Main Content
Stephen E. Helms, MD

Stephen E. Helms, MD

Specialties: Dermatology, Contact Dermatology

Gender: Male

Biography: Dr. Helms earned his MD degree at The Ohio State University College of Medicine in Columbus, Ohio, and completed residency training in dermatology at the University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Board-certified in dermatology in 1978 and recertified in 2006 and 2016, While in private practice in Warren, Ohio, for over 30 years he taught medical students and dermatology residents part-time at the Northeast Ohio Medical University and Case Western Reserve University College of Medicine. He now serves as a Professor of Dermatology at the University of Mississippi Medical Center where his special interests are in Contact Dermatitis/Occupational Dermatology and Patient Safety/Prevention of Errors in Medicine. A fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, he is also an active member of multiple professional organizations. He has performed more than 330 invited lectures at professional meetings across the U.S. Dr. Helms has authored or coauthored 42 journal articles and coauthored 23 chapters in medical textbooks. He has edited one textbook. In addition, he serves as a journal reviewer for multiple journals and has participated in a number of clinical research studies.

My Approach to Healthcare

With more than 40 years of experience in dermatology, I bring this experience with compassion in treating skin conditions while also ensuring patients feel comfortable and engaged in their own health. I always strive to include the patient in decisions regarding their condition while ensuring I deliver high-quality, evidence-based care. My particular specialty in Dermatology is skin allergies, which I feel always involves investigation with keen attention to detail.

Practice Locations

1 Grants Ferry - UMMC
1010 Lakeland Place, Flowood, MS 39232
View Location
2 UMMC Colony Park North
124 UMMC Way, Ridgeland, MS 39157
View Location

Accepted Insurance Plans

The University of Mississippi Medical Center accepts all plans, but may not be an in-network provider with your plan. We encourage you to contact your insurer and ask if the plan is in network with UMMC. Always contact your insurance carrier for specific coverage information.

Network Participation - 2026

MississippiCAN and CHIP [Managed Care programs promulgated by the Mississippi Division of Medicaid]

  • Molina Healthcare of Mississippi, Inc.
  • Magnolia Health (Centene)
  • TrueCare

Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace [Individual plans offered on healthcare.gov]

  • Ambetter from Magnolia Health (Centene)
  • Molina Healthcare of Mississippi, Inc.
  • UHC Marketplace (Madison only)

Medicare Advantage

  • Devoted Health Plans: PPO, HMO, DSNP, CSNP
  • HealthSpring Plans: PPO, HMO, DSNP
  • Humana: PPO, HMO, DSNP, CSNP, ISNP
  • United Healthcare Plans: PPO, HMO, DSNP, CSNP, ISNP
  • WellCare (Centene) Plans: PPO, HMO, DSNP

Commercial - Group and Individual

  • Aetna Plans: PPO, HMO [Includes all facilities except UMMC Madison]
  • BCBSMS Plans: BlueCardPPO, State Health Plan (AHS), Federal Employee Plan (FEP)
  • Cigna Plans: PPO, HMO
  • United Healthcare Plans: PPO, HMO (Includes plans administered by UMR, UnitedHealth Group's wholly owned third-party administrator (TPA) subsidiary)

Transplant Only Networks

  • Optum Plan: Commercial • Programs: Solid Organ, BMT, VAD
  • Emerging Therapy Solutions (ETS) Plan: Commercial • Programs: Solid Organ, BMT, CAR-T, VAD
  • Interlink Plan: Commercial • Programs: Solid Organ, BMT, CAR-T
  • Celtic Plans: Ambetter, WellCare, Magnolia Health MississippiCAN, Magnolia Health CHIP • Programs: Solid Organ, BMT
  • Cigna Lifesource Plan: Commercial • Programs: Solid Organ, BMT, CAR-T, VAD

Dental

  • Avesis Plan: MississippiCAN and CHIP (TrueCare)
  • Always Care/Unum Plan: Commercial

Vision

  • Avesis Plan: MississippiCAN and CHIP (TrueCare)
  • Always Care/Unum Plan: Commercial

Rental Networks (Utilized by self-funded employer group plans and third-party administrators (TPAs))

  • Mississippi Physicians Care Network (MPCN) [If MPCN is present on a Member/Subscriber ID, all UMMC facilities and providers are in-network regardless of TPA.]
  • First Choice Health Plan
  • Claritev (formerly Multiplan)
  • Zelis

Government Programs

  • Humana Military Plan: Tricare
  • United Healthcare Plan: Veterans Affairs Community Care Networks

Plans and Payors UMMC is not in-network with as of April 1, 2026

  • Oscar Health Plan: ACA Marketplace [Final negotiations taking place now. Anticipate in-network participation, effective June 1, 2026.]
  • Cigna (Connect EPO) Plan: ACA Marketplace
  • American Health Advantage Plan: Medicare Advantage
  • Patrius Health (BCBSMS) Plan: Medicare Advantage
  • Aetna Plan: Medicare Advantage

Education

Board Certification: Dermatology
Internship:St. Elizabeth Health Center
Medical Education:The Ohio State University
Residency:UPMC Medical Education
Residency:Cleveland Clinic Foundation