I feel there should be a balanced review here. I visited the Dermatology Associates two times in May. The first time I went in for a general consultation and got to see Dr. Jenkin and an aesthetician.
They were polite and professional but I got the feeling that the Dr. had to finish my consultation in 5 minutes. When he left he said the aesthetician would answer my questions. The latter tried to be helpful but she couldn't answer all my questions. When I checked out, they said I did not owe anything because it was a free consultation, and I left with a prescription of acne treatment.
At the drug store, I was told that the prescription would cost more than $200. I called DA back and asked for a cheaper generic substitute. They asked me to use the ""promotion card"" they distributed to me at the office. I went back to the drug store with the card, and indeed did not have to pay any copay -- although I wasn't sure how much my insurance company was charged for that small tube of acne medication.
The second time I went back was for a facial with Nancy. She was super knowledgeable about skin care and did a GREAT job on rejuvenating the skin on my face. I got a half-price discount for getting the ""hydrabrasion"" facial for the first time (paid $75 for the $150 facial). I was very happy with that visit.
However, a couple of weeks later, I was sent a bill of $20 for the first visit. I called back and asked about this. The staff said it was a mistake at first, but eventually called back and told me that I was billed because I saw the doctor. The truth is I never asked to see the doctor specifically - and I was told more than once that the consult was free. (In fact, I still have a flyer from them that says ""Cosmestic Consult"" - 15 minute consult: Free""). Now I don't think it's unreasonable to pay $20 for a doctor consultation (that is, after my insurance had paid over $100 for it), but I would have appreciated knowing about the possible fees and payment difference between aesthetician and the doctor.
All in all, I feel like the Associates were more concerned about billing the insurance company than helping their patience. My skin was improved with the facial though not the consultation.
Pros: Great facial service, staff are polite and professional
Cons: Unclear fees, expensive medication, not informative
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