I have a dermatologist in Texas that I see regularly, but as I was going to be in Hawaii for an extended amount of time, I looked and found the only dermatologist that was taking new patients. It was very difficult to actually make the appointment, because no one ever answered the phone when I tried calling. I finally went to the office to make the appointment, but the office staff told me that they were not his staff and that they could not set up an appointment for him. I left a message and the doctor actually called me back after office hours several days later.
Happy that I finally was able to get an appointment, I was optimistically looking forward to the appointment. I was totally wrong. I was escorted to an exam room and while in the room, I could hear the doctor asking about what kind of insurance I had with the staff. I would have thought they might have called beforehand to see what my coverage was, but no. If they had, they would have known that I have a high-option plan that covers a lot more than most regular insurance plans.
I told the doctor that I was having some issues with acne breakouts since I had been on the island and that I also had keratosis pillaris. I told him what my regular dermatologist had prescribed in the past and that I could get my records if he needed them. In addition, due to my age, I asked for a skin cancer screening and asked to have a skin tag removed. He told me that I didn't appear to have any type of skin issues and that I should apply Vaseline to any acne spots. What?!?! Vaseline!!! He then told me that my insurance wouldn't cover a cancer screening and also that my insurance wouldn't cover the skin tag removal, at which point I said, That's fine, I'll pay the cost myself. He wanted to know why I "thought" I might need the screening and I told him that my husband was concerned about skin cancer, because he had some issues himself.
In summary, the doctor refused to prescribe any medication for my conditions even after I told him that I had a prior diagnosis, he told me to use Vaseline for any blemishes, he told me I would have to come back for another appointment for the skin tag removal (which takes mere seconds to perform), refused to do a skin cancer screening (if they had checked my insurance, I am allowed a screening once a year) and told me that maybe for my next appointment that I should bring my husband with me so that he could talk to the doctor on my behalf. Can we say misogynistic?! I was stunned!!! I can't believe the audacity of this doctor!!! Very unprofessional and insulting!!! read more