Are all Dermatologists like this?

[dustylavender]

I was referred to a dermatologist for a skin lesion, and I am really not happy with the care I am getting.  I have been told that dermatologists are notoriously hard to get into, and don't know if I'm just being too picky.  I have never seen a dermatologist before and wanted to know if my experience is typical or not.

I wait an hour or more after my scheduled appointment time to see the doc every time.  When she finally comes in, she seems to be in too much of a rush to really spend any time with me.  Her office staff spend a significant time going over my chart each time, but she has never even glanced at it.  This has resulted in her assuming each time that the lesion was originally a boil, when it was not.  The second time I saw her, she didn't even give me a chance to correct her, which left me feeling like the entire appointment was worthless.

When she recommends follow-up, her office staff seem to have a very difficult time scheduling me.  Each time, I have had to schedule 2-3 weeks later than she recommends because her schedule is supposedly too full.  But then when I have called with concerns, her staff has scheduled me for the next day.  I had a biopsy done this week, and was scheduled 5 weeks from now to get results.  I will say the one positive was that the biopsy itself was quick and painless.  

Her office has no answering service.  Meaning if there is a problem after hours or on the weekend, I have to leave a message and wait until the next business day for a response.  I had a reaction to a med she prescribed that started with vomiting on Saturday morning and progressed to my throat tightening up by Sunday night and didn't hear from staff until late Monday afternoon.  I called the pharmacy and my insurance Ask A Nurse Line, got conflicting advice, and basically spent all weekend wondering if I should keep taking the med, go to the ER, or what?

I have concerns about rashes other than the one I was referred for, but can't get a word in edgewise with the doc to ask about them.  Her office staff makes scheduling seem like such an issue, that I don't even want to ask for another appointment or additional time.  At my last appointment, I realized after sitting in a paper gown for an hour, that both of my forearms were covered in hives, but never had a chance to bring it up.  I would really like to get a skin cancer check because I have hundreds of moles, but I fear even asking her staff for another appointment.  

My last concern seems really picky to me, but her office really seems focused on cosmetic procedures, like botox, and every single person who works there looks like they get a lot of botox.  I feel like I have a serious health concern, and I am concerned that I am just getting pushed to the side for people who are able to pay more for cosmetic procedures.

When I look at all this, I see that I don't feel very confident in the doc.  I'm just not sure I would have a better experience with another dermatologist, or if this is just par for the course.  

[LIZZIE LOU]

i think you need to step up to the plate and make your needs known.  if she seems in a hurry - slow her down.  if you have questions - ask them.  you are paying for her service and you should get what you need out of the office visit.

when i go to my dermatologist...i always take a notepad with things that i need addressed.  maybe you can do the same.

[maatson]

Guess it is different over here. I have no appointments but see around 60 patients a day! No procedures and people walk in to my room by passing the reception. All my dad's old patients and many walk off with out paying. My question would have been- Are all patients like this? Anyway no regrets. Hopefully I am not the odd dermatologist out there.