In Canada, dermatopathologists are pathologists with combinations of formal and informal focused training and whose scope of practice over an extended period has been wholly or mostly within the field of dermatopathology. Some dermatopathologists are also fully trained dermatologists. These physicians integrate the clinical information with microscopic observations of the biopsy from the patient to provide diagnostic information to the treating physician. Dermatopathology is a consultative service to the referring physician and not simply a laboratory test. The accurate microscopic interpretation of the biopsy is essential in the selection of appropriate therapies.