Looking for freelance or contract work as a dermatologist in Michigan? Whether you want to supplement your income or transition to independent practice, Michigan offers several high-paying options. Here's how the top opportunities compare.
Dermatologists serve as expert witnesses by reviewing cases, providing deposition testimony, or trial opinions on standard of care in skin-related malpractice suits. Medical-legal consulting includes advising attorneys on dermatology-specific issues like wound care or cancer misdiagnosis. Work focuses on analysis rather than patient care.
Malpractice Insurance: No
Michigan notes: Detroit legal market moderate; Wayne County med-mal cases; Grand Rapids growing; Trial testimony $475-600/hr; Deposition $400-525/hr; File review $350-425/hr
Typical start timeline: 1-4 weeks
Dermatologists consult for pharma companies, device makers, or health systems on product development, guidelines, or market strategies for skincare treatments. Advisory board roles involve periodic meetings to provide input on clinical trials or policy. Compensation is often per diem plus travel.
Malpractice Insurance: No
Michigan notes: Moderate pharma presence; U of M/Henry Ford faculty as KOLs; Some auto-industry occupational derm consulting; Pharma advisory boards $325-475/hr; Expert networks $250-400/hr
Typical start timeline: 4-12 weeks
Healthcare AI companies hire dermatologist professionals to review, annotate, and validate training data for medical AI systems. Work involves dermatology image classification and lesion annotation — tasks like skin lesion classification, dermoscopy annotation, melanoma detection.
Malpractice Insurance: No
Michigan notes: Fully remote — available regardless of state. Pay based on specialty expertise, not location.
Typical start timeline: 1-2 weeks
Getting started: Join the expert community and make a free profile on Folio to browse current dermatologist AI training projects.
Locum tenens or per diem work involves a dermatologist temporarily filling in for permanent staff at clinics or hospitals in Michigan, providing patient consultations, skin exams, biopsies, and treatments. This freelance role helps cover staffing shortages, vacations, or peak demand periods. Assignments are short-term, ranging from days to months.
Malpractice Insurance: Typically provided by employer
Michigan notes: Detroit metro at baseline; Rural Upper Peninsula/Northern MI +25-35%; Ann Arbor academic market slightly lower; Grand Rapids moderate; Mohs Surgery $270-410/hr; General Derm $175-250/hr; Cosmetic Derm $220-310/hr
Typical start timeline: 4-8 weeks
Involves reviewing patient charts for insurance companies or quality assurance to assess dermatology treatment necessity, coding accuracy, and adherence to guidelines. Dermatologists evaluate claims for procedures like Mohs surgery or biologics. Work ensures appropriate resource use and compliance.
Malpractice Insurance: No
Michigan notes: Remote work; no geographic variation; MI workers comp cases common due to manufacturing sector; Prior auth/UM reviews $100-175/hr; Complex case review $175-275/hr; Workers comp (auto industry) $125-225/hr
Typical start timeline: 2-6 weeks
Telemedicine for dermatologists entails remote consultations via video or secure platforms for diagnosing skin conditions, prescribing topicals, and follow-ups using patient-submitted photos. Michigan requires clinical benefit and patient consent for these services. It expands access without in-person visits for non-procedural cases.
Malpractice Insurance: Yes ($2,000-$5,000/year)
Michigan notes: Rural Northern MI/Upper Peninsula strong teledermatology demand; Detroit metro moderate; U of M Health teledermatology network; Asynchronous store-forward $70-110/encounter; Live video consults $130-195/hr; After-hours +25-30%
Typical start timeline: 2-6 weeks
Q: What are the highest-paying freelance options for dermatologists in Michigan?
A: Based on current market data, the top 3 are: Expert Witness / Medical-Legal Consulting ($350-$600/hr), Healthcare Consulting / Advisory Boards ($250-$475/hr), AI Training & Annotation ($150-$375/hr).
Q: Which freelance options for dermatologists don't require malpractice insurance?
A: 4 options don't require malpractice insurance: Expert Witness / Medical-Legal Consulting ($350-$600/hr), Healthcare Consulting / Advisory Boards ($250-$475/hr), AI Training & Annotation ($150-$375/hr), Chart Review / Utilization Review ($100-$275/hr). This can save $15-$40K annually compared to options requiring coverage.
Q: Can dermatologists work remotely in Michigan?
A: Yes, 5 options are fully or partially remote: Expert Witness / Medical-Legal Consulting ($350-$600/hr), Healthcare Consulting / Advisory Boards ($250-$475/hr), AI Training & Annotation ($150-$375/hr), Chart Review / Utilization Review ($100-$275/hr), Telemedicine / Telehealth ($110-$195/hr).
Q: What Michigan license do dermatologists need for freelance work?
A: An active Michigan license from Michigan Bureau of Professional Licensing is required for most clinical freelance options.
Q: How quickly can dermatologists start freelance work?
A: Timeline varies by option: Expert Witness / Medical-Legal Consulting typically takes 1-4 weeks, while Healthcare Consulting / Advisory Boards typically takes 4-12 weeks, while AI Training & Annotation typically takes 1-2 weeks.
Q: What's the pay range for dermatologists doing AI training work?
A: AI training pays $150-$375/hour for dermatologists, varying by experience level and project complexity. No malpractice insurance required.
Folio connects Michigan dermatologists with frontier research labs and healthcare AI companies looking for clinical expertise. The platform vets AI companies for project quality, handles contracting and payment, and matches projects to your area of expertise.
Typical timeline:
- Application: 3 minutes
- Credential review: 2-3 business days
- Platform orientation: 1 hour
- First project: 3-7 days from application
Current project focus (February 2026): Skin lesion classification, dermoscopy annotation, melanoma detection
Most dermatologists start with 5-10 hours weekly, then scale based on preference. No minimum commitment.
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Questions? Email experts@folioworks.com
