Dr. Venkat fixed my skin!!!! I was struggling with acne and blemishes. Dr. Venkat took the time to check it out, recommend what he thought would work, and repaired my skin!!! He restored my confidence!!! I feel beautiful! The service was great. The front desk workers were sweet and helpful. Loved this place! I get so many compliments on how my skin looks !!! THANK YOU DR VENKAT!!! I highly recommend this place!!! I left some before and after pictures!! My skin was bad and now I am breakout free!!! read more

Just finished my appointment and pleased with the experience. Front staff and medical assistant was welcoming and Dr. Regina Brown is absolutely wonderful. She was addressing my concerns with compassion, very informative and quick. read more

My skin cancer surgeon trained in Moh's surgery and my mother's dermatologist who is also trained in pathology are both excellent. We've been going to Oceanside and this office for easily 15 years or more. Sometimes, the front desk in Oceanside is not always as friendly as we would like, but San Marcos always is. The doctor's assistants are always kind. I also happen to like the ability to text their special number with questions. The only issue I have really had is wait time, but I understand why when my doctor gives me extra time at my appointment which I appreciate and I'm sure other people like the same service. read more

This place is truly a waste of time. It took me 2 months to get scheduled for my daughter. The request was simple, we had an Eczema regiment that we have used in a past (the Dr. Aron regiment). Her condition improved in the time from when we requested the appointment to the actual appointment date, we waited an extra 40 minutes to see the doctor and Dr. Arun Venkat put his ego and comfort over what's best for his patients.....Instead of listening, doing some of his own research and trusting that parents will only do what's best for their child, he prescribed inferior substitutes (that benefits nobody in this situation but himself) without taking any more time to do some research to better understand the situation. Seems like a place after profit over patients to me. If one could ask for a refund from a doctor, this would the situation. read more

This place is terrible and customer service sucks. We've been calling for two straight weeks and every call they say they will get back to us and they never do. We've been waiting for a referral for dermatology medication that we have been on that has been working. We've run out and we asked for samples at least to get us bye and they keep giving us the run around. One day, these people are gonna need something and I hope they get the same treatment they e given us. Good thing it's not life threatening things that we need, otherwise we would've been dead already. read more

There is a reason this place gets three stars. There was a wonderful receptionist who helped me last year. I think she is gone now. She was overly kind, it was almost like she was trying to make up for the fact that you were in for a bad experience. When the doctor sees you, there is another employee who goes in with you. As I was having my worst fears confirmed about why I was losing my hair, this person was just staring at me from behind a clipboard. I was really uncomfortable. I had questions about getting rid of my acne scars and a male dermatologist entered the room. He said he had done this procedure on a child and he was trained to do it with the least amount of pain accompanying it. He seemed very cold; there was no way I would have let him touch me. Meanwhile, this woman is still in the room, staring at me. I paid $80 for thirty minutes of this. And I didn't find either doctor I saw forthcoming with information. I found out more about this procedure on a YouTube video by board certified dermatologist, Dr. Dray, than I did this man. I HIGHLY suggest you look her up. She's a lifesaver. She will give you this information for free, something that I feel these doctors should be informing you about, especially if you are spending money to see them. He didn't bother to mention the recovery time required with this procedure (chemical peel), only how it is virtually painless. Please work on your bedside manner. I am stuck going here because of my subpar insurance. I went back again ( my mistake) and they couldn't tell me if my hair loss had worsened; because the person taking the pictures didn't take ones that were clear enough. That's great! On top of that the woman making the appointment was extremely rude ANOTHER $ 80 wasted. I work hard for my money! read more

The Medical Assistants answering the phone need to work on their attitude.... I missed my appointment due to a medical emergency and couldn't call to cancel. I called the next morning apologizing and asking to reschedule and the lady on the phone was very rude. She told me she didn't have an appointment and there's nothing she can do and kept asking me why I wanted to reschedule if I missed my appointment anyways. I'm seeing Dr Venkat but he's awesome. Best dermatologist I've had in years !!! read more

I've come here twice now and both times they were courteous, quick to get me seen and left feeling like all my questions and concerns have been answered and taken care of. read more

I had a horrible experience at the Nordahl office. Horrible customer service at the front desk, to begin with. I ended up switching to a different dermatologist and come to find out DS missed SEVERAL spots that needed attention. I would highly recommend you find a different office. read more

How very disappointing. It can take months to get an appointment with a dermatologist. I've been dealing with a somewhat chronic dermatitis problem for years. I finally found the time to make an appointment and try to get a handle on it. My appointment was with one of their specialists who I will not name. It's not that I found her incapable. It's more that when a patient comes to a specialist with a problem, and pays the kind of fees you pay for a specialist, and waits the wait you wait to get into a specialist, you expect to feel like you're problem is being heard and addressed. What happened here instead was an appointment that lasted all of 2 min, in which I was talked at and not to, did not feel like my my concerns were heard, where I had to interrupt to ask simple questions and was summarily dismissed for having done so. I am truly not impressed. I've never left a bad review in my life. I will not be going back. The Dr I saw was young. I'm certain she is accomplished and capable. But for the love of all she needs to work on her bedside manner. It matters people. It matters. read more

I waited a long time for this appointment. They had no clue I have a medical background and I can't tell you how horrible the experience was. The front office was fine but the exam was over before I could say anything. The PA didn't care about me, rushed the exam saw something to biopsy and said come back in a year. There was no bedside manner and not even an establishment of a "hi nice to meet you". I've waited a month and no biopsy results. Even if their standard is not to call on normal results it would have been nice to have know that (I still don't know the results). They certainly wanted their copayment. I just feel this is a failure of a very basic concept in medicine. The woman PA was so aloof, and obviously didn't care. I'd be scared if this was my practice. I'm not surprised to see a 3 star yelp with this company! Sure they do business by the volume since they don't just seem to care.... read more

Dermatology Specialists on Nordahl Rd in San Marcos, CA is amazing....specifically Dr Kim. She is SO kind and listens to all my concerns. I have never had a doctor like her. Even when I could see she was busy, she stopped and listened to me with her full attention, then explained things calmly. Really thankful beyond words for such a caring doctor who is great at her job. Thank you all! read more

I called to become a new patient and the specialist on the phone was extremely rude. I called to find some kind of answer and she definitely was not understanding or helped me in any kind of way. I am really upset on how the phone call went. As far as the information I did have it present and she brushed me off and hung up before I could say anything else. read more

I am a Daughter of a skin cancer patient who has tried multiple times to obtain results of biopsy and not being called back. My Mother and I are on using my mobile phone. They have not provided the results in the timeframe they said it would be ready. Over 4 days calling their number and it is very difficult to have their office answer and when they do they transfer me to a number with no ability to leave a message. We are concerned of what the results are timelines in receiving needed treatment. read more

First class service. After fleeing the evil clutches of Escondido Dermatology Inc, I found medical treatment at Dermatology Specialists. They do both medical and cosmetic treatments here, but my main reason was medical. Everything was quick and efficient. While I was with the practitioner I mentioned a cosmetic issue that I was curious about. To my surprise it was affordable and could be done on the spot ( billed separately from my medical appointment). I will come back to this office if I have anymore medical or cosmetic issues.. - Competent billing - Polite staff. - New technology and techniques. - Clean office read more

Put off seeing the Dermatologist for a long time and finally made the appointment. It was very easy to schedule and what really helped was the early hours so I could get in before I went to work. I was scheduled to see Dr. Bradshaw. I actually showed up about 30 minutes before my appointment because I new there would be paperwork to fill out. The front office staff greeted me and were very friendly. Within minutes of finishing the paperwork I was taken back even though my appointment wasn't for another 15 minutes. After only a minute or two of being put in an exam room, Dr. Bradshaw came in. He got to the point of the problem right away and treated me right there in the room. I probably wasn't in the room more than 10 minutes but that was PERFECT for me! I'm also a healthcare professional and I appreciate the friendly staff, nice waiting room, and prompt service by the doctor. I would highly recommend this office to anyone and ask for Dr. Bradshaw. Very friendly and personable. I would absolutely go back and have already referred them to a few friends. read more

Dr. Venkat at Dermatology Specialists is amazing. I was having a skin issue, which was worsening by the minute. I went to my primary care doctor twice, but wasn't sure he knew exactly what the issue was. I called my prior dermatologist, and they said they could get me in 3 weeks later....WTH?! I am your patient, my forehead is swollen and getting worse by the minute and that is all you can do for me? A friend referred Dr. Venkat, and they were able to get me in the next day. He is kind, thorough, and knew exactly what the problem was. Prescribed medication, told me what to expect, etc. The manner about him is just so comforting, you don't doubt for one second that he knows exactly what he is talking about. He is now my dermatologist, already been back for preventive and sent the hubby who liked him also. Office staff is nice and efficient. No waiting in the lobby way past your appointment time either. Highly recommend! read more

I am a current melanoma (skin cancer) stage 3 patient at Ccare with possible side effects from my treatment. Ccare made me an appointment at this office to get it checked out the next day. Upon arrival, I announced I had a referred appointment through Ccare (so instantly they should realize I have cancer). I was told I had no appointment and the front desk lady just said that I need to sort that out with Ccare. What kind of customer service is this? They clearly made the mistake. Why don't you reach out? Why don't you try to help me? No problem solving or people skills at all. She just sent me walking thinking her troubles were over. She even said "Oh well they must have called the central reservations line", when I know full well Ccare called them directly. I walked out super upset (I have had multiple surgeries plus treatment in the past three weeks) and arrived back at Ccare crying. They investigated and assured me that my appointment was indeed made. Eventually they had a staff member go back to the dermatology office with me to make sure I would be taken care of. Even then, I heard that front desk lady say to the staff member "Well she may have to wait until noon." when I normally should have been seen at 10am. As if she was trying to still get revenge on me for coming back. I eventually saw doctor Venkat about an hour after my supposed appointment. He was friendly and explained what he wanted to do about my situation. He took care of it in a fast and professional manner. He also apologized for the appointment issues. So treatment-wise I have nothing but praise. Unfortunately, for someone in my current situation, this has been an incredibly needlessly stressful encounter. The lack of empathy and problem-solving skills from the front desk lady are, in my opinion, reason for finding a more suitable staff member. She should not be the face of your business. She never once apologized to me or to Ccare. read more

I didn't appreciate the way they weren't helpful regarding my acne. The dermatologist didn't want to help me find a solution. And plus when I tried to make a follow up appointment the representative had a bad attitude. I don't recommend this place. read more

Thank you to Dermatology Specialists for recruiting exceptional talent, promoting excellent outcomes and extraordinary results. Arun P. Venkat, MD, MBA, is simply the BEST in Dermatology in greater San Diego County. Dr. Venkat has done more in less time than all other specialists I have seen combined. Specifically, approximately a month ago, during a follow-up appointment, Dr. Venkat questioned a spot on my skin, which I did not find of concern. Dr. Venkat removed the spot, sending out for biopsy. The results indicated melanoma. Promptly, Dr. Venkat had me return for surgical removal of the surrounding area. I cannot speak highly enough of Dr. Venkat's expertise, insight, exceptional "bedside manner", surgical skill and kindness. Dr. Venkat is the BEST! Bonus: the Dermatology Specialists Team to a person is GREAT, from initial greeting, scheduling, follow-up, text appointment reminders, all very impressive. read more

Whoever answers the phone is horrible. The first time I tried calling I was hung up on. Second time the woman was incredibly rude. She said they never received my referral, cut me off, and tried to hang up on me again. Barely let me get a word out. read more

Dr. Venkat saw me as a new patient, was very thorough, explained everything well and did an office procedure quickly, but efficiently. I have no complaints about the office staff, as I found them to be okay. He prescribed a medication for my care following the office surgery and I healed quickly and continue to do well. I am now referring my husband to him. read more

This should be your absolute last resort when looking for a good dermatologist. First the receptionist is so rude! I tried giving her the benefit of the doubt but she is terrible at her job. She is so unwelcoming and just plain rude. Also the doctors aren't helpful either. I saw two derms here. One for a skin cancer check and he barely did his job when scanning for any sign of skin cancer. I had to schedule a second appointment just to point out spots I was concerned about and he didn't mention. He tired doing a biopsy of a mole on my leg and didn't get enough cells to test so I had to come back again another day and they tried charging me another $75 fee! I told them it should be free as it's not my fault he didn't do his job the right way. The second time was for my acne concern and he literally prescribed a $75 cream of tret and benzoyl and ending up burning my skin. My curology works better than this place. Also, they hardly ever answer the phone and when they do you are welcomed with the most rude receptionist I have ever called especially at a business as this. read more

The doctors my family has seen at other Dermatology Specialists locations have been fine. We've never been to the San Marcos location, and now will never go because of the unhelpful nature of the woman who answers the phone there. My 19 year old daughter called to make an appointment. The receptionist asked her what her insurance was, but didn't bother to ask if it was a PPO or HMO. She automatically told my daughter that she needed to get a referral from her PCP. We have a PPO, so we don't need referrals for specialists, but my daughter, being young, just said OK and hung up. I called back, told the receptionist that we had a PPO, and tried to schedule an appointment. The receptionist could not find record of my daughter being on our insurance in whatever system their office uses to confirm insurance coverage. Clearly there was some sort of mistake--either a problem with the insurance's system or with how the receptionist was inputting the information--because we have never had an issue with my daughter's coverage anywhere else, at any time. Ever. And mind you, my daughter is an existing patient of theirs. They had all of our insurance information in the system already. But this receptionist was completely disinterested in sorting the matter out. Her solution was for me to call my insurance and ask if my daughter has a different subscriber number than the one I was giving her. Lady, I'm reading the number to you off of my daughter's insurance card. It's the same subscriber number she's had for eons. Give me a break. I'm a stage IV cancer patient, and have no patience for ineptitude. I deal with too many doctor's offices to care to mess around with poor customer service. I called up Scripps instead, and easily and painlessly made an appointment with their dermatology department. read more

Dr. Angra told me the facts and was direct. He wasn't rude about it and had a really polite demeanor. What two other md looked over, he explained to me. Would recommend. read more

I wasn't required to have a refer until Oct 22 because of my HMO. I went ahead to call as a new patient today because I'm very concerned about my persistent skin issues. The Receptionists at the office were rude and hurrying in my opinion. They didn't listened even after I had explained them. They told me to contact them again after I get a refer. They even hung up on me. I had noticed in other comments that agreed the same. That was in San Marcos one. I advise you to improve the communication in the workplace culture. read more

I was referred by my Primary to consider PDT treatment for my face and scalp. When I called to schedule an appt, the receptionist was very curt and very reluctant to answer any questions. Giving this organization the benefit of the doubt, I made an appt with Dr. Angra. During my first visit, I was told that I was not a good candidate for PDT treatment on my scalp, even after pointing out numerous waxy and scaly spots that were flaking off from time to time. One particular spot had already been frozen twice by my Primary and now Dr. Angra wanted to take a biopsy, which came back precancerous. Being my first visit, he didn't ask about my sun exposure history. I have numerous moles on my body, which some he could see on my scalp, forehead and upper chest, but didn't insist I strip down so he could do a thorough check. I feel like Dr. Angra was just an order taker. He didn't care whether I lived or died, just pay me and get out. He should not be called a health care professional. Clearly, he does not care about my health. Case in point. My second visit I told him we need to be on the same page and you need to be more aggressive with my care. Now he looks at my scalp again and says, you need PDT treatment. Wow, first appt, I wasn't a good candidate. Now he say's to strip down, and proceeds to examine my entire body. He says we need to remove 6 moles. He removes 3 moles, which took no more than 5 minutes and says he does not have time to remove the last 3 and I would need to reschedule. His assistant looked at him a bit cross eyed, like why not? At the receptionist desk rescheduling, I asked, will I have to pay another $40 copay? She says yes. Come to find out, he doesn't get paid to remove more than 3 moles in a single visit. I called and spoke with the receptionist, telling her that I shouldn't have to pay another $40 copay. It's not my problem that the agreement you made with the insurance company doesn't pay you for removing more than 3 moles, and not to mention, Dr. Angra lied about not having time. She argued with me, and then forwarded me to a manager. The manager said, well he has to get paid! I said, so, it's not about caring for your patients, it's about profits! I said, he will get paid for removing the 3 additional moles from the insurance company and I will still have my share to pay, but I'm not paying you a copay. She simply did not care and said she would talk to Dr. Angra about the $40 copay. I have not heard back...that was 14 days ago. Apparently, $40 is worth more than a human being. Stay away from Dermatology Specialists San Marcos. read more

Horrible care. I'm not sure who I saw, possibly the NP. She never introduced herself and she gave me recommendations on a scrap of paper. Before she have me a shot, she said "You're going to hate me". She was supposed to do a full body check but barely looked at me. Horrible experience. read more

I have been to other dermatologists prior to my visit with Dr. Venkat. I found Dr. Venkat to be most professional and clear in his information. His treatment was very thorough and painless. I would highly recommend him and his office for any procedures you may need. The office is very clean and the staff are friendly and efficient. 5 STARS! read more

I've been meaning to find a dermatologist closer to home and I finally found one (first try) Thanks to James' review I decided to give this place a try. It's less than 15 minutes from my house, the building is easy to find, the parking is easy and the office is on the 3rd floor room 315 I believe. You take a right out of the elevator and then a left and it's right there! I did the typical paper work, which only took me 3 minutes (I had a stop watch one me). The lady in the front desk was very nice and friendly. She answered all my questions. After I turned in my paper work, I was in the doctors office in 2 mintues (stop watch still in effect). I was called up by Angela, she walked me to the room and started to ask me questions about my habits, lifestyle, and acne issues, before the doctor comes in. Angela is so sweet and understanding. She made the process actually enjoyable, she didn't sound like a robot reading what she need to read. She explained why she had to ask and how it is important to your health. She was like a mother, nice, positive attitude, always smiling, and made me feel comfortable right away. After answering a few basic questions Dr. Venkat came in. Right off the bat he was very friendly and welcoming. He got straight to business. He knows what he is talking about and the thing I appreciated the most was, he was able to drop all the doctor vocabulary that went in one ear and out the other, but right after he would explain it to me in non doctor vocab haha. He explained to me what each medication will do and how it will help. He gave me some tips to help prevent my breakouts and what not to do. He was very educational and very professional. He is one of the nicest doctors I have ever had and I've met many doctors in my life. It's funny because James recommended Dr. Bradshaw, but he isn't in the office on Tuesdays and that's my only day off. The lady I spoke to on the phone recommended Dr. Venkat and I'm glad she did. The process was very quick. He dropped his knowledge and gave me my medication and I'll be seeing him in two months. Everyone in this office was so nice and professional. I'm glad I took James advice. Thanks Jamse! I highly recommend this place! Just say no to pimples!! read more

Wonderful physicians, medical assistants and staff. Escondido gem for dermatology. My husband and I highly recommend!

Again this has happened. Same place. I got insurance approval, set up an appointment with them to look at a mole only to have them call me the day before the appointment and tell me they no longer contract with my primary doctor's office-organization. I swear it almost seems like I'm being blackballed by them, or something. Coincidence? Maybe. Why then do they keep getting approval, set up a appointment time, only to call me the day before the appointment and tell me I'm outta luck? Very strange. read more

I've seen Dr.. Bradshaw a couple of times over the last couple of years and both times he was not only nice but very knowledgeable and resolved the issues I went there with. He has my highest recommendation. read more

Trying to schedule is a nightmare with the receptionists! Someone actually hung up on me! Terrible service!

Their communication and follow up are poor. Waited over 6 weeks and had to call for a report on my biopsy. I was given conflicting information after a biopsy was taken and waited several days for a nurse to call me back about an infected area. read more

The medical center where they moved looked so fancy! I saw Malia, PA. She was just like the first time I met her a couple years back. She was quick but explained everything to me. Definitely recommending this place. read more

My first appointment with Dr. Vemkat was back in April, and it was due to 'allergic contact dermatitis.' I arrived early but had to wait over half an hour on top of being about 10 minutes early. During this visit, Dr. Vemkat was very apologetic and responsive to my questions so I felt at ease scheduling an allergy patch test for the following month. On the 2nd and 3rd days of the patch test, I had to pay 2 separate copays since I saw 2 separate doctors, but I was aware I'd have to pay and as much as it was for 1 copay, I paid. When I came in for my results on day 3, Dr. Vemkat was very short and trying to rush me out of the office, & he said all the answers to my questions were on the handouts. I'm sorry but I paid to be seen and not just to read a handout. Because of this rudeness, I opted not to schedule a follow-up. A couple of months later a billing company contacted me stating I had an unpaid bill. I called DSI (Nordahl) and was assured I was all paid up and had no reason to worry about any additional payments. Today, I opened up a bill for $200+ for the allergy patch test. Not once was I told that the allergy patch test would be a payment beyond my $105 copay. I'm very disappointed and upset about this practice and would not recommend them. read more

Have been going here on and off for the last couple of years but will go no longer. I always saw the PA but am charged as if I saw the doctor, who I never met. Just got a bill for $175 for a skin check. Had to wait 30 minutes (I was on time, they were not), did a 5 minute skin check, and billed me $175. I have insurance so brought the total to $107, still pretty pricey for a 5 minute appointment. Also, had a couple of spots biopsied last year at the same time and both spots needed to be removed. Of course, they only told me about one of them, which I had removed (with a large scar remaining). Received a letter a couple of weeks later, saying the other spot needed to be removed. Another office visit and another large bill. Could have taken care of both at once and saved me a couple of hundred in office visits. I recommend you find somewhere else to go unless you'd like to go broke. read more

Dr. Arun Venkat is a personable, caring doctor who takes his time with compassion and knows exactly what he is doing. When I went in with what turned out to be about 3 inches of squamous cell cancer on the side of my face, well what a mess I expected that to be. Two weeks later there is almost no swelling left and I defy anyone to find the actual incision line. This guy is GREAT!!! read more