North Idaho Dermatology triples in size

The largest dermatology practice in northern Idaho is building a three-story structure nearly three times the size of its existing office on an adjacent lot in Coeur d’Alene.

North Idaho Dermatology started construction on the $6 million, 27,400-square foot building that will replace its 11,000-square-foot office, which it has used since the practice opened in 1999.

Since opening, North Idaho Dermatology has opened other offices in Sandpoint, Moscow and Liberty Lake, Wash., to become the largest Idaho dermatology practice north of Boise and similar in size to the largest dermatology practices in nearby Spokane, Washington, said Grant Ely, chief operating officer at North Idaho Dermatology.

The skin care provider has treated 80,000 individual patients with some patients coming from Spokane, Montana and Canada, Ely said.

“We’re running out of room,” said Ely, saying it generally takes about a month and a half to see a doctor. “We want to fulfill a goal of getting a patient to see a doctor the same week or the next day. We don’t want people to have to wait to see a dermatologist.”

North Idaho Dermatology has three dermatologists and five nurse practitioners and physician assistants in Coeur d’Alene and intends to add three, four or five more doctors in the next three years, Ely said.

The new building will have lobby and exam rooms on the first floor. Surgery will fill half of the second floor, with cosmetic treatments in the other half, and administrative offices and break room will be located on the third floor.

Construction started in October with completion expected Sept. 30 or earlier. Bernardo|Wills Architects of Spokane is the architect. Ginno Construction of Coeur d’Alene is the general contractor.