california_dermatology_a

Making Research Participation Easier Than Ever

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 21:26:36 GMT

Making Research Participation Easier Than Ever

There was a time when I used to say that the two things you needed to participate in a clinical research study were a phone and a car . Being able to come into the office for assessments, dosing, and safety evaluations was essential - after all, no patient means no data.

But times have changed. While we still need participants to visit the office, getting here has never been easier. Services like Uber and Lyft have transformed personal transportation. Gone are the days of waiting endlessly for a taxi; now a ride can be at your door in minutes.

Research sponsors recognize how important accessibility is, and many now cover transportation costs for study visits . Better yet, you don’t have to worry about paying upfront and waiting for reimbursement. If you need a ride - both to the visit and back home - just let us know. We can schedule the ride for you, so all you need to do is step outside when the car arrives.

Make your appointment, hop in the ride when it shows up, and do the same when your visit is finished. As my kids like to say: easy peasy!

If you’re interested in participating in a study or want to learn more about how the CDCR Institute supports research volunteers, contact our team!

Follow on Program

Sun, 05 Mar 2023 15:52:45 GMT

You're not a guinea pig, you're one of us...

We don’t even like to use the phrase “guinea pig” when talking about clinical research– and for good reason. The relationship between doctors and patients is built on trust, whether during a routine visit or participation in a clinical research study.

While clinical research once faced criticism, especially around the time of World War II, times have changed. Today, rigorous codes, declarations, and regulations ensure your safety and protect your rights throughout every stage of a study.

We’ve gone a step further to ensure your well-being even after your participation ends. That’s why we created a no-cost aftercare program. This program ensures that no one who completes (or leaves) a research study is left without the resources they need.

Here’s how it works:

One Year of Free Follow-Up Care: For one year after your participation, we’ll provide examinations, diagnoses, and necessary prescriptions– no insurance required. While we don’t provide free medications, our team will write prescriptions you can fill through your preferred pharmacy.

Ongoing Support: Many of our patients return for a second or third study because of the positive experiences and outcomes they’ve had with us.

No matter what you decide– whether to participate in another study or not– you’re always part of our community. We’ll take care of you every step of the way.

You're getting paid

Fri, 03 Mar 2023 13:58:54 GMT

That's right, you get money from us, NOT the other way around

That’s Right, You Get Paid– Not the Other Way Around

As we mentioned before, participating in a research study means you’ll get paid for your time and effort. It’s our way of ensuring you’re “kept whole” by reimbursing any potential costs– like taking time off work, commuting, or other inconveniences.

The compensation varies depending on a few factors, including:

The time commitment required for your visits (ex: lab tests, ECGs, etc.).
Any special circumstances, such as travel expenses for participants coming from far distances.

The Fine Print: While we pay you for your participation, the IRS does consider this income. If you earn more than $600 in a year, you’ll receive a 1099 tax form to reflect this.

The Good News: We pay you on the spot! Each time you leave the clinic, you’ll receive a debit card loaded with your payment. These cards can be used like cash wherever debit cards are accepted, making it convenient and hassle-free.

All of our research studies are guided by an Institutional Review Board (IRB) -- an ethics committee responsible for ensuring your rights and safety as a research participant. One of their primary functions is to guarantee that compensation is reasonable and does not coerce participation.

So, while you might not get rich, you also won’t lose money by participating in a research study. Have questions? Feel free to call, text, or email us to learn more!

Transparency

Fri, 03 Mar 2023 13:58:14 GMT

Transparency: You Deserve to Know Every Detail

Transparency is more than just a buzzword you hear in politics or sports– it’s a commitment to ensuring you understand exactly what’s happening. At our research center, transparency means that no one ever participates in a study without going through the informed consent process.

This federally mandated process provides you with clear information about the study, including what it entails, its potential benefits and risks, and what we hope to learn. By signing the informed consent form, you confirm your understanding of the study details, and we ensure all your questions are answered beforehand.

When I first started in this field, informed consent forms were just a few pages long. Today, they’re often 20 pages or more, detailing not only the good but also the risks that may arise. These forms include information such as how much you’ll be compensated, how the research center is funded, and contact details for any questions or concerns– including the doctor’s personal phone number.

But transparency doesn’t stop there. At any time– during a visit, a phone call, or through email– you’re encouraged to ask questions. If new information arises about your treatment, we are required to share it with you. Additionally, you are entitled to copies of any records related to the study, such as lab tests, X-rays, or ECGs, for your personal reference.

We want you to feel confident in your participation. You always have the right to stop participating in the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your relationship with our clinic. Your decision will always be respected.

At the heart of everything we do is a promise: You will always know what’s happening. Transparency isn’t just a process– it’s how we show you that your trust matters.

Health Insurance doesn't matter

Sat, 25 Feb 2023 17:02:31 GMT

We don't want it

Health Insurance Doesn’t Matter in Clinical Research

In today’s healthcare landscape, obtaining and maintaining health insurance can be a challenge. Even with insurance, the cost of medical procedures, medications, copays, and deductibles can quickly add up. And navigating the system– calling doctors, insurance companies, and pharmacies– often feels overwhelming.

But here’s the good news: in clinical research, health insurance isn’t required.

We don’t ask for your insurance details, nor do we bill your insurance provider. Participating in a clinical study is completely independent or your insurance status. So, whether you have insurance or not, you’re welcome to take part.

How It Works:

Clinical research studies are fully funded by the companies developing new medications and treatments. These companies cover all costs associated with your participation, including medical visits and procedures. In fact, they even compensate you for your time and travel.

Participants receive payment after each appointment, so there’s no waiting or wondering when you’ll get paid. While you won’t get rich by joining a clinical study, you can make a meaningful contribution to medical science while receiving financial compensation for your involvement.

No Insurance? No Problem.

If you’ve hesitated to join a research study because of insurance concerns, rest assured it’s not a barrier. Clinical research offers a unique opportunity to access cutting-edge treatments at no cost, regardless of your insurance situation.

Take the first step– your health and your wallet will thank you.

Reproach

Sat, 18 Feb 2023 17:39:12 GMT

We will never tell you that your disease is YOUR fault

A Compassionate Approach to Your Care

One of the most common concerns patients share about their doctors visits is a feeling as though they’re being blamed for their illness or condition. At our clinical research institute, we take a different approach. We focus on understanding and improving health through research and innovation, not on assigning blame.

Illnesses often result from a complex combination of factors, including genetics, environment, heritage, body type, and even random chance. It does no good to tell patients their condition is their fault– instead, we prioritize finding ways to improve their health and quality of life.

That said, we encourage patients to take an active role in their treatment by following prescribed plans and attending appointments. However, our goal is to provide education and support in a way that uplifts and motivates, ensuring that you leave our office feeling empowered, not guilty or ashamed.

Safety

Thu, 16 Feb 2023 03:55:43 GMT

Safety First and Last

In clinical research, safety is ALWAYS the first priority. The fundamental purpose of research is to determine if a new product is safe THEN is it effective. Here's why you can be reassured of this. First, any product tested by us has already been through a number of prior studies and tests to ensure it is safe to try on patients. Second, numerous tests are done DURING the study to ensure YOUR safety - laboratory testing of blood and urine specimens, electrocardiograms, x-rays, physical examinations and any other specific tests that may be necessary for a given treatment. Most importantly, at each visit, you, the patient are asked about any signs or symptoms you may be having and we determine if they could be caused by the treatment. If we have any concerns that the treatment is bad for you or your health, we stop the treatment. Additionally, if you have any concerns about a treatment you can always stop and no reason needs to be given. We will not blame you or hold it against you. More about this next time.

Time - lots of it

Thu, 16 Feb 2023 00:43:55 GMT

There's no rush

One of the most common complaints patients share about visiting the doctor’s office is: “They didn’t spend enough time with me.” That’s not the case in clinical research. We take the time to collect thorough information, asking detailed questions, performing multiple assessments, conducting lab tests, and much more. Our goal is to deeply understand the impact of any new product on your health, and that requires us to listen carefully to you. With over 25 years of experience in clinical research, we pride ourselves on providing the time and attention patients deserve. In fact, we’ve never had a patient say we didn’t spend enough time with them.

Quality - Why Research May be Better for You

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 03:54:33 GMT

Quality - it's just better

Research studies are very carefully designed and regulated. Many, many steps in a patient visit are required that include careful evaluation of the pateint's disease as well as their general health. Nothing can be missed and each patient visit is reviewed by external personnel (while maintaining their privacy) for accuracy and completeness. This is well beyond what is done in day-to-day clinical medicine. Thus the quality of care you will receive in a clinical research study far exceeds what you may receive elsewhere.

Why should I consider a research study?

Wed, 08 Feb 2023 20:24:02 GMT

What are the benefits?

Over the next few entries, I will demonstrate the value of participating in a research study. I expect that you may be surprised by what you read and why being in a research study may be far better than getting medical care at your primary care clinic.