Complaint Review: DTLA Derm

Beware.  First, let me be upfront and say I didn't have any treatment.  The office looked bright and clean.  They may do a decent job.  But I wanted to log this review for certain types of people who may be doing research.  

I booked a consultation online and it was smooth as silk.  I was in their office the next day.  I was looked over for a few minutes and given some options.  It sounded expensive, and I was considering it, until I found out I was charged just for walking in the door.

I wasn't sure what would be involved or if they even did the work I was looking for.  There was no mention of any "office visit charge" on the website or through the booking system (which is through a 3rd party).  I was annoyed that they wanted $50 for an inital consulation where I basically got handed a couple brochures.  

I was later called by a Office Manager named Josh Osborne who tried to sell me the idea that their initial consultation is usually $174, but I was getting a special price at $50.  They ended up charging me a co-pay and billing my insurance.  Who knows how much they will bill, but I'm guessing it will be way higher than $174.  I got the call immediately, which was nice, but I was basically told that only if I had called on the phone would I have been told there would be a charge.  Between the "we're giving you a special price already" and the fact that they are fine that anyone coming from an online channel would be mislead, I was even more skeptical.

So here's my impression.  It sounded like the doctor worked almost like agents.  I didn't get the sense that I could see anyone there but rather that I my consultation request linked me to a doctor (or maybe not really a doctor) and I was at the mercy of how much that person get out of me.  Their whole nickle-and-diming and high priced services made me feel like they were a little like scam artists trying to get the most money out of their "customers" that they can.  That's just the feeling I got after a single visit -- and I got a cursory sense of things at best, so my review is only a surface review.

I didn't trust these guys and told them so.  They stuck to their guns and charged me their fee.  I understand that a doctor visit -- even an inital one -- generally carries a fee for service.  I don't believe an initial conversation that amounts to little more than getting a couple brochures should count.  If I called an attorney to see if they could take my case and ask their billing rate, I would not expect to be billed.  If I see an online system that offers a "Dermatology Consultation" with no mention of a billing charge for an initial consultation, I would not expect to be charged.

For people who don't care about price and want the experience of a nice office in a nice part of town, and value the experience (no matter how superficial), I would overlook my comments.  For people who like to research professionals and look for professionals that exude integrity, I would pay attention to some of my comments.

The staff are unprofessional and gossipy. While waiting for my appointment I overheard them talk smack about some of the patients. WATCH IT!

Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.
Jeremiah 33:3