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Skin Conditions and Skin Biopsy

Rashes, itching, spots that change or skin that won’t heal are common reasons to see a doctor. Dr. Marina Gafanovich diagnoses and treats many skin problems in her Upper East Side office and performs skin biopsies when a closer look is needed.

Board-certified internist
Affiliated with NewYork-Presbyterian / Weill Cornell
On the Upper East Side since 2008
Blood work & ECG in the office

Skin problems we treat

Rashes, including allergic and contact dermatitis
Eczema and dry, itchy skin
Hives
Skin infections: cellulitis, infected cuts, boils, fungal infections
Acne
Warts
Insect bites, stings and minor burns
Shingles
Lice infestation — diagnosis and prescription treatment, with advice for the whole household

Skin biopsy

A skin biopsy is a quick procedure to remove a small piece of skin so a lab can examine it. It is used to check a mole or spot that looks unusual, or to diagnose a rash that doesn’t respond to treatment.

Done in the office under local anesthesia, usually in 15–20 minutes
Common methods: shave biopsy or punch biopsy
A small bandage and simple wound care at home; stitches, if used, are removed in about 1–2 weeks
Results in about 1–2 weeks; the doctor explains them and refers you to a dermatologist if needed

See a doctor about any mole that is new, changing, bleeding, itching, or looks different from your other moles.

Why patients choose Dr. Gafanovich

Board-certified internist

Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM), with more than 20 years in practice.

Hospital affiliation

Affiliated with NewYork-Presbyterian / Weill Cornell Medical Center.

A practice with history

Dr. Gafanovich has led this Upper East Side practice since 2008; the practice was founded in 1961.

Tests on site

ECG, spirometry, urinalysis and blood draw in the same office, often during the same visit.

Time to listen

Unhurried visits, and every result is explained.

Languages

English, Russian, Spanish

Insurance and payment

We accept many plans from Aetna, Cigna, Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield (Anthem), MultiPlan and Coresource. Self-pay patients are welcome. Call 212-249-6218 for self-pay pricing.

See our Insurance page for the full list of plans, or call 212-249-6218 and we’ll check your coverage.

Frequently asked questions

Does a skin biopsy hurt?

You’ll feel a small pinch from the numbing injection. After that, the procedure itself is painless.

Will a biopsy leave a scar?

Usually only a small mark that fades over time.

Do I need a dermatologist?

Many common skin conditions can be treated by your primary care doctor. We refer you to a dermatologist for complex conditions or when a biopsy shows something that needs specialist care.

Related services

Medically reviewed by Dr. Marina Gafanovich, MD, board-certified internist · Last reviewed: September 21, 2026

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Most major insurance plans accepted
English, Russian & Spanish spoken

My NYC Doctor — Dr. Marina Gafanovich, MD
1550 York Ave, Suite A
New York, NY 10028

Mon–Fri: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sat–Sun: closed

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1550 York Ave, Suite A, Upper East Side · Mon–Fri 9 am – 5 pm

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212-249-6218

We are committed to providing quality healthcare to families located in the New York area and treat patients of all ages. We dedicate time to acquire a comprehensive patient history in order to comprehend the nature of their needs, concerns, and apprehensions.