists and plastic surgeons, Dr. Silvers and his associates are also responsible for teaching the residents of the Dermatology and Pathology Departments of NewYork Presbyterian and St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospitals. Dr. Silvers holds formal didactic sessions and supervises resident rotations.